Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad: A Colorful, Nutrient-Packed Delight

If you’ve been searching for a salad that blends texture, flavor, and nutrition into one beautiful bowl, this Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad is the answer. The earthy crunch of shredded Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly with fluffy quinoa, tart-sweet cranberries, and buttery toasted pecans. Finished with a bright orange vinaigrette, it’s the kind of dish that feels festive enough for a holiday table yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. In this article, we’ll explore why Brussels sprouts and quinoa are a nutritional dream team, how cranberries and citrus elevate the flavor profile, and creative ways to serve this salad year-round.

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Why Brussels Sprouts and Quinoa Make the Perfect Salad Base

Nutritional Powerhouse Combination

Brussels sprouts and quinoa are a duo made for healthy eating. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support immunity and bone health. Quinoa, a gluten-free seed, provides complete plant-based protein along with magnesium, iron, and fiber. Together, they create a salad that’s hearty enough to satisfy while staying light and energizing.

Texture That Keeps You Coming Back

The best salads have a balance of textures, and this recipe delivers in every bite. Shredded Brussels sprouts offer a crisp base, quinoa adds a soft, fluffy element, and pecans contribute a satisfying crunch. The chewy cranberries provide a sweet contrast that keeps the flavors exciting. This balance ensures the salad feels indulgent without relying on heavy dressings or cheeses.

A Salad for All Seasons

While it shines on a holiday table, this salad is equally perfect for summer picnics or spring brunches. Serve it alongside grilled proteins or as a standalone vegetarian main. For more vibrant salad inspiration, check out our Vegan Niçoise Salad for another plant-forward option packed with flavor and color.

The Bright Flavor of Orange Vinaigrette

Citrus Brings Freshness to the Table

A great salad dressing should do more than coat the ingredients—it should elevate them. In this Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad, the orange vinaigrette is the flavor anchor. Fresh orange juice adds natural sweetness and brightness, cutting through the earthiness of Brussels sprouts and the nuttiness of quinoa. It also enhances the tang of dried cranberries, tying all the elements together in a harmonious way.

Balancing Sweet, Tangy, and Savory

The magic lies in the balance. Apple cider vinegar provides a gentle tang that complements the citrus, while Dijon mustard offers depth and a subtle bite. Olive oil rounds out the vinaigrette with smooth richness. Just a pinch of sea salt and black pepper is all you need to make the flavors pop without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

A Dressing That Works Beyond This Salad

This vinaigrette isn’t just for Brussels sprouts. You can drizzle it over grain bowls, roasted root vegetables, or even a simple kale salad for a quick flavor boost. The citrus base makes it adaptable to both sweet and savory combinations. For another salad dressing that shines in plant-forward recipes, explore our Chickpea Salad Bowl for a different but equally vibrant approach.

Assembling the Perfect Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad

Step-by-Step for the Best Results

To get the most from this salad, start with fresh Brussels sprouts and shred them thinly so they absorb the dressing without becoming soggy. Cook your quinoa ahead of time and let it cool completely for a light, fluffy texture. Toast the pecans to bring out their natural oils and deepen their flavor. Once all your components are ready, combine the Brussels sprouts, quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and shallots in a large mixing bowl.

Dressing for Maximum Flavor

Pour the orange vinaigrette over the ingredients just before serving, tossing gently so every element gets coated. The dressing should lightly cling to the sprouts and quinoa without pooling at the bottom of the bowl. If you’re preparing the salad in advance, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep the sprouts crisp.

Presentation That Impresses

Serve this salad in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase its color and texture. Garnish with a few extra cranberries or pecans for visual appeal. This makes it perfect for holiday tables or potlucks where presentation matters as much as taste. If you love hearty, protein-rich salads, you might also enjoy exploring a quinoa and sprouts salad variation by adding roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for an extra boost.

Creative Variations and High-Protein Twists

Boosting the Protein

While quinoa already offers a complete source of plant-based protein, you can increase the protein content even further for a more filling meal. Roasted chickpeas, grilled chicken, or seared tempeh are excellent additions. For a vegetarian high-protein Brussels sprout salad, consider adding hemp seeds or edamame for a nutrient-dense boost that blends seamlessly with the existing flavors.

Holiday-Ready Upgrades

For a festive twist, swap pecans for candied walnuts or add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for extra color. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can brighten the flavor, while shaved Parmesan offers a savory note that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.

Warm Comfort Food Adaptation

You can easily turn this salad into a warm dish by lightly sautéing the shredded Brussels sprouts before mixing them with the quinoa and dressing. For a heartier meal, try a Brussels sprouts and quinoa casserole by adding cheese, a light cream sauce, and baking until golden and bubbling.

FAQs

Quinoa and sprouts salad
Quinoa pairs beautifully with shredded Brussels sprouts for a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Add dried fruits and nuts for texture and flavor.

Kale Brussels sprout quinoa salad
You can mix shredded kale with Brussels sprouts for a hearty, nutrient-rich base. Massage the greens with a bit of olive oil to soften before adding quinoa and toppings.

Brussels sprouts and quinoa casserole
Combine cooked quinoa, sautéed Brussels sprouts, cheese, and a light sauce in a baking dish. Bake until the top is golden for a warm, comforting dish.

High-protein Brussels sprout salad
Boost protein by adding chickpeas, tofu, grilled chicken, or hemp seeds. Quinoa already provides complete plant-based protein, making this salad naturally satisfying.

Conclusion

The Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad proves that healthy eating can be colorful, satisfying, and full of flavor. With its crisp Brussels sprouts, fluffy quinoa, chewy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, every bite delivers a balance of taste and texture. The bright orange vinaigrette ties it all together, making this salad perfect for holidays, meal prep, or quick weekday lunches. Whether you keep it simple or customize it with your favorite protein or seasonal ingredients, this dish is a fresh, versatile addition to your recipe collection.

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