Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Chickpeas (Gluten & Dairy Free)

If you think Brussels sprouts are boring, you aren't eating them right! This Raw & Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Chickpeas is full of flavorful textures to take your salad game to the next level. Perfect as a holiday side dish, this Brussels sprout salad is fully gluten free and dairy free.

Thanksgiving is a big deal in our household because we are a foodie family, so we love creating and trying new recipes every holiday meals. We rarely make the same thing twice! As a food blogger, I try to develop 1-2 new side dishes for the holiday season (desserts are my real speciality) and this year I knew I wanted to create some sides that were filling enough for those who may not eat meat.

If you are on the hunt for Thanksgiving and holiday side dishes, then add this recipe to the list! Brussels sprouts and apples are a classic salad combo, but we are taking it up a notch by using a mix of roasted and raw Brussels sprouts, plus adding some roasted chickpeas for crunch and protein. Everything is tossed in a simple honey mustard vinaigrette to pull it all together.

What Makes This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad Better

• Texture explosion: the key to a good salad is different textures and flavors. If everything is too monotone, that's where the salad haters come in. This Brussels sprouts salad contains both shredded brussels and roasted ones for different flavor, plus apples and chickpea for crunch. We get a lot of different textures and flavors in every bite for a very NOT boring salad experience.
• Allergy friendly: gluten free, dairy free, corn free, nut free, and refined sugar free, baby! This healthy Brussels sprouts salad is perfect to bring to the holiday table as everyone can enjoy it. You can even make it vegan!
• Healthy holiday side dish: I know you'd think that salads by nature are nutrient dense, but these days a lot of people consider iceberg lettuce with half a bottle of ranch dressing to be a salad.... sorry to break it to you, that's just not healthy! This delicious Brussels sprout salad recipe is packed with gut healthy fiber, important micronutrients, powerhouse anti-oxidants, and plant protein for the ultimate fall salad full of so much flavor. 

Gut-Friendly and Nutrient-Dense

Brussels sprouts are loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support gut and immune health. Chickpeas add plant-based protein and prebiotic fiber, while apples bring natural sweetness and polyphenols to reduce inflammation. Basically, this salad works hard for your health and your taste buds.

Why Raw and Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a smoky sweetness and tender bite while raw Brussels sprouts provide a fresh crunch. The combo means you don't have to choose and creates a balance of flavor and texture in this holiday side dish.

Healthy Holiday Desserts You'll Love!

Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake

Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Bars with Caramelized Pecans

Gluten Free Maple Sweet Potato Donuts

Healthy Gluten Free Turmeric Cake

Gluten Free Apple Pie Cheesecake Cookies

Brussels Sprouts Salad Ingredients and Substitutions

• Brussels sprouts: you'll need fresh Brussels sprouts, not frozen. Some of them will get roasted and some stay raw and be shredded.
• Apple: your favorite variety of pink or red apple is best. We want some of that sweetness to balance out the flavor profile of this salad.
• Chickpeas: one full can of chickpeas gets roasted for a delicious and salty crunch to counteract the sweetness of the crisp apples. See variations below for a paleo option without beans.
• Olive Oil: be sure to use a high quality olive oil for the dressing.
• Dijon mustard: although I wouldn't call mustard spicy, it adds a slight kick to the dressing to amp up this fall Brussels sprouts salad.
• Balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar: these get emulsified with the oil for the dressing. You can use lemon juice instead of ACV, as well.
• Honey: a little bit of honey adds some sweetness to the acidity of the salad dressing. For a vegan Brussels sprouts salad, use maple syrup.
• Salt, black pepper

How to Make Raw and Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

• Preheat oven to 425F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• De-stem Brussels and cut them in half. Place in a large bowl and add the can of chickpeas. Toss in olive oil and salt.
• Pour the Brussels and chickpeas onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer, making sure the Brussels are cut side down.
• Roast for 35-45 minutes, until Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the edges and chickpeas are crispy. 

• While the Brussels roast, chop the apple, thinly slice the remaining Brussels sprouts, and make the dressing.
• To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly to combine.
• When Brussels and chickpeas are done roasting, let cool for 10 minutes before tossing with the apple, shaved Brussels sprouts, and dressing in a large mixing bowl.
• Serve immediately.

Variations

The fun part about this salad is that you can really switch it up and make it your own. Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Add roasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts. Even some candied walnuts or pecans would be delicious!
• Skip the chickpeas for spicy walnuts or roasted pecans.
• Toss in some dried cranberries or currants for a little bit more sweet softness.
• If you aren't a huge apple fan, you could try adding pears. They aren't as crunchy, but the flavor should still be delicious.
• If you tolerate dairy, you can add some parmesan cheese or even feta!

How to Store Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Chickpeas

This salad tastes best fresh and if you are serving it for a dinner party or holiday dinner, make it as close to eating time as possible. If you have leftovers, you can keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The chickpeas won't stay as crispy, but it will still be delicious.

I've made this salad for meal prep before and eaten it throughout the week as part of my lunch. It tastes great with some roasted chicken on the side.

What to Serve This Healthy Brussels Sprouts Salad with

Serve at the holiday table as a side or even as a main dish for the vegetarians/vegans in attendance.

This salad also tastes great along roasted fish or grilled chicken for a weekday meal.

FAQ

More Healthy Holiday Side Dishes

Pumpkin Seed Pesto Butternut Squash (the most addicting side dish ever!)

If you need an easy side, try my Cinnamon and Ginger Roasted Carrots

Enjoy in season persimmons in this Kale and Persimmon Salad

Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpeas is another healthy side dish for the vegetarians at the table.

This healthy Paleo Mashed Rutabaga and Sweet Potato will make even the classic mashed potato fans happy.

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Chickpeas is the perfect gluten free and dairy free side for holidays. Bursting with texture, flavor, and nutrients, let me know how you served it in the comments!