I’ve been wishing for crisp fall days and getting 80-degree weather instead. So, my boots are waiting patiently in my closet, and I’m enjoying this hearty fall salad instead of soup. All in due time! This large salad is made with baby arugula, shredded Brussels sprouts, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pecans. I tossed all of that with my healthier honey-mustard dressing, which I like to call sunshine salad dressing. The end result is tangy and irresistible, crisp and refreshing, and quite filling.
I know that we haven’t crossed the Halloween threshold yet, but—this salad would be a great contender for your holiday table. Make it for dinner tonight, pack it for weekday lunches, and serve it up on the holidays! I’ve included preparation tips below, including some ways to make this salad in a hurry.
This recipe was inspired by two of my favorite local salads featuring Brussels sprouts and arugula, made by Parkway and The Mixx. Now I can enjoy something similar at home whenever the craving strikes. Please let me know how this salad turns out for you in the comments! I’m always so eager for your feedback.
Salad Preparation Tips
How to shred your sprouts
You can slice the Brussels sprouts by hand (carefully), or with the slicing blade of your food processor. Either way, you’ll first want to remove the nubby ends and any discolored leaves. If you’re shredding them by hand, start with the now-flat end against the cutting board and start making thin slices on one side. Once you get closer to the middle, turn the sprout so the larger flat side is down, and continue slicing. Chop them up a bit afterward for good measure.
In a hurry?
You might be able to find pre-shredded Brussels sprouts at the store (you’ll need 1 pound, which is 16 ounces). You can prepare the salad and dressing in advance and toss them together when it’s time to serve.
Toast your nuts
Freshly toasted pecans make a world of difference. They offer irresistible fresh, savory, toasted, crunchy notes to your salad. If you buy pre-roasted nuts, you run the risk of coming home with rancid nuts. Tragic!
Make the dressing
You can make the sunshine salad dressing in advance. Or don’t—it’s quite simple to whisk together. You’ll have about 1/2 cup extra dressing, but I don’t think you’ll have any trouble using it up! You’ll find a bunch of uses for it on the recipe post.
If you’re planning to have leftovers
Store the salad and dressing separately, and then toss individual servings before serving. Otherwise, the dressing will wilt the arugula over time.
Craving more Brussels sprouts and hearty fall salads? Here are a few favorites:
Sunshine Slaw with Quinoa Autumn Kale Salad with Fennel, Honeycrisp and Goat Cheese Favorite Broccoli Salad Arugula, Dried Cherry and Wild Rice Salad with a Zippy Lemon Dressing Hearty Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Salad
Make it dairy free/vegan: I haven’t tried this, but I believe this salad would be awesome with my creamy tahini dressing. Skip the goat cheese. Make it nut free: Replace the pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas.
