Shaved Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts & Kale with Truffle Parmesan

Hearty shaved broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale salad tossed with a creamy homemade truffle parmesan dressing.

Shaved Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Kale Salad with Truffle Parmesan Dressing. Hearty and filling!

I love hearty, vegetable-forward salads that stand in as a meal. This version was inspired by a salad I tried at a favorite West Loop spot in Chicago. The combination of thinly shaved broccoli and Brussels sprouts with thinly sliced kale creates a substantial, crunchy base, and a creamy truffle-parmesan dressing brings everything together.

At the restaurant, the kale was thinly sliced and lightly massaged to soften it, while the broccoli florets and stalks were shaved paper-thin. The dressing leaned toward Caesar in flavor—thick, garlicky, and rich—so the raw, sturdy vegetables balanced the indulgence nicely. I adapted that idea at home, refined the dressing, and arrived at this version that ended up on the blog.

Shaved Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Kale Salad with Truffle Parmesan Dressing. Hearty and filling!

I started with a classic kale-Caesar approach for the dressing, then added white truffle oil for a subtle, aromatic finish. The truffle oil is optional; omit it and add a bit more finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for extra savory depth. If you prefer not to use raw egg yolks, use pasteurized yolks for safety—pasteurized eggs are a great swap that preserves the dressing’s texture and richness.

Shaved Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Kale Salad with Truffle Parmesan Dressing. Hearty and filling!

The most technical part is thinly shaving the Brussels sprouts and broccoli. A sharp mandoline works best for even, paper-thin slices; alternately, use a food processor with the thinnest slicing blade. I find florets attached to a portion of stalk easier to handle than lots of tiny pieces—use any extra broccoli for roasting or another side dish.

Shaved Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Kale Salad with Truffle Parmesan Dressing. Hearty and filling!

Brussels Sprout, Kale, and Broccoli Salad with Truffle Parmesan Dressing. Hearty and filling!

Shaved Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, and Kale Salad with Truffle Parmesan Dressing

Hearty shaved broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale tossed in a creamy truffle-parmesan dressing. This salad works as a substantial side or a light main—add rotisserie chicken, seared salmon, or roasted chickpeas to make it a full meal.

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 2 cups lacinato kale leaves, stems stripped and discarded, and leaves thinly sliced
  • ½ lb broccoli, thinly shaved (florets with some stalk attached recommended)
  • ½ lb Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and thinly shaved

Truffle Parmesan Dressing:

  • 3 large egg yolks (use pasteurized if preferred)
  • 2 small garlic cloves
  • 2 olive oil–packed anchovy fillets
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons (30 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup (80 mL) vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon white truffle oil (optional)

Toppings:

  • 3–4 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Place the sliced kale in a large salad bowl. With clean hands, massage the kale until it softens and becomes slightly silky—this makes raw kale much more enjoyable to eat. Add the shaved broccoli and Brussels sprouts to the bowl and set aside.
  • Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Smash the garlic cloves and anchovy fillets into a paste using the flat side of a knife and a pinch of salt, then add that paste to the bowl. Add the Dijon mustard and lemon juice and whisk to combine.
  • Slowly stream in the oil while whisking continuously to form a smooth, emulsified dressing. Once the dressing is cohesive, whisk in the white truffle oil if using. Stir in the finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the shaved vegetable mixture and toss until evenly coated. You will likely use most or all of the dressing. Serve immediately, finishing with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a final grind of black pepper.

Tips for Success

  • Use broccoli florets with a good portion of stalk attached for easier, even shaving. Any extra broccoli can be roasted for another use.
  • Lacinato kale (often called dinosaur kale) is ideal for texture, but other kale varieties will work if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Because this dressing uses raw egg yolks, prepare and serve it the same day. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24–48 hours if needed.
  • If you prefer not to use truffle oil, increase the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano by a tablespoon to deepen the savory flavor.
  • To bulk the salad into a main course, add roasted chicken, seared salmon, warm grain, or roasted chickpeas for protein and added texture.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 323 kcal; Carbohydrates: 12 g; Protein: 8 g; Fat: 29 g; Saturated Fat: 5 g; Fiber: 4 g; Vitamin C: 115 mg; Calcium: 136 mg; Iron: 2 mg.

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes · Total time: 20 minutes

Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate

Course: Salads · Cuisine: American