Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Caesar Dressing and Crispy Croutons Recipe
Introduction
This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines crisp, finely shaved Brussels sprouts with a creamy homemade Caesar dressing and salty Parmigiano Reggiano. Topped with crunchy homemade croutons, it makes a satisfying appetizer or side for any meal.

Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (finely shaved)
- ½ cup homemade Caesar dressing
- ⅓ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (shaved)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- ⅔ cup artisan bread (whole wheat boule, sourdough, focaccia, ciabatta, or a baguette) (ripped into small ¼” pieces)
- Olive oil (for toss)
- Kosher salt (for croutons)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Spread the torn bread pieces on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss to coat evenly. Bake for about 7 minutes or until the croutons are crispy and golden brown. Set aside.
- Step 2: Place the finely shaved Brussels sprouts in a large serving bowl. Pour the homemade Caesar dressing over the sprouts and toss thoroughly to coat them well.
- Step 3: Add the shaved Parmigiano Reggiano to the bowl and toss again to distribute the cheese evenly.
- Step 4: If serving immediately, add the homemade croutons to the salad and toss one final time to combine all the ingredients.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to finely shave Brussels sprouts for the best texture and even dressing coverage.
- Try adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute the Caesar dressing with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Use stale bread for croutons to get better texture and less moisture.
Storage
Store the dressed salad (without croutons) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add fresh croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy. If the salad wilts slightly, toss again to refresh its texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded Brussels sprouts?
Yes, pre-shredded Brussels sprouts work well and save time, but shredding fresh Brussels sprouts gives a fresher flavor and better texture.
How do I make homemade Caesar dressing?
Homemade Caesar dressing typically includes ingredients like garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, egg yolk, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese blended together. There are many recipes available that you can customize to your taste.
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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Caesar Dressing and Crispy Croutons Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a crisp and refreshing dish featuring finely shaved Brussels sprouts tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing, topped with shaved Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and crunchy homemade croutons made from artisan bread. It’s a perfect, light salad that combines fresh, nutty, and savory flavors with delightful textures.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (finely shaved)
- ½ cup homemade Caesar dressing
- ⅓ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (shaved)
- Sea salt (to taste)
Croutons
- ⅔ cup artisan bread (whole wheat boule, sourdough, focaccia, ciabatta, or a baguette), ripped into small ¼” pieces
- Olive oil (amount sufficient to toss bread pieces)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Croutons: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Place the torn bread pieces on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss to coat the bread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes or until the croutons are crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside until ready to serve.
- Shave Brussels Sprouts: Remove the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts and trim the stem ends. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, finely shave the sprouts into thin strips. Place the shaved Brussels sprouts into a large serving bowl.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the homemade Caesar dressing over the shaved Brussels sprouts. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the sprouts are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Cheese: Add the shaved Parmigiano Reggiano cheese to the dressed Brussels sprouts. Toss again gently to incorporate the cheese throughout the salad.
- Combine and Serve: If you are serving the salad immediately, add the prepared croutons to the bowl and toss one final time to mix everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with sea salt as desired. Serve promptly to enjoy the croutons’ crispiness.
Notes
- Shaving Brussels sprouts thinly helps mellow their bitter flavor and improves texture in the salad.
- Use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor with a slicing blade for fine shaving.
- Homemade Caesar dressing adds a fresh and flavorful touch, but store-bought dressing can be used as a substitute.
- Make croutons fresh to keep them crispy; they will lose crunch if left in the salad too long before serving.
- Optionally, you can add lemon juice or zest to brighten the salad further.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Brussels sprouts salad, shaved Brussels sprouts, Caesar dressing salad, homemade croutons, vegetarian salad, healthy salad