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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
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
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!
Valerie says
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. 😉
www.you-made-that.com says
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!
Donalyn @ The Creekside Cook says
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!
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
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!
Kitchen Riffs says
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.
Jean says
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. 🙂
Patty Price says
I just found the best avocados at the farmer's market and I'm just loving your very creative salad Chris!
Debra Eliotseats says
Loved your shaved asparagus salad, so I am going to try this!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I'm not much of a brussels sprout person but I'd gladly devour this any day of the week!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
I have never ever seen brussel sprouts prepared like this. How clever Chris! Totally unpredictable 🙂
GLENDA CHILDERS says
Chris, This is so creative and looks delicious.
Fondly,
Glenda
Gloria Baker says
I love this salad!;)
Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says
This is the definition of a super food! Great combo with the avocado and Brussels sprouts - but more enticing with the honey ginger vinaigrette!
Shulie Foodwanderings says
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.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
A pile of deliciousness...All the photos are stunning!
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says
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!
peps says
The photos....are awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Mom Chef says
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. 🙂
Pam says
It looks lovely, flavorful, and so gourmet. YUM!