Have you ever fallen in love with a salad? Over the years, I have definitely fallen head over heels in love with a few salads. And this shredded brussels sprout salad is the new one. Finely shredded sprouts (thank you mandolin), a tried and true classic caesar dressing, salty crispy prosciutto and crunch from toasted walnuts. You are going to want to make a big batch of this, because you won't be able to stop eating it.

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Are you a brussels sprouts fan? I know so many people aren't and at one time, I was one of them. For the longest time, I turned my nose up at these little green sprouts. But to be fair to me, the only way I had eaten them was boiled. And nobody should be eating boiled brussels sprouts. If you haven't tried roasting them, you need to. And if you have and you still don't like them... this shredded brussels sprout salad may just be the one way to truly change your mind. Trust me!

That Real Deal Caesar Dressing:

Prior to making this shredded brussels sprout salad, I had always loved a good caesar dressing. I love going out to a certain fancy shmancy steakhouse and having the caesar salad made table-side. I would carefully watch how they stirred and made the dressing. Using anchovies, olive oil, lemon, a raw egg yolk and a few other staples turn into the most delightful dressing.

But for some strange reason when I was at home getting ready to make a caesar dressing, I would get all nervous making one with anchovies and a raw egg yolk. But I will say now that I've made this one I am kind of hooked. So don't be scared to make this version if the raw eggs or anchovies freak you out. If you are dealing with a compromised immune system or you are pregnant, then obviously don't do the raw egg. Instead, you would need to pasteurize the egg first.

How to Pasteurize An Egg

To do that, make sure to do the following: Put the egg in a pot of water over medium-high heat. Attach a thermometer to the side of the pot. Bring the water to 140ºF and keep it there for 3 minutes. Don't let the water rise above 143ºF, or you will cook your egg yolks. Drain the water and cool the eggs in cold water.

Anchovies For the Win:

And last, those anchovies pack a serious nutrition punch. Did you know that the smaller the fish, the less mercury it carries? So if you are looking for a fish that has lots of those omega 3's plus less mercury, opt for the smaller types of fish like sardines and anchovies. If you aren't a fan of the taste (I get it!) you may like it in this dressing. It's all ground up and you get all the benefits without all the taste. Beyond the omega 3's they also contain a good amount of vitamin A, protein, selenium and zinc. Making them great skin food as well! They are also not farm raised and are a much more sustainable option as well.

If you still are squeamish about the anchovies or want to omit them, you could try using capers instead. They aren't a perfect substitute but they could work. And if you have never tried pan frying capers, trust me, you need to do that. It may be life changing.

Everyday, I'm Brusselin':

Ok, lame jokes aside. Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous veggie meaning they have lots of amazing health benefits. I am sure you are probably well aware of the benefits of cruciferous veggies, but if not just know they are great for helping our bodies naturally detoxify.

For this shredded brussels sprout salad, I highly suggest shaving them with a mandolin. I am brand new to the mandolin world and all I can say is, I am OBSESSED! The way this little device works so quickly and easily it is worth the fear that also comes along with using such a device. As long as you are careful while using it by using the protective guard, you will be ok. Sure, you can get the pre-shredded brussels sprouts or use a food processor in this recipe, but the finely shredded version that comes from the mandolin really takes this dish to the next level. When you finely shred it, the sprouts become really fine and easy to absorb all that caesar dressing. Plus it helps the dish remain really light and fluffy.

And they take no time at all to prepare with the mandolin. So no need to worry about that!

I've Got Options:

If you are looking for different versions of this shredded brussels sprout salad based on your own preference, feel free to change things up to work for you.

Keep it Dairy Free:

You could eliminate the parmesan and perhaps add a little nutritional yeast. This will alter the flavour of course, but it could still work.

Keep it Vegan:

Omit the crispy prosciutto and sub it with something else. Perhaps some crispy chickpeas, coconut bacon or anything else. And use a dairy free caesar dressing instead.

No Brussels Sprouts:

You could also use raw kale in this version rather than the brussels sprouts, just be sure to thinly chop the kale and massage the dressing into it. I would recommend using lacinato kale as it's a bit softer.

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I can almost guarantee it will turn even the pickiest eater or brussels sprouts hater into a lover.

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram and let let me know!