I will forever be making Caesar salads—every variation possible. And this Brussels sprout Caesar salad is the newest in a long line of favorites. It’s perfect for winter or really any time Brussels sprouts are in season. The key? Good Brussels sprouts. They need to be fresh and high quality to ensure they aren’t bitter.
This version is exactly as it sounds—lots of thinly shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with my favorite lemon Caesar dressing. And instead of classic croutons, I went for a shower of crispy, toasted panko breadcrumbs. And to finish it off, a few delicious white anchovies (boquerones) since I had some on hand, but good quality tinned anchovies work perfectly here!
I will forever be making Caesar salads—every variation possible. And this Brussels sprout Caesar salad is the newest in a long line of favorites.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad with Crispy Panko & Lemon Dressing
This Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad is crisp, creamy, and packed with bold flavors! Instead of romaine, finely shaved Brussels sprouts make the perfect crunchy base, tossed in a bright lemony Caesar dressing and topped with crispy toasted panko breadcrumbs for lots of texture. Finished with Parmesan and briny white anchovies, this salad is a must-make for any Caesar lovers out there.
Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
- Crunchy & Flavorful – Shredded Brussels sprouts hold up to the creamy dressing and the crispy panko topping adds tons on texture.
- No Raw Eggs – This Caesar dressing doesn’t use any raw eggs. That makes it a little easier to prepare and store, plus it’s safe for anyone who can’t consume raw eggs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Brussels sprouts stay fresh longer than romaine, so you can prep this salad in advance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts – thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese – grated (plus more for the dressing)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil – for toasting the breadcrumbs
- 3-4 white anchovies (optional) – or regular tinned anchovies
- Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste
For the Lemon Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 C extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise – optional
- 1 1/2 lemons – juiced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 anchovies – white or brown
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese – freshly grated
- fresh ground black pepper – to taste
How to Make This Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Use a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor to thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. - Make the Caesar Dressing
Add all your salad dressing ingredients expect the Parmesan cheese to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add in your Parmesan and quickly blend again just until smooth and creamy. Check seasoning and adjust as needed. - Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the panko breadcrumbs with a few tablespoons of olive oil until golden brown. Stir frequently (3-5 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside. - Assemble the Salad
Place a generous handful of shaved Brussels sprouts on a plate or in a bowl. Drizzle (or toss) with the Lemon Caesar Dressing. Top with your toasted breadcrumbs, extra grated Parmesan, black pepper, and a few anchovies. Then eat up!
FAQs: How to Make the Best Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
Why are my Brussels sprouts bitter?
Brussels sprouts can get bitter if they’re not fresh or overcooked (which we don’t need to worry about here). Make sure to choose bright green and firm sprouts. And, be sure to store them in the fridge until ready to use.
Can I eat Brussels sprouts raw in a salad?
Yes! Raw Brussels sprouts are crunchy, slightly sweet, and hold up really well with creamy dressings like in this Caesar. I love the texture and taste of fresh Brussels sprouts. They make a great salad base, like I used them here, but add a few handfuls into any salad, rice or bean bowl for some extra texture and crunch.
How do you shave Brussels sprouts for salad?
Use a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor to slice them as thinly as possible. I think the thinner the better, but get them as thin as you want.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Shave the Brussels sprouts and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Toss with your dressing and top with breadcrumbs and anchovies just before serving.
What can I substitute for anchovies?
For a vegetarian dressing, try capers or a splash of tamari for a similar, savory umami punch to the dressing. To garnish the salad, try frying some capers in olive oil until nice and crispy for a salty, crunchy topping option. (That’s what I did to top this Tomato Tonnato). They are SO good!
More Caesar Salad Recipes You’ll Love
Classic Caesar Salad
This is the best classic Caesar salad recipe with an easy homemade dressing (no raw eggs!), crispy croutons, and fresh romaine lettuce.
Lemon Caesar Dressing
My go-to Easy Homemade Lemon Caesar Dressing – Bright, Creamy & Ready in 5 Minutes!
Homemade Croutons
The best homemade croutons ready in 30 minutes. Perfect to toss in your next salad, soup or even as a snack!
Artichoke Caesar Salad
A not-quite Caesar salad with roasted marinated artichokes, crispy pinto beans, bagel croutons and an anchovy and red wine vinegar dressing. It’s insanely good!
Pink Radicchio and Crab Caesar Salad
Make this stunning pink radicchio and crab caesar salad with a blood orange dressing, and crispy pumpernickel croutons. A vibrant twist on a classic that’s perfect for Valentine’s day!
Bitter Green Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad made with radicchio, Belgian endive and tossed with the most delicious roasted olive croutons.
Grilled Caesar Salad
An easy grilled Caesar salad with charred romaine, crispy breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano—an elevated twist on a classic, perfect for any occasion!
Have leftover brussels sprouts?
I highly recommend making my Roasted Brussels Sprouts with an easy lemon mustard sauce. The perfect side dish and a Thanksgiving favorite!
Did You Try This Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad?
Whether you’re looking for a Brussels sprout Caesar salad recipe as a holiday side dish or a fresh take on your favorite salad, this dish is a must-try! If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out—or tag me on Instagram @TheMostHungry. I can’t wait to see your version!
Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts thinly sliced
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil - for toasting the breadcrumbs
- 3-4 white anchovies or regular tinned anchovies, optional
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Lemon Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 C extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise optional
- 1 ½ lemons juiced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 anchovies white or brown
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Use a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor to thinly slice the Brussels sprouts.
- Blend olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, black pepper and anchovies. Add in Parmesan and quickly blend again until smooth and creamy. Check seasoning and adjust if needed.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the panko breadcrumbs with a few tablespoons of olive oil until golden brown, stirring frequently (about 5 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
- Place a generous handful of shaved Brussels sprouts on a plate or in a bowl. Drizzle (or toss) with the Lemon Caesar Dressing. Top with your toasted breadcrumbs, extra grate Parmesan, black pepper, and a few anchovies. Then eat up!
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
