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There's something my mother used to tell me quite often and, though I was just a kid, it drove me crazy every time she said it. I'm not sure if she used this one on my brothers and/or sisters but with me, she used this phrase frequently. I can still hear her saying it. It irked me to no end, even though it was true. "I can read you like a book!", she would say. It was mostly when I had shenanigans on the brain. And, almost without exception, she would circumvent my ideas before I even got started. Widowed at 40 years old, with 6 kids to care for, her motto was to "Always stay one step ahead of 'em.". And she did. And I didn't like it one bit, especially when she said the thing about "the book".
As I've grown older and I look back at my mom's intuition, I appreciate the fact that she kept tabs on me and it makes me smile. I think it's because, though many yeas have passed and I now have grown kids of my own, I haven't changed too much in this respect; while I like being dependable, I don't always like being predictable. I don't like being put in a box, people assuming that they know everything about me and exactly what my next move will be. How about you? Do you like it when others "peg" you and think they can "read you like a book."? Yeah, I didn't think so.
You may be wondering what all this has to do with Brussels sprouts. A lot. Many people have written them off, never to be re-visited. Do you still think of them as those abhorred, soggy and bitter veggies on the Thanksgiving table, you know, the ones you choked down with big swallows of milk, or better yet, lined up under the rim of your dinner plate, hopefully to be discovered when you were long gone? (Oh yeah, after one attempt, my mom had that one figured out too!) Maybe you've grown more tolerant of them, perhaps you even like them as they've come into "vogue" in recent years ............. roasted with smokey bacon ............... sautéed till golden with a myriad of delicious ingredients ............... becoming "stars" and "features" in autumn gourmet culinary magazines.
But they're still relegated or "boxed" into the Fall season, for the most part. I have a surprise for you. Brussels sprouts are a delightful, healthy addition to any season's cuisine. They're actually harvested in California from June through January and are available in larger markets year round.
I been buying beautiful bags of them at Trader Joe's all during this Spring season.
Okay, I have to be perfectly honest and tell you that when I was given the assignment by The California Avocado Commission to create an Avocado and Brussels Sprout Salad, I was sure that they wanted it for a Fall promotion. When I asked Angela, the marketing director about it, she said, "No, we won't be using it as a seasonal recipe.". Okay, now it was time to think outside the box (or the "book"). I let my imagination start swirling, tried a few different ideas and came up with this light, healthy salad that definitely knows no seasonal boundaries.
I decided to go with an Asian flair, slicing the Brussels sprouts into ribbons and adding shredded cabbage, sesame seeds and a handful of dried cranberries for a bit of sweetness. The dressing is bursting with delicious flavor and includes rice vinegar, honey, fresh ginger, canola oil and a splash of sesame oil. I also added a squirt of Sriacha for a bit of heat and contrast with the sweet honey.
With lots of fresh, diced avocado, these are definitely not the Brussels sprouts of yesteryear! Even if you think you don't like these miniature green cabbages, I think you'll be shocked when you take the first taste of this wonderful salad. It's a bit like opening up a brand new book, a delicious, never-been-read-before book!
Disclaimer:
We are compensated by The California Avocado Commission for our recipe development and photography, but the opinions are very much our own.
Click here for the recipe:
California Avocado & Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad w/ Honey-Ginger Vinaigrette
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This salad looks incredible! I enjoy Brussels sprouts, and love avocado - so I am all over this!!
And Mom's always have that knack for knowing what their kids are up to - comes with the territory!
I'm not in the Brussels sprouts fan club but I have to admit, this salad looks amazing!! I think you've talked me into a revisit. 😉
Chris I have to say brussel sprouts are not on my favorite veggie list but you make a really strong case here to give them a second chance to make the list. The dressing with my favorite fruit avocados, plus dried cranberries... yep it's a strong case indeed!
We love brussels sprouts around here, and I'm glad to see another recipe for them here - it will be awhile till we see any in the garden, but I'll bookmark this recipe till then! And my Mom always said the exact same thing - thanks for bringing up those memories!
Chris, beautiful and healthy salad with a delicious sounding vinaigrette! But we do not get Brussels sprouts (Rosenkohl) in spring or in summer, around here, this is strictly a winter vegetable and we are always told that Brussels sprouts are best after the first winter frost. So, you certainly surprised me with this delicious recipe and I have learned somthing new!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
I like any kind of shaved veggie. Great way to prepare Brussels sprouts! I wouldn't have thought to pair avocado with them - interesting idea. Thanks for this.
I didn't grow up eating brussels sprouts but now I love them. This is a salad that's being added to my to-make list.
PS: I eat them year round, too. 🙂
I just found the best avocados at the farmer's market and I'm just loving your very creative salad Chris!
Loved your shaved asparagus salad, so I am going to try this!
I'm not much of a brussels sprout person but I'd gladly devour this any day of the week!
I have never ever seen brussel sprouts prepared like this. How clever Chris! Totally unpredictable 🙂
Chris, This is so creative and looks delicious.
Fondly,
Glenda
I love this salad!;)
This is the definition of a super food! Great combo with the avocado and Brussels sprouts - but more enticing with the honey ginger vinaigrette!
OMGoodness I love this salad and this vinaigrette. I always have all of the above ingredients handy so this is perfect! Thanks for the inspiration.
A pile of deliciousness...All the photos are stunning!
That is such a tasty looking tower of freshness, Chris! I love the flavors you paired and the vinaigrette sounds just sensational. Great recipe and photos, thanks for sharing!
The photos....are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love Brussels Sprouts but have to admit that I've never had them raw. Having them together with avocado, though? I'm sold. It looks amazing.
As far as mom's go...mine had my number too. Of course, now it's my turn. 🙂
It looks lovely, flavorful, and so gourmet. YUM!
I like this new avocado avenue you are on. Being born in california, I think they must have mashed them up and put them in our "pablum" or something-we love anything avocado. And i have learned to dress up brussels sprouts so even barry likes them. This looks so delicious-i don't even think i will mention the brussels sprout word until after it has been eaten. Thanks for another great recipe, Chris, see you sometime soon!
My husband loves brussel sprouts, I love avocado. This recipe might be the marriage of those ingredients for us! Thanks - I'll be trying this recipe soon.
I love the idea of shredding the sprouts and that dressing! Oh my. Your mom sounds fun - and wise! Such a great memory for you. Have a great weekend Chris.
I adore Brussels sprouts...the salad looks and sounds splendid, Chris.
A delicious salad,it's very complet.
Best regards
This is a winner to be sure! It looks and sounds delicious. Have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary
I've made a shaved brussels sprouts salad, but adding avocado was genius! Love it! And your mom sounds like a gem...I can't imagine being widowed at 40. How tough for you all. xo
THE PHOTOS..:) Wow.
We love brussel sprouts and shredded ..so easy to eat:)
The dressing has all the ings I love too..
I have to try everything to get my family to eat Brussels sprouts. Maybe this will succeed. The salad sure sounds good to me.
Good job Chris. We usually have them roasted, but this sounds like a new way that we would like.
I love shaved salads, this looks so tasty!
I'm sure I would love this salad and the dressing is sure to be a fave around here. And no I don't like being read by others either.
Actually, right now I'm assuming brussels sprout are just a kind of cabbage! And I love cabbage raw, in a slaw, any kind of slaws... This salad looks like something really good, I like it!
Sencillamente espectacular!!.
I love brussels sprouts and your salad looks great:@)
This looks really good! In the UK brussels sprouts are pretty seasonal though - they won't be available until October.
Not the first time I tell you I love your way as healthy cooking, Chris. I look forward to each new posting yours, and would not know which I like more;) Congratulations for your work and share your ideas with everyone I know and my friends!
A very big hug!
That is such a lovely story!! Wow, your Mom had 6 kids and had to raise them by herself. Your poor Mom!!! Your sprouts sound amazing! I have a bag that I got from TJ's and I have all the ingredients. This is going to be my dinner for tonight! Have a great weekend!
I adore brussels sprouts! I love shaved brussels sprouts in a salad. You make some amazing salads and this one is no exception. My mouth is drooling. Love, love, love!
I love Brussels sprouts but I just realized that I never had raw Brussels sprouts before! I always stir fry, cook, or put in soup/stew. I must try this one out! I like that you made it Asian flavor too. 🙂 Healthy and delicious, perfect for this season!
I love Brussels sprouts, but no one else my family does. Perhaps this will have them changing their minds - especially if I don't tell them what's in the salad.
I have never heard of slicing up the brussels sprouts this thin, but it sounds good. By the way, I love your colander! I am going over to looks, because the dressing also looks SO good! And NO, I don't like being read like a book, makes me feel too vulnerable.
I would be with the masses that had bad memories of eating brussel sprouts. That changed a few years ago when my daughter sautéed some for me lightly in a pan.
Your salad looks like a perfect way to enjoy brussels sprouts any time of the year! Pair anything with avocado and it gets my vote. 🙂
I never in a million years dreamed I would ever like Brussels sprouts, but I assure you, they have become my favorite vegetable. I grew up eating them boiled-to-mush...no wonder, I hated them.
Awhile back, I went to P.F. Chang's for dinner, and they had shaved Brussels sprouts with lemon (or something like that). They looked good, so I tried them...and I was hooked. Now, I make them that way all the time...lightly sauteed, so they're crisp-tender, with a bit of lemon or balsamic.
They moved to the top of my favorites list. I will definitely be trying your recipe.