Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette: A Fresh Southern Side with Bold Flavor
When you’re looking for something crisp, fresh, and full of flavor to bring to the table, this Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is one of those go-to southern recipes that works in all kinds of settings.
It’s simple to throw together, uses everyday ingredients, and brings together a mix of salty, sweet, and tangy that keeps folks coming back for another helping.
This easy Brussels sprouts salad recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want something that feels a little elevated without a lot of fuss.
Whether you’re prepping a holiday meal, packing a healthy lunch, or need a unique side dish for a backyard cookout, this one works.
It’s great for folks trying to eat more fresh veggies without losing the comfort and heartiness that southern food brings.
What Makes This Salad Stand Out?
It’s the balance of flavors that sets this shredded Brussels sprouts salad with maple vinaigrette apart.
The sweetness of the honeycrisp apple and maple syrup vinaigrette cuts through the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.
Salty bacon, crunchy candied pecans, and tangy dried cranberries round it all out. It’s a mix of texture and flavor that makes every bite feel intentional.
This isn’t your average side salad—this is one you’ll start building meals around.
When to Serve This Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
You can serve this year-round, but it’s especially good in the fall and winter months when apples and Brussels sprouts are in season.
That said, it’s just as welcome in the summer next to grilled chicken or a pulled pork sandwich.
Serve it for: holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas, potlucks and church gatherings, weeknight dinners when you need a fast, healthy side, or Sunday meal prep for a week’s worth of lunches.
Where This Salad Belongs on Your Table
Think of this salad as a reliable side that slides right into just about any southern meal.
It’s fresh enough for a lighter dinner spread but bold enough to sit next to ribs, fried chicken, or roast turkey.
You can also serve it chilled as a refreshing contrast to warm, rich mains.
Want to make it a full meal?
Top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced steak. It also pairs great with baked sweet potatoes or a big bowl of soup.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again and Again
This is one of those healthy Brussels sprouts recipes with bacon that doesn’t feel like you’re trying too hard.
It’s filling, full of flavor, and comes together fast—no fancy cooking techniques, just a food processor and a jar to shake up that vinaigrette.
Plus, you can prep the components ahead of time and toss everything together right before serving, which makes it ideal for entertaining or keeping in the fridge for the week.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts Salad with a Homemade Maple Vinaigrette
If you’ve never worked with raw Brussels sprouts before, don’t worry.
Shredding them in a food processor (or chopping them finely by hand) turns them into a crunchy base that holds up well, even after dressing.
The real star of this recipe is the maple lemon vinaigrette. It’s sweet and tangy with just the right amount of bite.
You simply shake everything together in a mason jar—no blender, no stovetop, no hassle.
Looking to make it your own?
Here are a few easy swaps: use turkey bacon or pancetta instead of pork bacon, add shredded cheddar or goat cheese for a creamy element, try walnuts or sunflower seeds in place of pecans, or use a granny smith apple and add a little extra maple syrup to balance the tartness.
This Brussels sprouts salad with apple, bacon, and maple vinaigrette is a fresh twist on a southern staple and brings something new to the table without straying too far from the familiar.
Keep it in your back pocket for holiday meals, potlucks, or just a weeknight when dinner needs a little something extra.
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Ingredients for Salad:
1 lb whole brussel sprouts, shredded or Finely chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped
4 slices bacon, fried and chopped
1/3 cup candied pecans
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 honey crisp apple, chopped
Ingredients for Maple Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup Olive Oil (high quality EVOO)
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Place Brussels sprouts in a food processor and shred.
Cook your bacon, drain and let cool 3-4 mins then chop up.
Add shredded brussel sprouts, red onion, pecans, cranberries, apples and chopped bacon to a large bowl.
In a mason jar add all of the vinaigrette ingredients.
Secure with a lid and shake until combined.
Toss salad in dressing when ready to serve.
Notes:
If you don’t have a food processor, fine chop the Brussels sprouts.
Feel free to add shredded cheese and or protein (chicken or shrimp).
Sub turkey bacon, pancetta or Canadian bacon for the bacon.
Flavor Profile Notes:
If adjusting any of the ingredients remember to keep the flavors balanced, for example, the apple brings sweetness to the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.
If using a granny smith apple, you’ll want to add more maple syrup to the dressing so the flavors aren’t too tart.
The bacon adds saltiness to the salad, which balanced by the sweetness of the vinaigrette.
If you don’t like the taste of the onion, blanche them in a bowl of water for 5-10 minutes before placing in the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions for Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
What is the best way to shred Brussels sprouts for salad recipes? The easiest way to shred Brussels sprouts for a salad is by using a food processor with the slicing attachment. It creates thin, even pieces perfect for raw salads. If you don’t have one, you can finely slice them with a sharp knife or use a mandoline slicer. Using shredded Brussels sprouts makes the salad easier to eat and helps the dressing coat every bite.
Can I make a Brussels sprouts salad with bacon and maple vinaigrette ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this Brussels sprouts salad with bacon and maple vinaigrette up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve so the salad stays fresh and crisp. Cook and chop the bacon, shred the Brussels sprouts, and prep the apple right before serving to keep it from browning.
Is raw Brussels sprouts salad healthy to eat? Raw Brussels sprouts salad is a healthy option, especially when made with fresh ingredients like apples, cranberries, and a homemade maple vinaigrette. Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious base for any salad recipe. Adding bacon and pecans provides protein and healthy fats, creating a balanced dish.
What kind of dressing goes best with Brussels sprouts and apple salad? A homemade maple vinaigrette is one of the best dressings for Brussels sprouts and apple salad. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while lemon juice brings acidity to balance the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts. Olive oil, salt, and black pepper tie everything together for a simple, flavorful dressing.
Can I use pre-shredded Brussels sprouts from the store for this salad? Yes, using pre-shredded Brussels sprouts is a great time-saver for this easy Brussels sprouts salad recipe. Make sure they’re fresh and not too thickly cut. Pre-shredded sprouts work well when you’re short on time and still want a quick, healthy side dish.
What protein can I add to a Brussels sprouts salad to make it a meal? To turn this shredded Brussels sprouts salad into a full meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sliced steak. These proteins complement the sweet and savory flavors of the salad and help create a satisfying, high-protein Brussels sprouts lunch or dinner option.
How long does Brussels sprouts salad with vinaigrette last in the fridge? Once tossed in the maple vinaigrette, this salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep the texture crisp longer, store the salad and dressing separately and mix just before eating. This makes it a great make-ahead option for meal prepping.
What apples are best for a Brussels sprouts and apple salad? Honeycrisp apples are ideal for a Brussels sprouts and apple salad because they’re sweet, crisp, and hold up well in the mix. If you prefer a tart flavor, granny smith apples work too—just consider adding extra maple syrup to the dressing to balance the acidity.
Can I make this Brussels sprouts salad without bacon? Absolutely. For a vegetarian Brussels sprouts salad, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a meat-free option like crispy chickpeas or smoked almonds. You’ll still get great texture and flavor, especially with the candied pecans and maple dressing.
What are some easy variations of Brussels sprouts salad with maple dressing? You can customize this Brussels sprouts salad in a lot of ways. Try adding crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar. Swap cranberries for chopped dates or dried cherries. You can even use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. This makes it one of the most versatile Brussels sprouts salad recipes to keep in rotation.
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Ingredients for Salad:
1 lb whole brussel sprouts, shredded or Finely chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped
4 slices bacon, fried and chopped
1/3 cup candied pecans
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 honey crisp apple, chopped
Ingredients for Maple Vinaigrette:
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup Olive Oil (high quality EVOO)
1 lemon, juiced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Place Brussels sprouts in a food processor and shred.
Cook your bacon, drain and let cool 3-4 mins then chop up.
Add shredded Brussels sprouts, red onion, pecans, cranberries, apples and chopped bacon to a large bowl.
In a mason jar add all of the vinaigrette ingredients.
Refreshing Homemade Strawberry Lemonade for Hot Southern Days
If there’s one thing we know down South, it’s how to beat the heat—and nothing cools you off like a tall glass of homemade strawberry lemonade.
This easy strawberry lemonade recipe is made with real fruit and fresh lemon juice, perfect for everything from backyard cookouts to lazy front porch sittin’.
If you’re looking for the best way to make strawberry lemonade at home without a lot of fuss, this one’s for you.
This recipe is for anyone craving a simple, fresh drink that’s packed with real flavor.
Whether you’re making drinks for a summer birthday party, looking to swap out store-bought lemonade with something homemade, or just want a treat to go with dinner on a hot evening, this is an easy go-to.
It’s great for busy parents who want to skip the powdered mixes and serve something better.
Kids love it, too—especially when it’s served in mason jars with a few sliced strawberries on top.
What Makes This Homemade Lemonade Special?
This isn’t your average pink lemonade from a bottle.
We’re talking about a fresh strawberry lemonade made from scratch with real ingredients—ripe strawberries, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a homemade simple syrup.
No concentrates, no shortcuts. Just honest flavor that’s sweet, tangy, and naturally fruity.
Because you’re blending real strawberries and straining them, you end up with a smooth lemonade that’s perfect for sipping over ice.
The fresh lemon juice gives it just the right bite, while the strawberries mellow things out with natural sweetness.
When to Serve Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
Homemade strawberry lemonade is perfect all year, but it really shines during warmer months. Serve it at:
Summer BBQs and cookouts
4th of July celebrations
Baby showers or bridal showers
Pool parties or outdoor get-togethers
Weeknight dinners when you want something cold and refreshing
It’s also a great non-alcoholic drink option for guests. You can make a big batch ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge.
Where to Enjoy a Glass of Fresh Lemonade
This easy strawberry lemonade is a backyard staple, but you don’t have to wait for a party to enjoy it.
Pour a glass after mowing the lawn, pack it in a cooler for the ballpark, or make a batch to take to the beach.
It travels well in a pitcher or jug, and you can dress it up with a few lemon slices or whole strawberries for serving.
Want to elevate it for the adults?
Add a splash of vodka or rum to turn it into a quick summer cocktail. Or freeze it into popsicles for the kids.
You can even use it to make strawberry lemonade slushies in the blender on extra hot days.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
People search for easy homemade strawberry lemonade because they want real flavor without a lot of effort—and that’s exactly what this delivers.
You control the sweetness, the tartness, and you know exactly what’s going into every sip. It’s budget-friendly, uses basic pantry and produce items, and comes together fast.
This fresh fruit lemonade also keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it in the morning and have it ready whenever you need it.
It’s a small batch recipe but can be doubled easily for parties or family gatherings.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Lemonade at Home
If you’ve never made lemonade from scratch, don’t worry. The steps are straightforward and don’t require fancy tools.
All you need is a saucepan for the syrup, a blender for the strawberries, and a pitcher to bring it all together. Once chilled, it’s ready to serve over ice.
Using real strawberries and lemon juice makes a world of difference. And by straining the strawberry puree, you’ll get that smooth, drinkable texture that feels just right.
So the next time you’re searching for how to make strawberry lemonade with real strawberries, save this recipe and give it a try.
It’s a southern favorite that’s simple, homemade, and always hits the spot.
Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1 lb strawberries, hulled
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
5-6 cups cold water
Directions:
Bring water and sugar to a boil over medium high heat in sauce pan.
Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat.
Squeeze lemons for fresh lemon juice and add to pitcher.
Blend strawberries until fully pureed.
Strain in a mesh strainer to remove seeds, optional.
Add puree to lemon juice.
Add in the simple syrup and additional water.
Stir and chill until ready to serve.
This makes 16 oz. of lemonade.
Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Can I make homemade strawberry lemonade with frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make homemade strawberry lemonade. Just thaw them before blending so the puree mixes smoothly with the lemon juice and syrup.
How long does fresh strawberry lemonade last in the fridge? Homemade strawberry lemonade will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Store it in a sealed pitcher or jar and give it a good stir before serving each time.
Can I make strawberry lemonade without a blender? If you don’t have a blender, you can mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher and then strain out the pulp. The texture won’t be quite as smooth, but it still works for a quick batch of strawberry lemonade from scratch.
How do I make strawberry lemonade less sweet? To make strawberry lemonade less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar in the simple syrup or add more water and lemon juice to balance the flavor. You can also use less syrup when mixing everything together.
Is this fresh strawberry lemonade recipe good for parties? Absolutely. This is one of the best strawberry lemonade recipes for summer parties, barbecues, baby showers, and cookouts. You can easily double or triple the batch to serve a crowd.
What’s the best way to strain strawberry puree for lemonade? Use a mesh strainer or fine sieve to strain the blended strawberries. This helps remove seeds and pulp, giving you a smooth, clean strawberry lemonade with no chunks.
Can I use bottled lemon juice in homemade lemonade? Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just know that using fresh-squeezed lemon juice for strawberry lemonade gives it a brighter, more natural taste.
What’s the best way to serve strawberry lemonade for guests? Serve it chilled over ice in mason jars or clear glasses. Add sliced lemons or strawberries on top for presentation. You can even rim the glasses with sugar for a fun twist at gatherings.
Can I make strawberry lemonade ahead of time? Yes, you can make strawberry lemonade ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s a great make-ahead drink for cookouts, holiday weekends, and family dinners.
What type of sugar works best in strawberry lemonade? Granulated white sugar is the most common for making simple syrup in lemonade recipes. If you want a slightly richer flavor, you can experiment with cane sugar or honey, but it may change the color and taste.
Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1 lb strawberries, hulled
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
5-6 cups cold water
Instructions
Bring water and sugar to a boil over medium high heat in sauce pan.
Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat.
Squeeze lemons for fresh lemon juice and add to pitcher.
Blend strawberries until fully pureed.
Strain in a mesh strainer to remove seeds, optional.
