Cruciferous Salad

Name: Cruciferous Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Walnuts; Avocado Oil Cooking Spray (1 quick spritz); 1/2 tsp Sea Salt, divided; 1/2 French Shallot, sliced; 2 cups Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and shredded; 2 cups Kale Leaves, stems removed and chopped; 1 cup Purple Cabbage, shredded; 1 Garlic Clove, minced; 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided; 2 1/2 tbsps Lemon Juice, divided; 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tbsp Miso Paste; 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast; 1 tsp Dried Oregano; 1 tbsp Maple Syrup

Dairy-free • Gluten-free • Vegan

Cruciferous Salad

A bold and crunchy mix of Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage with a savory miso dressing and toasted walnuts—this salad proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.

This isn’t your average side salad. The flavors are bold, the texture is incredible, and it’s packed with ingredients that support your body from the inside out. If you’ve ever thought of cruciferous vegetables as bitter or boring, this recipe will change your mind.

This Cruciferous Salad combines three powerful vegetables: shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, and purple cabbage. Each brings its own unique nutrients and textures to the bowl. The greens are softened with a quick lemon massage (trust me, it makes all the difference), then tossed in a savory miso-based dressing that’s rich, creamy, and full of umami flavor.

What pulls everything together? The golden toasted walnuts. They’re seasoned with sea salt and lightly crisped in a pan for five minutes—nothing fancy, just real food done right. Add in a touch of maple syrup for balance, a sautéed French shallot for depth, and a pinch of oregano to elevate the whole thing. This is the kind of salad you’ll crave.

It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and anti-inflammatory. And it keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep or serving at your next gathering.

Why This Recipe Is Healthy

This salad isn’t just pretty—it’s packed with powerhouse ingredients. Cruciferous veggies like Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage are known for their anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties thanks to compounds like sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. The addition of miso provides probiotics that support gut health, and the healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Plus, the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar offer gentle detox support and balance the richness of the dressing.

It’s a nutritional goldmine—and yes, it tastes as good as it sounds.

Make It Your Own

This salad is versatile. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, or top with sliced avocado for creaminess. It holds up well in the fridge for up to two days, making it perfect for meal prep or bringing to a gathering where you want to wow the crowd with something that’s both nourishing and delicious.

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutrition information is an estimate generated from a nutrition calculator. There may be errors here or variations based on ingredients you use.

I’m Shelley Loving, a home cook who healed through food. Now I share simple, delicious recipes and kitchen tips to help you cook with more confidence.

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