Irresistible Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps in 30 Minutes

Name: Irresistible Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shaved; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup Caesar dressing; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup croutons

Author: lia

Published: October 30, 2025

Shaved Brussels sprout Caesar with parmesan crisps

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to breathe new life into a Caesar salad – shaved Brussels sprouts! I know, it sounds a little unexpected, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. The earthy, slightly nutty flavor of the sprouts pairs so perfectly with the tangy Caesar dressing, and those crispy parmesan crisps? Oh, they’re the star of the show. I’ve been making this shaved Brussels sprout Caesar with parmesan crisps for years, and it’s become my go-to for everything from quick weeknight dinners to impressive dinner parties. It’s healthy, fresh, and packed with flavor – everything a salad should be. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Shaved Brussels sprout Caesar with parmesan crisps - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

This isn’t your average Caesar salad – it’s better! Here’s why I’m obsessed with this shaved Brussels sprout version:

Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – the crisps bake while you prep the sprouts!
That satisfying crunch: The combination of shaved sprouts and crispy parmesan is pure texture heaven.
Healthier twist: Brussels sprouts pack way more nutrients than romaine, but still soak up that creamy dressing perfectly.
Meal or side: Perfect as-is for lunch, or add chicken to make it a complete meal – my go-to for easy dinners.
Always impresses: That golden parmesan crisp topping makes it look fancy with zero effort.

Seriously, once you try this version, you might never go back to regular Caesar salad again!

Ingredients for Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

Here’s what you’ll need to make this shaved Brussels sprout Caesar salad with those irresistible parmesan crisps:

1 lb Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and shaved (a mandoline works wonders here!).
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated works best for those crisps.
1/2 cup Caesar dressing: Homemade or store-bought – your choice!
1/4 cup olive oil: For drizzling or tossing, depending on your preference.
1 clove garlic: Minced finely for that subtle kick.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked, of course.
1/4 tsp salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors.
1/4 cup croutons: For that extra crunch.

Simple, right? Just a handful of fresh ingredients to create something truly special.

How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

Ready to make this show-stopping salad? It’s easier than you think! Here’s how to pull it all together:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This gives it time to heat up while you prep the parmesan crisps.
Make the parmesan crisps first. Spread the grated parmesan in small mounds on a baking sheet – I like to leave a little space between each one so they don’t melt together.
Bake for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want them golden and crisp, but not burnt. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft at first.
Let the crisps cool. This is crucial for that perfect crunch. While they’re cooling, toss your shaved Brussels sprouts with Caesar dressing. Don’t be shy – coat them well!
Top with croutons and parmesan crisps. Break the crisps into smaller pieces if you like, or leave them whole for a dramatic touch.
Serve immediately. This salad is best fresh, so dive in while everything’s crisp and delicious!

Shaved Brussels sprout Caesar with parmesan crisps - detail 2

Preparing the Parmesan Crisps

These little golden wonders are the secret to making this salad unforgettable. Spread the grated parmesan into small mounds on a baking sheet – I like to use about a tablespoon per crisp. Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden and just starting to brown around the edges. Let them cool completely on the sheet – this is when they’ll firm up into those crispy, cheesy bites you’ll love.

Assembling the Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad

Once your parmesan crisps are ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with Caesar dressing until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle on the croutons, then break the parmesan crisps into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the top. Serve immediately to keep everything fresh and crunchy – trust me, it’s worth it!

Tips for Perfect Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

Want to take your shaved Brussels sprout Caesar to the next level? Here are my foolproof tricks:

Mandoline magic: A mandoline slicer gives you perfectly thin, even shavings in seconds – just watch those fingers!
Dress later: Only toss what you’ll eat right away – undressed leftovers keep fresh for days in the fridge.
Protein boost: Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal – my go-to for easy dinners.
Fresh is best: Grate your own parmesan for the crisps – the pre-shredded stuff never gets quite as crispy.
Temperature matters: Let your cheese come to room temp before baking for perfectly melty crisps.

These little tweaks make all the difference between good and absolutely amazing!

Variations for Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

One of my favorite things about this salad is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved) over the years:

Bacon boost: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch – because everything’s better with bacon, right?
Greens swap: Try kale instead of Brussels sprouts for a different texture (just massage those leaves first!).
Dressing change-up: Swap the Caesar for a bright lemon vinaigrette when you want something lighter.
Nutty addition: Toasted walnuts or pine nuts add amazing depth of flavor.
Protein power: Top with grilled salmon or steak slices for a heartier meal.

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

This salad shines all on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it:

With grilled chicken: My go-to for turning it into a complete meal – the flavors pair perfectly!
Alongside crusty bread: For soaking up any extra dressing – trust me, you’ll want to.
With a light soup: Tomato basil or minestrone make great partners for a balanced lunch.
At dinner parties: Serve in individual bowls with whole parmesan crisps on top – so elegant!

However you serve it, it’s always a hit!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

To keep your salad fresh, store the shaved Brussels sprouts and dressing separately in airtight containers – they’ll stay crisp for up to 3 days. Keep the parmesan crisps in a separate bag or container at room temperature to maintain their crunch. When ready to serve, toss everything together and enjoy!

Nutritional Information for Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious serving of this salad (based on my recipe):

Calories: About 280 per serving
Fat: 22g (with 5g saturated fat)
Protein: 8g – not bad for a salad!
Carbs: 16g
Fiber: 5g – thanks to those Brussels sprouts
Sugar: Just 4g naturally occurring

Keep in mind these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients (especially the dressing – homemade vs store-bought makes a difference!). But hey, with all those Brussels sprouts packed with vitamin C and K, you’re definitely getting some serious nutrition!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar with Parmesan Crisps

I get asked about this salad all the time! Here are the most common questions with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I use pre-shredded Brussels sprouts?
You can, but freshly shaved really is better. Pre-shredded tends to dry out and lose that perfect crunch. If you must use them, look for the freshest package and give them a quick rinse and pat dry first.

How long do parmesan crisps stay crispy?
About 2-3 days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Just don’t refrigerate them – the moisture will make them soggy!

Can I make this salad ahead?
Absolutely! Just keep components separate until serving. The shaved sprouts hold up great for 3-4 days undressed in the fridge, and the crisps can be made up to 2 days ahead.

What if I don’t have a mandoline?
No worries! A sharp knife works too – just slice the sprouts as thinly as possible. Or pop them in a food processor with the slicing blade for quick results.

Is there a vegan version?
Sure! Use nutritional yeast crisps instead of parmesan and your favorite vegan Caesar dressing. The sprouts will still be delicious!

Give This Shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar a Try!

I promise you – one bite of this salad and you’ll be hooked! The crisp sprouts, creamy dressing, and those irresistible parmesan crisps create something truly special. I’d love to hear how yours turns out – did you add any fun twists? Share your experience below, and happy crunching! You can find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.