Alpha Gal Friendly Basil-Pesto Brussels Sprout Salad
Raw, shaved Brussels sprouts tossed in a bright, herbaceous pesto make for a salad that feels both fresh and deeply satisfying — the kind of dish that disappears fast at any table. Managing alpha-gal syndrome means steering clear of mammalian meat and byproducts, and that can make creamy, cheese-heavy pestos a minefield. This version skips the parmesan entirely and leans on fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and extra-virgin olive oil to build a pesto that is genuinely vibrant and full-flavored without any animal products at all. A pinch of ground ginger adds a subtle warmth that makes the dressing feel a little unexpected in the best way. The shaved sprouts soften just enough after a short rest in the pesto, soaking up all that lemony, garlicky goodness while still keeping a pleasant bite. Dried cranberries and thin-sliced red onion round things out with a pop of sweetness and a little sharpness. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a smart choice for meal prep or a make-ahead side that still tastes bright the next day.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 ½ lb brussels sprouts, tough outer leaves removed, ends trimmed
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, unsweetened or honey-sweetened
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, for finishing (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Shave the Brussels sprouts: working in batches, halve each sprout through the root end, then place cut-side down and slice crosswise as thinly as possible with a chef's knife, or use the slicing disc of a food processor. Transfer the shaved sprouts to a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Add the thinly sliced red onion and dried cranberries to the bowl with the shaved sprouts and toss to combine.
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