Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad Is a Nutritious & Crunchy Twist on the Classic Salad

This Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad is a crisp, flavorful twist on the classic. Shredded Brussels sprouts add crunch, while a creamy homemade dressing ties everything together. It’s packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-rich upgrade from traditional romaine.

For the best texture, shred the Brussels sprouts finely. Add grilled chicken, blackened salmon, or crispy chickpeas for protein, and swap croutons for sourdough breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

brussels sprout caesar salad ingredients on a counter.
  • Brussels Sprouts – Shred them finely for the best texture. You can use a sharp knife, mandolin, or food processor.
  • Sourdough Croutons – Instead of chunky croutons, turn them into crisp breadcrumbs for a better distribution of crunch. You can use gluten-free bread if needed.
  • Parmesan Cheese – free to use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
  • Greek Yogurt (or Mayo) – Greek yogurt keeps it lighter, but mayo works for a richer flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard & Worcestershire Sauce – Essential ingredients that bring a tangy depth of flavor to the dressing. Use coconut aminos for a gluten-free swap.
  • Lemon Juice – Adds brightness. Fresh is best!

How to Make Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad

toasted sourdough croutons on a baking sheet.
  1. Toast the sourdough at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
sourdough breadcrumbs in a food processor.
  1. Pulse the sourdough croutons in a food processor to make breadcrumbs.
shredding brussels sprouts with a sharp knife on a cutting board.
  1. Shred the brussels sprouts thinly with a sharp knife, mandolin, or pulse in a food processor.
whisking homemade caesar dressing in a bowl.
  1. Mix the dressing ingredients in a bowl or blend in a food processor.
shredded brussels sprouts with parmesan cheese and parsley.
  1. Toss shredded brussels sprouts with parmesan and parsley.
brussels sprout caesar salad in a salad bowl with tongs.
  1. Stir in dressing and top with breadcrumbs, parmesan and black pepper.

Recipe Tips

  • Shred Brussels Sprouts Finely – The thinner the shreds, the better the texture. Use a food processor to save time.
  • Massage the Brussels Sprouts – If you prefer a softer salad, massage the shredded sprouts with a bit of olive oil before adding the dressing.
  • Make It Ahead – Store the dressing separately and toss just before serving for the freshest texture.
  • Add Protein – Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas to turn it into a full meal.

Recipe FAQs

Can you eat raw brussel sprouts in a salad?

Yes, you can eat raw Brussels sprouts in a salad. When shredded or thinly sliced, raw Brussels sprouts can be used as a crunchy and flavorful addition to salads. They do have a bitter taste that can be too strong for some. If that’s the case, you can try marinating them in a dressing to soften their texture slightly and reduce the bitterness.

Can you roast the brussels sprouts?

You can turn this into a warm brussels sprout salad by roasting the shredded brussels sprouts! Roast them at 400°F for 40 minutes, tossing every time minutes. Mix with the remaining ingredients as directed.

Storage Tips

  • Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store the dressing separately to maintain crunch.
  • Make Ahead: Prep the shredded Brussels sprouts and dressing up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Freeze: Not recommended, as Brussels sprouts lose their texture when frozen.
brussel sprout caesar salad on a plate.

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5 from 2 votes

Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
This Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is a fresh, crunchy take on the classic recipe, featuring finely shredded Brussels sprouts, crispy sourdough croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. It's packed with bold flavors, simple to make, and perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

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Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

Brussel Sprout Salad

  • 2 cups sourdough bread torn into small pieces
  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil divided
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 lbs brussels sprouts trimmed and shredded
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Caesar Dressing

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayo
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F and brush a large sheet pan with olive oil. Toss the sourdough in 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through until they're toasted and golden brown. When they're done, transfer them to a blender or food processor and pulse until they're the size of breadcrumbs.
    2 cups sourdough bread, 3 Tablespoons olive oil, Kosher salt and pepper
  • Shred the brussels sprouts. Use a sharp knife to thinly slice and shred the brussels sprouts (Note 2 shredding options). Cut the stem off and remove any damaged leaves. Cut them in half lengthwise they lay the flat side down and finely slice the raw brussels sprouts into fine shreds.
    1 1/2 lbs brussels sprouts
  • Add the shredded brussels sprouts to a large bowl with remaining Tablespoons of olive oil, parsley, and grated parmesan.
    1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley
  • Whisk together the Caesar dressing ingredients in a medium bowl. Blend it in a food processor if you want the dressing extra smooth.
    1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 2 cloves garlic, 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • Right before serving, toss the salad with the dressing. Sprinkle the croutons crumbs on top and serve with more parmesan cheese and fresh crack black pepper if desired.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts. This recipe calls for raw brussels sprouts, but you could roast the shredded brussels sprouts for a warm caesar dressing. Spread shredded brussels sprouts on a sheet pan with olive oil and roast at 400 for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
Save Time Shredding. You can purchase pre-washed and trimmed Brussels sprouts to save time. Or purchase 2 bags of already shaved Brussels sprouts.
Shredding Options. Remove the outer layer of the brussel sprouts, cut the ends off, and cut it in half lengthwise. Thinly shred them with a knife. You can also use a mandolin or pulse a handful at a time in a food processor for a few seconds.
Anchovies. I’m not an anchovy fan, but it is a common ingredient in Caesar dressing. You can add a teaspoon of anchovy paste to the dressing!
 

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 30.1g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 35.7g | Cholesterol: 11.2mg | Sodium: 716mg | Fiber: 10.7g | Sugar: 6.6g | Vitamin A: 849.1IU | Vitamin C: 91mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe by: Molly Thompson of What Molly Made | Photography by: Sierra Inn

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5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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1 Comment

  1. Arlene says:

    5 stars
    Do not skip the sweet potatoes! They add even more flavor and texture to an already delicious salad. We’ll be making this again!