This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is a sturdy green salad that holds up well to any entree and sides. Side dishes are all in the neutral beige category for color. You’ve got turkey, and then gravy, potatoes, stuffing, and probably a few others. This salad is the best for Thanksgiving because it’s colorful, crunchy, and easy to make!
What makes this shaved Brussels sprouts salad the best for Thanksgiving?
Aside from the bright, appetizing colors and the fresh crunch, flavor, and texture this salad brings to the table, it’s easy to make! You can assemble it ahead of time.
What’s in this colorful salad?
- Brussels Sprouts (I buy a couple of bags of shaved Brussels sprouts but if you enjoy shaving your own, just be careful with that mandoline)
- Pancetta
- Parmesan cheese (use pecorino Romano if you prefer a stronger flavored cheese)
- Pomegranate seeds
- Pinenuts
What’s in the dressing/vinaigrette?
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fig jam
- Shallots (or red onions)
- Fresh thyme
- Orange zest
- Red pepper flakes to taste
This colorful salad would be the perfect dish to take if you are asked to bring a salad
Bring a large salad bowl and salad servers. You don’t want your host to have to look for one) and fill it with unopened bags of shredded Brussels sprouts. Prepare the pancetta, and store it in a small container or small bowl. Then have the cheese and pinenuts in small containers or jars as well. Make the dressing and store it in a jar that you can shake and dress the salad just as needed. This can all be done in a small kitchen area or somewhere out of the hosts’ way!
You might wonder, is this colorful salad for your Thanksgiving dinner healthy?
I found this article about pomegranate arils and this one about the benefits of eating Brussels sprouts. They are packed full of vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. So yes, it’s all pretty healthy! Save any leftovers in the fridge.
The Best Colorful Salad for Your Thanksgiving Dinner
This colorful, crunchy salad is perfect for adding to your Thanksgiving menu! And you can make it ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces shredded Brussels sprouts (I use about 1 1/2 bags from Trader Joe’s that are 10 ounces each)
- 2 ounces pancetta (I used the package kind and used about 1/2 of the package)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (broken into good size pieces)
- 1/4 cup pinenuts
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- One shallot (slice it very thinly)
- Zest of one orange
- One teaspoon of fresh thyme chopped
- One tablespoon of fig jam
- Salt and pepper
- Crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pancetta until crisp and remove to a plate with a paper towel.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts or use those prepared in a bag to save time. Pour into a bowl.
- Add the pomegranate arils, parmesan cheese, and pinenuts. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make the dressing:
- Add the olive oil to a saute pan and cook the thinly sliced shallots, stirring to ensure they don’t burn. Remove from the heat, pour into a jar, and allow to cool slightly before adding the apple cider vinegar, fig jam, orange zest, thyme, salt, pepper, and a little crushed red pepper. Whisk and add to the salad or leave it at room temperature for a few hours while preparing the meal.
- When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing at room temperature or heat a little if preferred.
Notes
This salad is great as a meal or as a Thanksgiving side. I love that I can buy everything at Trader Joe’s, and it comes together so easily, but it’s so delicious! A crunchy, colorful salad to go with all that Thanksgiving food we love so much!
6 More Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Table
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- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts (7 Minutes) | Happy Happy Nester
- Easy Pumpkin Shaped No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread Recipe | Inspiration for Moms
- Colorful Brussels Sprouts Salad | Most Lovely Things
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- Parmesan Herb Roasted Potatoes | Twelve on Main
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So funny – I have a brussels salad always on my Thanksgiving menu! I love the cool crunch contrasting with all the warm, carby sides that are on the table. I think I’ll try yours this year – it looks delicious! xo
Did you see Sunday Suppers’ recent post…she had some salad in radicchio cups! It looked so beautiful! I am doing this same salad but trying that for thanksgiving! Anything for some color!
Annie – this looks so tasty! I love anything with brussel sprouts!!!
Oh my goodness, this recipe looks so scrumptious. I love anything with Brussel sprouts!
That shaved brussel sprout salad is unreal! I never know what kind of salad to make for Thanksgiving, this is such a great option! I had a Friendsgiving for my work on Sunday and thank goodness I found your recipe in time because it was so perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Hello! I am so happy you found this recipe too! It really is so good and pretty!
Happy Thanksgiving!