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A delightful, autumn-inspired salad blending shredded Brussels sprouts with crunchy pumpkin seeds, creamy cheese, and dried cranberries—tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette. Lightweight yet satisfying, this side is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or elevating regular weeknight dinners.
What Makes This Salad Crowd-Pleasing
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Autumn-ready textures: Shredded sprouts deliver crispness, pumpkin seeds add crunch, and cheese brings creamy softness.
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Flavor harmony: Balances earthy, tangy, nutty, and bright citrus notes.
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Easy to prep: Quick assembly with minimal cooking—great for busy days or festive tables.
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Nutrient-dense goodness: Loaded with fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and plant-based nutrients.
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Adaptable and inclusive: Works as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. Easily scaled up for meals or entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salad Base
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4 cups Brussels sprouts, finely shredded or thinly sliced
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¼ to ½ cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
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¼ to ½ cup dried cranberries (or currants)
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¼ to ½ cup shaved Parmesan or plant-based alternative for vegetarian/vegan option
Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
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3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons lemon juice (about half a lemon)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
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1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, slight sweetness)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make It
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Finely shred or thinly slice the Brussels sprouts using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor. Place in a large bowl.
Toast the Pumpkin Seeds
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pumpkin seeds until fragrant and lightly golden (3–4 minutes), stirring frequently. Watch closely to avoid burning. Transfer to a plate to cool.
Whisk the Dressing
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and optional sweetener in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until fully emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Salad
To the bowl of shredded sprouts, add toasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, and cheese. Pour the dressing over, tossing gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve or Chill
Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crunch and freshness. If prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.
Tips for a Perfect Salad
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Shake up textures: Combine silky cheese with crisp nuts and tender greens for layered mouthfeel.
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Prevent sogginess: Dress just before serving to keep greens crisp.
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Slicing tips: Slice Brussels sprouts thinly or use a food processor’s slicing blade for speed and uniformity.
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Flavor boosts: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra zing.
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Make it gluten-free: Ensure mustard is gluten-free certified and skip cheese if dairy isn’t suitable.
Serving Ideas
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Holiday side dish: Pair with roasted turkey, mashed root veggies, or stuffing.
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Vegetarian main: Serve with crusty bread or grain-based sides (quinoa or farro).
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Lunch prep: Combine with roasted chickpeas or tofu and store components separately to maintain texture.
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Potluck wow factor: Offer it as a vibrant, colorful option among heavy casseroles and mains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes! Toast seeds and shred sprouts a day ahead. Keep dressing in a jar and combine everything just before serving.
Can I make it nut-free?
Definitely. Swap pumpkin seeds with sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas.
Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes—just use plant-based cheese or omit it entirely and rely on lemon and seeds for texture and flavor.
How do I avoid the sprouts tasting too raw?
Massage the sprouts with a touch of dressing before adding other ingredients—it softens them and mellows bitterness.
Can I grill the sprouts first?
Yes! Lightly charring the sprouts adds a smoky note—cool before shredding and tossing.
Quick Nutritional Highlights (per serving estimate)
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Packed with fiber and vitamins (Sprouts and seeds)
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Healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and seeds
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Calcium and protein from cheese (or nut/seed alternative)
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Low in added sugars; sweetness comes from cranberries or optional honey/maple
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Seed & Brussels Sprouts Salad brings fall to your plate with a beautiful mix of textures, flavors, and visual appeal. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, prepping seasonal lunches, or cooking dinner, this salad adds freshness, flavor, and festivity with ease.
