Brussels Sprout Salad

“Eat them. They’re good for you,” my parents would say when I was younger, but to me, they just didn’t look appealing. And although my father has always thought Brussels sprouts are nasty, bitter and repellant, he encouraged me to eat them anyway. Despite his distaste he was determined to teach me that good foods sometimes come in the disguise of bizarre packages. I silently promised myself that when I grew up, I’d never look at another Brussels sprout again.
But I grew up, and like many of us, somewhere along my upbringing I learned about vegetables and how good they are for you. It was in science class that I learned how Brussels sprouts actually grow. I assumed that since they look like baby cabbages, they must grow the same: in little baby cabbage patches. I was amazed to learn Brussels sprouts are actually grown up a stalk like buds in helical patterns along the sides. The stalks are long and thick growing 24 to 47 inches in height and produce 20 to 40 buds that mature over several weeks from the lower to the upper part of the stalk.
These tiny cabbages are part of the cruciferous vegetables, which also include the likes of mustard greens, turnip greens, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli and similar green leafy vegetables. The health benefits of this cruciferous vegetable are extensive but have been strongly studied to cure cancer. Brussels sprouts have detoxifying and antioxidant attributes. They also offer anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and digestive support. Brussels sprouts are also rich in many valuable nutrients including vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, protein and magnesium.
If you’re one of those people who think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, try this recipe. After I prepared this recipe, I discovered how tasty they can be and I hope you will too. Enjoy!

Servings |
servings
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- 2 c shredded Brussels Sprouts You can buy pre-shredded Brussels sprouts in the produce section or shred your own in the food processor. Feel free to add diced apples or feta cheese or any other salad ingredients to make it your own.
- 3/4 c cranberries
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 c sunflower seeds
- 3/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese
- juice of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 c plain Greek yogurt
- 1 TBLS apple cider vinegar
- 1 TBLS balsamic vinegar
- 3 TBLS honey
- salt & pepper to taste
Ingredients
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- In a large bowl mix the lemon juice, yogurt, both vinegars and honey to make the dressing. Whisk the dressing until well blended.
- Add the Brussels sprouts, cranberries, shallot, sunflower seeds, cheese and lemon zest.
- Mix to evenly coat all of the ingredients with the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.