An umami spin on a classic side dish
This crowd-pleasing Miso Brussels Sprout Salad doubles as a vitamin-rich side dish, or a filling, standalone meal.
Crisp brussels sprouts meet the savory depth of miso, creating a satisfying salad that’s as healthy as it is tasty. This salad strikes the perfect balance between health-conscious dining and culinary indulgence, making it a versatile choice for your table.
Brussels Sprout Based Salads
Shaved Brussels sprouts make an excellent salad base for several reasons. They are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. Additionally, their hearty texture absorbs dressing, enhancing flavor. What sets them apart from other salad greens is their longevity – unlike some leafy greens, shaved sprouts hold up exceptionally well, even with dressing. This makes them ideal for meal prep and leftovers, maintaining their crispness and taste, ensuring your salad is delicious, even on the second day. So, not only do they deliver nutrients, but they also extend the life and flavor of your salad.
Miso Brussels Sprout Salad Ingredients
Six pantry staples, fresh brussels sprouts, and a handful of torn mint are all you need to create this Miso Brussels Sprouts Salad.
Brussels Sprouts – I love the satisfying crunch of a shaved brussels sprout salad, and I think the heartiness of the brussels compliments the creamy miso dressing. But, if brussels sprouts aren’t your thing or you have a different green you need to use up in your fridge, go for it!
Mint Leaves – totally optional but adds a refreshing bite to your salad.
Miso – As the name suggests, this Japanese seasoning is the main flavor of this dish. white miso paste is mild and slightly sweet with a umami flavor.
Dijon Mustard – This tangy emulsifier helps bring the dressing together while countering the sweetness of the miso and brown sugar.
Brown Sugar – Can substitute with honey or omit.
Rice Vinegar – Every salad dressing needs an acid to add brightness and round out the creamy flavors of the oil and emulsifiers. Be sure to use unseasoned rice vinegar.
Avocado Oil and Egg Yolk – Avocado oil adds creaminess and mild flavor, while egg yolk emulsifies, creating a smooth, cohesive texture in salad dressing.
Buying whole versus pre-shaved brussels sprouts
When it comes to Brussels sprout salads, you’ve got two options: shaving them yourself in a food processor or grabbing a bag of pre-shaved sprouts at the store. Let’s compare the two in terms of freshness and time.
Freshness: Shaving your own Brussels sprouts ensures maximum freshness. You control when they’re prepped, preserving their vibrant flavor and texture. Pre-shaved may still be fresh but may have been sitting longer and are prone to browning.
Time: Pre-shaved Brussels sprouts are a time-saver. They’re ready to use straight from the bag, making meal prep a breeze. Shaving them yourself takes a bit more time but allows for a customized experience.
Miso Dressing
This Miso Dressing combines the rich, earthy notes of white miso paste with the tangy kick of Dijon mustard, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and the brightness of rice vinegar. Avocado oil and an egg yolk round out this flavorful, dressing and adding an element of richness.
What to serve these miso brussels sprouts with
Miso Caramel Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Miso Brussels Sprout Salad
Equipment
- Food Processor Optional
Ingredients
- 10 Oz Brussels Sprouts
- 1 ½ Tbsp White Miso Paste
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 3 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 Egg Yolk
- ¼ Cup Avocado Oil Sub any neutral oil
- 2 Tbsp Mint Leaves Torn
Instructions
- Trim stems off of brussels sprouts and add to a food processor. Add mint leaves. Pulse until finely chopped.Alternatively, use store bought shaved Brussels sprouts or hand chop.
- Whisk miso, dijon mustard, brown sugar, rice vinegar, egg yolk, and avocado oil to a bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Toss miso dressing with shaved brussels sprouts.
Leave a Reply