My Husband’s Obsession with Green Vegetables (and My Solution)
My husband loves his green veggies. I mean, really loves them. Whether it’s morning oatmeal or a holiday feast, he needs his daily dose. So, having something green on the table is non-negotiable.
For special occasions, I usually rely on steamed green beans with a flavorful vinaigrette or a massaged kale salad. But last Christmas, I stumbled upon a new favorite: Lemony Brussels Sprout Slaw.
A Recipe Born on a Whim (and Repeatedly Devoured)
This recipe was pure improvisation. I wanted something raw, crunchy, and lemony to balance the richness of my slow-cooker balsamic short ribs and potatoes. Remembering a delicious Brussels sprout slaw from the EatingWell Test Kitchen, I knew it was the perfect answer.
The Beauty of Simplicity (and Shortcuts)
The best part? This salad is incredibly easy. The food processor does most of the work:
- Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts using the slicing blade. (Pre-shredded Brussels are also an option!)
- Toss them with nuts, dried fruit, and herbs (pecans and cranberries are my go-to).
- Swap blades and make the dressing: lemon slices (seeds removed!), honey, Dijon, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper whizzed together. Don’t have a food processor? No worries! Blend, chop finely, or whisk it all together.
- Pour the dressing over the Brussels sprouts and toss.
That’s it! You have a vibrant, flavorful salad ready to impress.
Make-Ahead Magic (and Customization Tips)
This salad shines as a make-ahead option. Keep the slaw and dressing separate until serving for optimal texture. But if you’re like me, letting it marinate softens the Brussels sprouts and adds extra flavor. Just adjust the dressing with more lemon juice, salt, and olive oil before serving.
Customization is key! Swap the lemon for another citrus, experiment with different fruits and nuts (sunflower seeds or pepitas are fantastic!), or sprinkle on crumbled blue cheese for a decadent touch.
No matter how you make it, one thing’s for sure: this Lemony Brussels Sprout Slaw will be the star of your holiday table.
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