Name: Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces Brussels sprouts (trimmed and shaved); 2 medium ripe pears (thinly sliced); 4 ounces Manchego cheese (shaved or grated); 1/4 cup toasted walnuts (chopped); 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Fresh, Crisp, and Irresistibly Tasty

I first whipped up this Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego on a sunny afternoon when I was craving something light yet satisfying. The moment I took my first bite, I was amazed by the delightful crunch of the Brussels sprouts paired with the sweetness of ripe pears and the nutty richness of Manchego cheese—it was like a burst of flavor in every mouthful! The best part? It came together in minutes, making it perfect for my busy lifestyle.

What truly makes this salad special is how it fills the kitchen with its fresh aroma, instantly lifting your spirits. It’s an ideal dish for cozy dinners or date nights—everybody loves the unexpected combination of flavors and textures. Watching my friends’ and family’s reactions as they savored each bite brings me so much joy; it’s that kind of dish that sparks conversation and connection.

To elevate your meal, consider serving this salad alongside grilled chicken or a warm crusty bread—perhaps topped with some toasted nuts for an extra crunch. Trust me, once you make this Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe repertoire, leaving everyone asking for seconds!

What are Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego?

Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the crisp texture of thinly shaved Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of ripe pears, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This salad also features nutty Manchego cheese, chopped toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries for added crunch and depth. The light vinaigrette made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard enhances the overall taste while allowing the natural ingredients to shine. Ideal for a quick meal or side dish, this salad requires minimal effort in preparation, making it an easy choice for any occasion.

Perfect For:

Light Weeknight Dinners: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something fresh and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Budget-Friendly Gatherings: Impress your guests with the unique combination of shaved Brussels sprouts and creamy Manchego cheese without breaking the bank, proving that delicious can also be affordable.

Family-Friendly Meals: The crunchy texture of the Brussels sprouts and the sweetness of the pears make this salad a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.

Impressive Date Nights: Serve this vibrant salad as a starter for a romantic dinner—it not only looks stunning but also offers a delightful balance of flavors that will have your partner swooning.

Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego Ingredients

For the Salad Base

8 ounces Brussels sprouts (trimmed and shaved) – These tender greens add a crisp texture and earthy flavor to your Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego.
2 medium ripe pears (thinly sliced) – Choose sweet, juicy pears for a delightful contrast to the savory cheese and nutty walnuts.
4 ounces Manchego cheese (shaved or grated) – This rich, nutty cheese enhances the salad with its creamy texture and bold flavor.
1/4 cup toasted walnuts (chopped) – Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural oils, adding a warm crunch to the dish.
1/4 cup dried cranberries – These sweet bites provide a lovely pop of color and a hint of tartness.

For the Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons olive oil – A high-quality olive oil will give your dressing a smooth richness that complements the salad’s flavors.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – This tangy vinegar balances sweetness with bright acidity in your vinaigrette.
1 teaspoon honey – A touch of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to round out the vinaigrette’s flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard – This adds a subtle kick that enhances the overall taste of your dressing.
salt to taste – Seasoning is essential for bringing out all the flavors in your salad.
pepper to taste – Freshly cracked black pepper adds warmth and depth to each bite.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Mandoline
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Sharp knife
Cutting board

How to Make Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego

Step 1:

Using a mandoline, carefully shave the Brussels sprouts into thin ribbons. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even texture throughout the salad. Once they’re beautifully shaved, place them in a large mixing bowl where they’ll mingle with all the other delicious ingredients.

Step 2:

Now it’s time to add some sweetness and crunch! Gently fold in the sliced pears, which should be ripe and juicy, along with the shaved Manchego cheese for that nutty flavor. Toss in the toasted walnuts for added crunch and sprinkle in the dried cranberries for a touch of tartness. This combination will create a delightful salad base.

Step 3:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This vinaigrette will bring all the flavors together beautifully. Keep whisking until you see a lovely emulsion forming—that’s when you know it’s ready!

Step 4:

Drizzle the vinaigrette over your vibrant salad mixture and toss gently to combine everything. Make sure every ingredient is coated with that delicious dressing; it should look glistening and inviting. This step only takes a minute or two!

Step 5:

Serve your salad immediately for the best freshness and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with additional Manchego on top to make it extra special. Enjoy the crunchy textures and sweet flavors of your Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego!

Tips

Use a mandoline for even shaving: A mandoline slicer ensures uniform thickness when shaving Brussels sprouts, resulting in a consistent texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the salad.

Choose ripe pears for sweetness: Opt for medium ripe pears, as they add a natural sweetness that balances the earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts and the nutty Manchego cheese.

Toast walnuts for extra flavor: Toasting walnuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. This step adds a delightful crunch and depth to your salad.

Mix vinaigrette in advance: Whisking the vinaigrette ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together. Preparing it in advance ensures a more cohesive taste when drizzled over the salad.

Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust salt and pepper levels in your vinaigrette; this is crucial for enhancing the flavors of all ingredients in your salad.

Serve immediately for best freshness: Once tossed with the vinaigrette, serve your salad right away. This keeps the Brussels sprouts crisp and prevents them from wilting, ensuring every bite is fresh and vibrant.

Optional Ingredients

Feta cheese: Crumble some creamy feta over the salad for a tangy bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the pears and richness of the Manchego.

Red pepper flakes: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes introduces a delightful kick to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, making the salad more filling while contributing healthy fats.

Lemon zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest brightens up the salad, adding a zesty aroma and refreshing taste that complements the vinaigrette.

Balsamic reduction: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the top for a sweet and tangy finish that enhances both the visual appeal and depth of flavor in every bite.

What to Pair with Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego?

For a delightful starter that complements the freshness of your salad, consider serving a light cucumber and avocado salad. The cool, crisp cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pears, while the creamy avocado adds a rich texture that balances beautifully with the nutty Manchego. Drizzled with a zesty lime vinaigrette, this combination will enhance the overall experience without overwhelming the palate.

To keep the meal grounded yet vibrant, roasted sweet potatoes make an excellent comfort side dish. Their natural sweetness harmonizes with the flavors of the dried cranberries and pears, creating a lovely flavor synergy. Additionally, their tender texture contrasts with the shaved Brussels sprouts, adding depth and satisfaction to your dining experience.

For a drink pairing that elevates your meal, opt for a dry Riesling or sparkling wine. The acidity in these beverages cuts through the richness of the Manchego while enhancing the salad’s fruity notes. A bubbly option can also introduce an element of celebration to your table, making it feel even more inviting as you share this delicious dish with friends or family.

Variations and Substitutions

Grated Pecorino Romano instead: Swap out the Manchego cheese for grated Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor. This Italian cheese adds a distinct kick that complements the sweetness of the pears beautifully.

Arugula instead of Brussels sprouts: Use peppery arugula in place of shaved Brussels sprouts for a fresh and zesty salad. This substitution brings a different texture and a more vibrant flavor profile, making the salad even more refreshing.

Sliced apples instead of pears: Replace ripe pears with thinly sliced crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. This change introduces a crunchy texture and a slightly tart sweetness that pairs well with the cheese and nuts.

Pistachios instead of walnuts: Substitute toasted walnuts with pistachios for a unique flavor twist. The creamy, buttery taste of pistachios enhances the richness of the salad while adding a delightful crunch.

Maple syrup instead of honey: For a vegan-friendly option, replace honey with maple syrup in the vinaigrette. This swap will impart a warm, caramel-like sweetness that elevates the overall taste without sacrificing depth.

Balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar: Change apple cider vinegar to balsamic vinegar in the dressing for a sweeter, richer flavor. This variation gives the salad an earthy depth that beautifully balances the other ingredients.

Chili flakes for added spice: If you’re looking to add some heat, incorporate red chili flakes into the vinaigrette. This simple addition will spice up your salad and create an exciting contrast to the sweet and nutty elements.

To store your Shaved Brussels and Pear Salad with Manchego in the refrigerator, transfer it to an airtight container after it has cooled completely. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for up to 2 days. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in a microwave or let it come to room temperature, but keep in mind that the texture of the Brussels sprouts may soften slightly.

This salad does not freeze well due to its delicate ingredients, particularly the pears and cheese, which can become mushy upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, portion out servings in freezer-safe containers and consume within one month. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy it cold, as reheating is not recommended for maintaining quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese instead of Manchego in this salad?

Absolutely! If you can’t find Manchego, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Parmesan for a similar nutty flavor. Feta or goat cheese can also work well if you prefer a creamier texture.

How do I keep the Brussels sprouts from getting soggy in the salad?

To prevent sogginess, make sure to only add the vinaigrette right before serving. Also, using freshly shaved Brussels sprouts will help maintain their crispness. If you’re making this salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! To make the salad vegan, simply omit the honey from the vinaigrette and replace the Manchego cheese with a plant-based alternative or skip the cheese entirely. The salad will still be delicious and full of flavor.

How do I store leftovers from this salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the vinaigrette separate to maintain the freshness of the ingredients until you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Can I use dried fruit other than cranberries?

Certainly! You can swap dried cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or even chopped dried apricots. Each option will lend a unique sweetness that complements the flavors of the salad.

Is there a way to prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can shave the Brussels sprouts and slice the pears ahead of time; just store them separately in airtight containers. Prepare the vinaigrette as well and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to toss everything together before serving.

Do I need to toast the walnuts for this recipe?

While toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch, it’s not strictly necessary. If you’re short on time, you can use raw walnuts instead, but toasted walnuts will provide a richer taste and better texture in your salad.