This easy and indulgent salad begins with a base of shaved Brussels sprouts and pecans, topped with poached pears in a red wine reduction. This vegan fall salad is both stunning and delicious!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts
In our opinion, nothing screams fall quite like Brussels Sprouts. This nutritious recipe features raw shaved Brussels sprouts. You heard that right, no roasting necessary.
In fact, recently we were singing the praises of this miniature cabbage to my sister. However, she told of a bad first experience (like many of us can relate to!) of trying over-cooked boiled Brussels sprouts. Yuck!
But don’t worry, everyone is bound to love it when this vegetable is shaved and eaten raw instead of boiled.
Sweet Red Wine Poached Pears
Although the sprouts are deliciously crunchy, the real star of this salad is a poached pear bursting with fall flavor.
By simmering whole firm pears in a red wine and maple syrup reduction, this mild fruit is transformed into a tender and elegant topping for a healthy seasonal salad. You can feel good about eating these poached pears!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- Brussels Sprouts – Hearty Brussels sprouts are shaved for a softer bite and wonderful cabbage flavor.
- Pears – Juicy pears are peeled and cooked in a deeply flavorful wine sauce.
- Red Wine – The dry and slightly sweet wine gets reduced to create a wonderful dressing.
- Lemon Peel – Bright lemon peel is boiled in the wine to create depth of flavor.
- Maple Syrup – Mild maple syrup is added to help the wine to thicken as it reduces.
- Aromatics – A combination of cinnamon and cloves provide a rich fall flavor for this gorgeous salad.
- Pecans – Crunchy pecans are added at the end to add protein and amazing texture.
FAQ & Brussels Sprout & Poached Pear Salad Tips:
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What type of red wine is best for poaching pears?
- We recommend using a dry fruit forward red wine such as merlot, cabernet sauvignon, or shiraz for this recipe. Alternatively, you can also use a white wine or even sugar water, if preferred.
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Should pears be ripe for poaching?
- Nope! It’s actually best if the pears are firm. Poaching fruit is a great way to make use of all fruit no matter its ripeness.
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Wait to Peel the Pears 🍐
- Once the pears are peeled, they will begin to brown due to oxidation. Therefore, we recommend peeling the pears right before you are ready to add them to the red wine mixture.
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Time Savor ⏰
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Use a food processor with a slicing blade to shave your Brussels sprouts in minutes.
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Mix It Up 🔀
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Not the biggest fan of raw Brussels sprouts? Try a bed of greens instead.
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Switch out the pecans for another nut of your choice (For example: hazelnuts, cashews, or slivered almonds).
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Instead of pears, try another poached fruit such as apples, plums, peaches, or nectarines.
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A Festive Fall Salad
If you are planning to host a fall dinner, wow your guests with this elegant and scrumptious salad. Not only will it look beautiful on the table, but it will also delight your taste buds and your home will smell heavenly. Enjoy!
Finally, if you have made this salad, we would love to hear what you think! Please comment down below and be sure to rate the recipe. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks so much!
Additionally, you can also take a photo and tag us on Instagram or Facebook. We would love to get your feedback! Happy cooking! 😄
Brussels Sprouts & Poached Pear Salad
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Appetizer
- Method: Shave, Poach, Reduce
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vegan fall salad featuring shaved Brussels sprouts, pecans, and a red wine poached pear. This healthy side is both elegant and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Brussels Sprouts (Shaved)
- 3 Pears (Firm, Peeled)
- 1 750ml Bottle of Red Wine
- 1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
- 1/2 Lemon Peel
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 1 tsp Whole Cloves
- 2 Star Anise (Optional)
- ¼ Cup Pecans (Chopped)
Instructions
- Trim the Brussels sprouts and peel off the outer layer. Using a food processor or a knife, slice the Brussels sprouts into thin shavings. Set aside.
- Pour the wine and syrup into a sauce pot and add the lemon peel, cinnamon stick, cloves and star anise.
- Allow the wine mixture to come to a simmer over medium low heat. Peel the pears right before adding them to the simmering wine.
- Allow to cook, covered for 25-30 minutes or until tender. Turn the pears occasionally for even poaching.
- Remove the pears from the liquid. Bring the wine back to a boil and stir occasionally uncovered until it is reduced a lot and when cooled it is your desired consistency.
- Plate the shaved Brussels sprouts and top with poached pear, chopped pecans and a drizzle of wine reduction. Enjoy!
- Leftover salad and dressing should be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- The equipment listed above contains affiliate links to products that we personally use, love, and recommend!
Keywords: Brussels Sprouts & Poached Pear Salad, Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe, Vegan Fall Salad Recipe
Check Out These Other Recipes Featuring Brussels Sprouts!
Vegan Creamy Kimchi Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Orange Brussels Sprouts
This is a beautiful looking recipe. Pears are my favorite fruit so I will definitely be trying this. I look forward to Meatless Makeovers postings — the pictures are so professional and the recipes easy to make, thank you.
★★★★★
Thank you for your support, Theresa! We truly appreciate it. Also, we hope you do try this recipe. The pears are to die for!