Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I tossed together the vibrant ingredients for my Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement of autumn in the air. This salad is a beautiful medley of crunchy Brussels sprouts, juicy red pears, and crispy pumpkin seeds, all rounded out by the tangy richness of Manchego cheese. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it’s also a fantastic option for those busy weekdays when you still crave something wholesome and delicious. Imagine enjoying a refreshing bowl that harmonizes lightness with satisfying textures; it’s the perfect antidote to heavy fast food. Whether you’re gearing up for a cozy family dinner or looking for meal prep success, this delightful salad promises to deliver flavor and flair. So, are you ready to embrace fall on your plate with this delightful dish? Why Is This Salad So Irresistible? Crunchy Freshness: With shaved Brussels sprouts as the star, this salad provides a delightful crunch that awakens your taste buds. Juicy Sweetness: The red pears lend a natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the earthy flavors of the sprouts and adding a pop of color. Creamy Indulgence: Topped with shaved Manchego cheese, it envelops every bite in creamy richness, elevating this simple salad to gourmet levels. Quick and Easy: Whipping up this dish takes mere minutes, making it a great option for those busy days when meal prep is essential. Perfect for Fall: Embrace the season’s produce with this vibrant salad that captures autumn’s essence in every bite. Serve it alongside comforting soups or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish, just like our delicious Caprese Cucumber Salad or Prosciutto Cheese Sandwich for a complete meal experience! Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego Ingredients For the Salad Brussels Sprouts – Crunchy base; can use 1 lb. whole Brussels or a 12-oz. bag of pre-shredded for convenience. Red Pear – Adds sweetness and juiciness; substitute with any firm, sweet pear for a different flavor. Dried Apple Slices – Provides sweetness and chewiness; golden raisins can be used as a substitute for a different taste. Shaved Manchego Cheese – Adds a rich, salty flavor; feel free to swap it with Parmesan or feta for other delicious profiles. Toasted Pumpkin Seeds – Contributes crunch and nuttiness; sunflower seeds or nuts can serve as tasty alternatives. For the Dressing Fresh Lemon Juice – Essential for acidity; freshly squeezed juice enhances the brightness of the dressing. Dijon Mustard – Provides a unique tang; whole grain mustard can be used for added texture. Garlic – Infuses depth of flavor; can be omitted if you’re sensitive to garlic. Honey – Adds sweetness to balance the acidity; opt for maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version. Sea Salt and Black Pepper – Season to your liking; kosher salt or any preferred salt works beautifully with freshly cracked pepper. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Binds the dressing together; avocado oil is a nice substitute if desired. Now that you have your ingredients laid out, let’s get ready to create this vibrant Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego that celebrates the flavors of fall! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego Step 1: Prepare Brussels Begin by washing your Brussels sprouts thoroughly. If using whole Brussels, remove any damaged outer leaves, then shred them using a mandoline, food processor, or sharp knife. Aim for thin shavings for an appealing texture. Place the shredded Brussels in a large bowl and season them lightly with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, allowing them to wilt slightly while you prepare the dressing. Step 2: Make Dressing In a small bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated garlic for a zesty dressing. Add in honey, a pinch of sea salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper to balance the flavors. While whisking, gradually drizzle in 1/3 cup of extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is emulsified and smooth. This dressing will bring brightness to your Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego. Step 3: Combine Salad Once your dressing is ready, it’s time to assemble the salad! Add the julienned red pear, chopped dried apple slices, and the lovely shaved Manchego cheese to the bowl with the seasoned Brussels sprouts. Toss in a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch, and then drizzle your prepared dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until each ingredient is evenly coated. Step 4: Taste and Adjust After combining all the ingredients, take a moment to taste your salad. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning! If desired, sprinkle in more salt and pepper according to your preference. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can garnish with additional shaved Manchego on top. This final step ensures your Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego is perfectly seasoned and visually inviting. How to Store and Freeze Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego Room Temperature: Enjoy the salad fresh; it’s best served right after tossing for optimal crunch and flavor. Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess. Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the texture of the Brussels sprouts and pears can become mushy upon thawing. Reheating: This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; simply toss before serving to refresh its vibrant flavors. Make Ahead Options This Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego is ideal for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weekdays! You can prepare the shredded Brussels sprouts, sliced pears, and pumpkin seeds up to 24 hours in advance; simply store the sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. For optimal flavor, make the dressing ahead and refrigerate it, allowing it to infuse overnight. When it’s time to serve, just toss all the components together, drizzle with the dressing, and enjoy a salad that’s just as delicious as if it were freshly made. This way, you can savor a wholesome and vibrant meal without the rush! Expert Tips for Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad Choose Fresh Sprouts: Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and crunch; pre-shredded versions can compromise taste and texture. Balance Flavors: Adjust sweetness and acidity by tweaking the honey or lemon juice to suit your palate and enhance the Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego. Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the salad crisp, only add the dressing right before serving. This prevents sogginess and ensures every bite is fresh. Mind Your Mandoline: If using a mandoline, always use a hand guard for safety, and take your time to achieve even shavings for a beautiful presentation. Storage Tips: If prepping in advance, store components separately; keep dressing in an airtight container to maintain freshness until you’re ready to toss it all together. Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine as you explore these exciting twists on this delicious salad! Green Pear: Swap out the red pear for green pears for a more tart and refreshing flavor; it’ll bring a lovely zing to your salad. Feta Cheese: Replace Manchego with feta for a creamier, saltier experience that adds a delightful Mediterranean twist to your dish. Nutty Additions: Add walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and healthy fats, creating a beautifully textured salad that’s still heart-healthy. Spicy Kick: Toss in thinly sliced jalapeños for some heat; this unexpected element will wake up your taste buds – perfect for those who enjoy a little spice! Protein Boost: Mix in grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for a hearty addition, transforming this salad into a satisfying main dish that’s just as delightful as our Popper Cucumber Salad. Honey Alternative: Opt for agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan version of the dressing, keeping that beautiful balance of sweetness without compromising on the flavors. Dressing Variation: Experiment with different mustards, like spicy brown or honey mustard, to change the flavor profile of your dressing – it’s a fun way to keep things fresh! Herbaceous Flair: Enhance the salad by adding fresh herbs like mint or basil, which will infuse a fragrant aroma and vibrant freshness that echoes the delightful essence of fall! Each of these variations brings something unique to the table and offers an opportunity to explore new flavors while enjoying your Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego. Happy cooking! What to Serve with Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego Imagine pairing your vibrant salad with delightful dishes that elevate every meal! Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture complements the crunch of the salad, making for a satisfying contrast that warms the heart. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: A fragrant bowl of soup enhances the salad’s freshness while introducing cozy fall flavors, perfect for chilly evenings. Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve alongside a warm loaf to soak up the zesty dressing, creating a lovely balance of textures that rounds out the meal beautifully. Grilled Chicken: A simple, protein-packed addition that adds heartiness; the savory notes of chicken harmonize delightfully with the salad’s sweetness. Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy, this nutrient-rich side works wonderfully with the salad, allowing the flavors to shine while adding a wholesome touch. Sparkling Apple Cider: A refreshingly sweet beverage that enhances the dish with its fruity notes, making every bite of the salad sing with autumn flair! Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For dessert, these spiced treats bring in their own warmth, while their sweetness echoes the fruity elements of the salad for a delightful finish. Pair them with your Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego for a memorable meal experience! Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego Recipe FAQs What type of Brussels sprouts should I use for this salad? Absolutely! If you have access to fresh Brussels sprouts, I recommend using them for the best flavor and crunch. However, if you’re short on time, feel free to grab a 12-oz. bag of pre-shredded sprouts for convenience. How do I store leftovers of the Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego? Very easy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad’s freshness, keep the dressing separate—toss it in just before serving to avoid sogginess. Can I freeze this salad for later? I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the Brussels sprouts and pears can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or cold! If you have components left over, you can freeze dressing separately for up to 3 months, then use it when you prepare your salad again. My salad seems a bit bland; how can I enhance the flavor? No worries! If your salad lacks flavor, start by adding a pinch of salt or freshly cracked black pepper to improve seasoning. You can also consider a splash of extra lemon juice or a drizzle of honey for added zing. Taste and adjust until you reach that perfect balance! Are there any common allergens in this salad? Good question! This salad is generally vegetarian and gluten-free, but it does contain dairy due to the Manchego cheese. If you have a cheese allergy or prefer dairy-free options, you can substitute Manchego with a non-dairy cheese or simply omit it for a lighter version. Always double-check other ingredients like honey if you have dietary restrictions as well. Can pets eat this salad? Definitely keep this salad away from your pets! Some ingredients like garlic can be harmful to dogs and cats. It’s best to enjoy this dish yourself and keep those delicious flavors just for you! Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego This vibrant Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego combines crunchy Brussels sprouts, juicy pears, and savory cheese, perfect for autumn. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: Autumn, SaladCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad1 lb Brussels Sprouts or 12 oz. pre-shredded2 medium Red Pear1 cup Dried Apple Slices or golden raisins4 oz Shaved Manchego Cheese or Parmesan/feta1/2 cup Toasted Pumpkin Seeds or sunflower seeds/nutsFor the Dressing1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice preferably freshly squeezed1 tbsp Dijon Mustard1 clove Garlic grated, optional1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup for vegan1/2 tsp Sea Salt1/4 tsp Black Pepper1/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil Equipment MandolineLarge bowlsmall bowlwhisk Method PreparationWash Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Remove damaged outer leaves and shred using a mandoline or sharp knife. Season with salt and let wilt slightly.Combine fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk while gradually drizzling in olive oil until smooth.In a large bowl, combine shredded Brussels, julienned red pear, dried apple slices, and shaved Manchego. Add toasted pumpkin seeds.Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg NotesBest served fresh; store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dressing should be added just before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
