Meet your new go-to side dish: Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw. This colorful, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy slaw is the perfect mashup of classic comfort and modern freshness. It turns humble Brussels sprouts into a cool, crisp salad that pairs equally well with weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. Whether you’re looking for a lighter swap for traditional coleslaw or just want to get more greens on your table, this slaw is a craveable way to love your veggies and wow your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw so special. From the fresh crunch of the veggies to the tangy-creamy dressing, here’s what you’ll need and why each addition matters:
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound, trimmed and shredded): The star of the show! Shredded Brussels sprouts stay crisp and soak up the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Shredded carrots (1/2 cup): Adds a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances out the earthy sprouts.
- Thinly sliced red onion (1/4 cup): Brings a delicate bite and just the right amount of sharpness to every forkful.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): The base for luscious creaminess that pulls all the ingredients together.
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Rounds out the dressing with a tangy, slightly rich flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives the slaw its refreshing brightness and a gentle zing.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity—classic mustard flavor with a gourmet twist.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): A touch of sweetness smooths out the acidity and brings the flavors into harmony.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, so don’t skip the final taste test before serving.
- Chopped toasted almonds (1/4 cup, optional): Tossed in at the end for extra crunch and a nutty finish (highly recommended if you love texture!).
How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by prepping the Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onion. If you want to save time and effort, use a food processor or mandoline to shred your Brussels sprouts thinly. The fine shreds help the slaw soak up more dressing and deliver the ideal texture. Then, toss the shredded Brussels sprouts into a big mixing bowl with the carrots and red onion, giving them a quick fluff to combine everything.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Taste it at this stage—if you like a tangier bite, feel free to add a splash more vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra layer of brightness.
Step 3: Toss it All Together
Pour the creamy dressing over the veggie mixture. Using tongs or clean hands (the best tools in the kitchen), toss everything thoroughly until the Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onions are well coated with that luscious dressing. You want every shred gleaming and glossy.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Mingle
For the best flavor and texture, let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This short rest lets the Brussels sprouts soften just enough and helps all the flavors come together for a truly irresistible Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw.
Step 5: Add Crunch and Serve
If you’re using toasted almonds, scatter them over the top just before serving. This keeps the nuts crunchy and adds a toasty, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy, refreshing slaw. Serve it chilled or at room temperature—either way, it’s a star.
How to Serve Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw
Garnishes
For an eye-catching and flavor-boosting garnish, sprinkle additional toasted almonds, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or even some crumbled feta cheese over your Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw just before serving. These simple touches give your slaw extra crunch, a pop of color, and even a hint of tangy depth.
Side Dishes
This versatile slaw holds its own next to all kinds of main courses. It’s especially good with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or burgers. For a holiday twist, serve it as a bright, cool counterpoint to rich roasts or creamy casseroles. Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw is also wonderful tucked onto sandwiches for a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw into a stunning starter by stacking it in lettuce cups or layering it in small mason jars for fun, portable sides at picnics. You can also pile it high on crostini, or top sliders with a mound for a punch of freshness and texture. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your slaw tasting its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors continue to develop overnight, making Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw an excellent candidate for meal prep or gatherings.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this slaw, as the fresh vegetables tend to lose their crispness and the creamy dressing can separate. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy your Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary—just give it a stir and serve straight from the fridge. If any liquid separates out while it’s stored, simply drain it off and toss the slaw again to refresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead gives the flavors even more time to mingle and the veggies to soften just right. Just wait to add the toasted almonds until you’re ready to serve for peak crunchiness.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you’d like a lighter or egg-free option, try using Greek yogurt in place of mayo. It delivers creaminess and tang with fewer calories, and blends beautifully with the sour cream and vinegar.
How do I shred Brussels sprouts easily?
A food processor with a shredding disc is the quickest, most mess-free method. You can also use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife—just slice the sprouts as thinly as possible for the best texture.
Is Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard labels if you need to be absolutely certain.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Diced apples, dried cranberries, or even crispy bacon bits would all be delicious additions to this slaw. Feel free to get creative and personalize it to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw is the kind of crowd-pleaser that earns a permanent spot on your menu. It’s fresh, colorful, packed with flavor, and so easy to throw together. I hope you’ll give it a try and find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw is a delicious and healthy side dish perfect for any occasion. Shredded Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onion are coated in a creamy dressing and topped with toasted almonds for added crunch.
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onion. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is well coated. Let the slaw sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Top with toasted almonds just before serving if using. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- To save time, use a food processor or mandoline to shred the Brussels sprouts.
- This slaw pairs well with grilled meats or as a hearty side for holiday meals.
- For a tangier version, add more vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
