Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego

If you’re looking for a delightful salad that brings the flavors of fall right to your table, you’ve found it! This Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. The combination of tender Brussels sprouts, sweet red pears, and creamy Manchego cheese drizzled with a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing makes this salad one of my all-time favorites. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings alike!

What I love most about this salad is how quickly it comes together. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes, making it an easy addition to any meal. Plus, its vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to impress your guests. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad can be made in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meals.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The balance of savory cheese and sweet fruit creates a taste explosion in every bite.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutrients from Brussels sprouts, pears, and pumpkin seeds, this salad is as good for you as it is tasty.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and toss them together just before serving!
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or a light main course, this salad fits into any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients to create this beautiful salad. Each component adds its unique flavor and texture, making every bite enjoyable.

For the Salad

• 1 lb. whole Brussels sprouts (or 1 12-oz. bag of pre-shredded/shaved Brussels sprouts)
• 1 red pear, julienned
• 1/2 cup dried apple slices, roughly chopped (or 1/4 cup golden raisins)
• 1/3 cup shaved Manchego cheese (sub Parmesan or feta)
• 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

For the Dressing

• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 small grated garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp. honey
• 1/4 tsp. each sea salt and black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Variations

This Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize it according to what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

• Add More Crunch: Toss in some sliced almonds or walnuts for an extra crunchy texture.
• Change Up the Cheese: If you prefer something different, try goat cheese or blue cheese instead of Manchego.
• Mix Up the Greens: Add some arugula or spinach along with the Brussels sprouts for added greens.
• Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or mint can brighten up the flavors even more.

How to Make Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by shredding the Brussels sprouts using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. If you’re using whole sprouts, slice them thinly so they become tender when mixed with the dressing. Place them in a large bowl and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt to enhance their natural flavor.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated garlic clove, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. Gradually stream in olive oil while whisking constantly; this emulsifies the dressing and makes it creamy.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! To the bowl with your shredded Brussels sprouts, add in the julienned pear, chopped dried apples (or raisins), shaved Manchego cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Drizzle your homemade dressing over everything and toss gently to combine. Taste your salad; feel free to add more salt or pepper if needed.

And there you have it—a lovely Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego that’s ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for maximum freshness or refrigerate briefly if you’d like to serve it chilled. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego

Creating a delightful salad is all about the little details, and these tips will help you elevate your Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad!

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh Brussels sprouts and ripe pears to enhance flavor and texture. Fresh produce makes a world of difference in salads, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.

• Use a Mandoline for Consistency: If you’re shredding Brussels sprouts by hand, a mandoline slicer can help achieve even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking or marinating if you decide to cook them briefly, giving you a better overall texture.

• Make Ahead of Time: You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Just toss everything together right before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the honey in the dressing based on your preference for sweetness. This flexibility lets you customize the flavor profile to suit your palate.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to add other seasonal ingredients like pomegranate seeds or roasted nuts for an extra crunch. This way, you can make the salad uniquely yours while boosting its nutritional value.

How to Serve Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego

This salad not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on any table. Here are some ideas on how to present it for maximum appeal!

Garnishes

• Shaved Parmesan: Adding extra shaved cheese on top can enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or mint adds color and a burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: A warm quinoa pilaf with herbs complements the salad nicely, providing a hearty element that balances out the meal.
• Roasted Chicken: Simple herb-seasoned roasted chicken offers protein without overpowering the subtle flavors of your salad.
• Sweet Potato Wedges: Crispy sweet potato wedges bring sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing of your salad.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add a smoky touch that contrasts beautifully with the fresh ingredients in your salad.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a vibrant meal that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy experimenting with flavors while making this delicious Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego is not only delicious but also fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately to maintain their freshness. This way, you’ll have a vibrant, healthy salad ready to go whenever you need it!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• To keep the salad fresh longer, consider storing the dressing separately.
• Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the fragile nature of Brussels sprouts and fresh ingredients.
• If you have leftover shredded Brussels, you can freeze them, but it may affect their texture upon thawing.

Reheating

• This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; reheating might wilt the greens.
• If you prefer a warm salad, lightly sauté the mixed ingredients in a pan for a minute or two before serving.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this vibrant salad, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use a different cheese instead of Manchego in Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego?

Absolutely! If you can’t find Manchego or prefer another flavor, feel free to substitute it with Parmesan or feta cheese. Each option will give a unique twist to the salad while maintaining its deliciousness.

How do I make Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego vegan-friendly?

Making this salad vegan is simple! Just omit the honey in the dressing and replace the cheese with your favorite plant-based alternative like nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese that suits your taste.

Can I add other fruits to my Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego?

Certainly! This recipe is versatile; you can add fruits like apples, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of flavor and color.

How long does it take to prepare Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego?

This delightful salad comes together quickly! With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this dish as part of your meal plan or as a quick side.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego becomes one of your go-to recipes for fall gatherings or weeknight dinners! The combination of crunchy Brussels sprouts, sweet pears, and creamy cheese tossed in a zesty dressing makes it truly special. Enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy eating it — happy cooking!