Delicious Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with Creamy SunButter Dressing: Your New Favorite Healthy Lunch!

Discover the incredible flavor and texture of this Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad, featuring finely shredded Brussels sprouts and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, all coated in an unbelievably easy, oil-free SunButter dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for workweek lunches, summer gatherings, or a refreshing side at any meal.

Brussels sprouts have long been a favorite vegetable in many households, often celebrated for their earthy flavor when roasted, baked, or steamed. But what if I told you that their true potential, particularly for vibrant texture and fresh taste, shines brightest when they’re enjoyed raw? For years, my kitchen, like many, focused solely on cooked preparations. The idea of a raw Brussels sprouts salad felt novel, something reserved for restaurant menus. However, after experimenting, this Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with its creamy, oil-free SunButter Dressing completely transformed my perception and has quickly become a staple in my healthy eating routine.

This isn’t just any salad; it’s a game-changer. It combines the crisp, slightly peppery bite of finely shredded Brussels sprouts with a medley of colorful, crunchy vegetables, all brought together by a rich and savory SunButter dressing that’s both dairy-free and nut-free. This recipe proves that you don’t need heat to unlock the deliciousness of Brussels sprouts, making it an ideal choice for quick meals, summer barbecues, or meal prepping for the week.

Why Choose Raw Brussels Sprouts? The Benefits & Flavor

Opting for raw Brussels sprouts in your salad brings a host of benefits, both in terms of nutrition and sensory experience. When raw, Brussels sprouts offer a unique crispness and a slightly more pronounced, peppery flavor that mellows beautifully with the right dressing. Nutritionally, keeping them raw helps preserve their delicate vitamins and enzymes that can sometimes be diminished by high heat cooking.

• Nutrient Powerhouse: Raw Brussels sprouts are incredibly rich in Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant essential for immune health. They also provide a significant amount of Vitamin K, vital for bone health and blood clotting.
• Fiber Rich: They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, aiding in satiety, and helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Detoxification Support: Like other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support the body’s natural detoxification processes.
• Crunch Factor: Unlike their cooked counterparts, raw Brussels sprouts retain a delightful, satisfying crunch that adds incredible texture to any salad.

This salad allows you to enjoy all these benefits in a refreshing and incredibly delicious way. The key is proper preparation – thin shredding is crucial to ensure they are palatable and absorb the dressing effectively.

Crafting Your Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad: The Essential Ingredients

Creating this vibrant and healthy raw Brussels sprouts salad requires just a few simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show! Look for firm, bright green sprouts. About a pound will yield a generous salad.
• Bell Pepper: A medium red or yellow bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and extra crunch. Feel free to use orange or green for variety.
• Shredded Carrots: Pre-shredded carrots work wonderfully for convenience, or you can shred them yourself for ultimate freshness. They bring sweetness and a pop of color.
• Green Onion (Scallions): Offers a mild oniony flavor that complements the sprouts without overpowering them.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or even mint could be interesting alternatives.
• Raw Cashews: These provide a creamy texture and subtle richness, along with healthy fats. If you have a nut allergy, you can omit them or try toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Hemp Hearts (Hemp Seeds): A fantastic addition for a boost of plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a delicate nutty flavor. They also add a lovely sprinkle to the finished salad.

That’s the core of your salad! Simple, wholesome, and packed with goodness. The combination of these ingredients ensures a well-rounded flavor profile and an appealing texture that will keep you coming back for more.

The Art of Shredding: How to Prepare Your Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad

The secret to a delightful raw Brussels sprouts salad lies in how you prepare the sprouts. Thinly shredded sprouts are tenderer and more receptive to the dressing, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling your salad:

1. **Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:** Start by removing any tough, discolored, or loose outer leaves from your Brussels sprouts. Trim the very end of the stem if it looks dry. Then, cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise.
2. **Shredding for Perfection:** For the best results, use a mandoline slicer on its thinnest setting to finely shred the halved Brussels sprouts. This creates delicate, even ribbons that are perfect for a raw salad. If you don’t have a mandoline, a food processor with a slicing disk can work, or you can carefully slice them by hand with a sharp knife into very thin strips. I prefer to slice starting from the stem end and working my way up, rather than cutting lengthwise, to maintain a consistent texture.
3. **Combine the Salad Base:** Once your Brussels sprouts are perfectly shredded, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced bell pepper, shredded carrots, finely sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, raw cashews, and hemp hearts.
4. **Gentle Toss:** Give all the ingredients a gentle toss with a large spoon or your hands to ensure they are roughly combined and evenly distributed. Set this aside while you prepare the star of the show – the SunButter dressing!

Proper shredding is truly the foundation of this recipe. It transforms the typically dense Brussels sprout into a light, flavorful component of a truly exceptional salad.

The Star of the Show: What You Need for the Creamy SunButter Dressing

The dressing is what truly elevates this raw Brussels sprouts salad from good to extraordinary. This oil-free SunButter dressing is not only incredibly easy to make but also delivers a rich, creamy, and satisfying flavor profile that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables. It’s also fantastic for those with nut allergies, offering a safe yet delicious alternative to peanut or almond-based dressings.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dressing:

• No-Sugar-Added SunButter: This is the foundation of the dressing, providing its signature creaminess and a subtle, earthy flavor without any added sugars.
• Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a crucial bright, tangy zest that cuts through the richness of the SunButter and awakens all the flavors.
• Tamari Lite or Coconut Aminos: These ingredients provide the savory, umami depth. Tamari Lite is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, while coconut aminos are an excellent soy-free, gluten-free option with a slightly sweeter profile.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder adds a foundational savory warmth to the dressing.
• Maple Syrup: A hint of pure maple syrup balances the tangy and savory notes, adding a delicate sweetness without refined sugars.
• Filtered Water: Used to thin the dressing to the perfect consistency, ensuring it coats the salad evenly.

That’s it! These simple ingredients come together to create a dressing that is both healthy and incredibly flavorful, proving that oil-free doesn’t mean flavor-free.

Whipping Up the SunButter Dressing: Quick & Easy Steps

Preparing the SunButter dressing is perhaps the easiest part of this entire recipe. With just a few minutes, you’ll have a lusciously creamy and flavorful dressing ready to transform your raw Brussels sprouts salad.

1. **Blend it All Together:** Gather all the dressing ingredients: No-Sugar-Added SunButter, freshly squeezed lime juice, Tamari Lite (or coconut aminos), garlic powder, maple syrup, and filtered water. Add them into a high-speed blender or a food processor.
2. **Achieve Creamy Perfection:** Blend the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Start with the suggested amount of water, and if the dressing seems too thick for your liking, add a little more filtered water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency. Remember, you want it thick enough to cling to the vegetables but thin enough to toss easily.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Once your dressing is perfectly smooth, pour it over the shredded Brussels sprouts and vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
4. **Toss to Coat:** Using a spoon or tongs, gently toss everything together until all the vegetables are thoroughly coated in the creamy SunButter dressing. Ensure every shred of Brussels sprout and every piece of bell pepper gets its fair share of that delicious flavor.

This simple blending process results in a dressing that’s not only incredibly tasty but also provides a fantastic oil-free, nut-free, and vegan option for all your salad needs.

The Magic of SunButter: Why It’s Perfect for Dressings

I genuinely adore incorporating No-Sugar-Added SunButter into my dressings, and this recipe perfectly showcases why. SunButter, made from roasted sunflower seeds, is much more than just a nut-free alternative; it’s a versatile ingredient that brings unique qualities to both sweet and savory dishes.

• **Creaminess Without Oil:** One of its most impressive attributes is its ability to create an incredibly creamy dressing without the need for added oils. This makes the salad lighter, healthier, and ideal for those looking to reduce their oil intake without sacrificing texture or flavor.
• **Nut-Free & Allergen-Friendly:** For individuals with nut allergies, SunButter is a lifesaver. It offers that satisfying “nutty” flavor and rich consistency, making this salad inclusive and safe for potlucks and gatherings where allergies might be a concern.
• **Distinct Flavor Profile:** SunButter has a delightful, subtly earthy, and slightly sweet flavor that’s distinct from traditional nut butters. This unique profile adds depth and interest to the dressing, making it stand out.
• **Natural Salt Balance:** The hint of sea salt naturally present in SunButter means you often need less additional salt in your dressing, allowing the other vibrant flavors to truly pop.

Beyond this salad, No-Sugar-Added SunButter is a true staple in my pantry. I use it for everything from baking and smoothies to dipping sauces and, of course, countless dressings. Its versatility and delicious taste make it an indispensable ingredient for healthy and creative cooking.

Serving Your Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad: Tips for Best Results

While the salad is tempting to devour immediately, a crucial step ensures maximum flavor and tenderness: allowing it to marinate. This step is absolutely essential for transforming the crisp raw Brussels sprouts into a more tender, flavorful, and integrated part of the salad.

• **The Magic of Marination:** After you’ve tossed the salad with the SunButter dressing, it’s vital to let it sit and marinate. Aim for *at least* 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the acidity from the lime juice in the dressing to begin breaking down the fibrous structure of the raw Brussels sprouts, softening them and allowing them to absorb all the delicious flavors.
• **For Optimal Flavor:** For an even better taste and a more tender consistency, I highly recommend letting the salad marinate for several hours in the refrigerator. This extended period truly melds the flavors and transforms the texture of the sprouts into something wonderfully palatable.
• **Garnish and Serve:** Just before serving, give the salad another quick toss and sprinkle a generous amount of fresh hemp hearts on top. The hemp hearts add an extra layer of texture, healthy fats, and a boost of protein, making the salad even more satisfying.
• **Versatile Side Dish:** This Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with SunButter Dressing is incredibly versatile. It makes an easy and unique side dish for virtually any meal. Think of it as a fresh alternative to traditional coleslaw at summer barbecues, a standout offering at office potlucks, or a refreshing accompaniment to grilled proteins.
• **A Fun Twist on Brussels Sprouts:** It’s a truly enjoyable and innovative way to incorporate Brussels sprouts into your diet without any roasting or cooking required! Its fresh and vibrant profile is perfect for warmer months but can be enjoyed year-round.

Storing Leftovers and Reinvigorating Your Salad

While this Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with SunButter Dressing is undoubtedly best served fresh after its marinating period, you can absolutely store leftovers to enjoy later. With a few tips, you can keep your salad delicious for a couple of days.

• **Airtight Storage:** Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This helps to maintain its freshness and prevent wilting.
• **Dressing Consistency Note:** It’s important to note that the SunButter dressing will naturally stiffen and thicken when chilled in the refrigerator. This is a common characteristic of nut and seed butter-based dressings.
• **Rejuvenating the Dressing:** If you plan to keep the salad for over 24 hours, you may find that the dressing has become quite firm. To bring it back to its desired creamy consistency, simply add a splash of filtered water or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the salad just before serving. Toss well, and the dressing will loosen up beautifully, coating the sprouts once more.
• **Meal Prep Perfection:** This salad is also fantastic for meal prepping. Prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have healthy, ready-to-eat lunches or sides on hand. Just remember to give it a little refresh with water or lime juice if the dressing has thickened.

Enjoy every crisp, creamy, and flavorful bite of this unique raw Brussels sprouts salad!

More Fresh & Flavorful Salads You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of fresh, vibrant, and healthy salads, you’re in the right place! Here are some other delicious salad recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:

• Wintergreen Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

• Thai Salad with SunButter Dressing

• Garlicky Chickpeas & Kale Bowl With Creamy Tahini

• Warm Kale Quinoa Bowl

• Warm Spiced Sweet Potato Salad With Pistachios

• Tri-Colored Roasted Cauliflower Salad

• Butternut Squash Noodle Cranberry Salad

• Fall Harvest Salad

• Roasted Squash & Arugula Salad

• Root Veggie Chip Arugula Salad

• Roasted Fig Arugula Salad

• Cran-Apple Tempeh Kale Salad

I Want to Hear From You!

If you’ve tried this delicious Raw Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe or have your own favorite variations, I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Your feedback helps me create even more delightful and healthy recipes for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review below so I can use your feedback to create more yums!

Give me a shout on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show me your vibrant creations. I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens.

Check out my Pinterest page to pin more recipes like this one to make later or to find inspiration for your next meal prep session.

Love this post and want more delicious, healthy recipes delivered straight to your inbox? Go to my homepage and subscribe to get updates and exclusive content!

XO Lauren

Print

This post is brought to you by SunButter but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!