Name: Brussels Sprout Salad with Smoked Gouda, Pecans, and Dried Cherries
Total time: 55 min
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 small shallot, minced; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ teaspoon table salt; 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved, and sliced very thin; 4 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (1 cup); 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans; 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries

Why This Recipe Works

Instead of roasted brussels sprouts, we wanted a light, bright, raw preparation that was just as delicious. Shredding the brussels sprouts super-thin is key, and letting them sit in the dressing for at least 30 minutes softens them fully and seasons them deeply. To flavor the salad, we chose a simple lemon vinaigrette, rounded out with shallot and mustard. Sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese are the finishing touches.

Before You Begin

Slice the sprouts as thin as possible. Shred the Gouda on the large holes of a box grater.

Instructions

Whisk 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 minced small shallot, 1 minced garlic clove, and ½ teaspoon table salt together in large bowl. Slowly whisk in 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil until incorporated. Toss 2 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved, and sliced very thin, with vinaigrette, and let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Fold in 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda, ½ cup chopped toasted pecans, and ½ cup chopped dried cherries. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.