Discover a fresh twist on traditional antipasto with this Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad.
Perfect for a light lunch or as a vibrant side dish, this salad combines finely shredded Brussels sprouts with an array of colorful vegetables, savory cheeses, and tangy salami.

Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish, this salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Salad:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, finely shredded
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces
- 6 ounces thinly sliced genoa salami, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, patted dry and sliced
- 1/2 cup cubed provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup pitted Castelvetrano olives, torn into small pieces
- 1/2 cup sliced peperoncini
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, large leaves torn into smaller pieces, divided
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Tip: The dressing can be prepared up to 5 days in advance.
- Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Before using, bring it to room temperature and give it a good whisk.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
- In the same bowl with the dressing, add the shredded Brussels sprouts and sliced red onion.
- Toss everything well to coat.
- Let it sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to allow the Brussels sprouts and onions to soften and absorb the dressing flavors.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, roasted red peppers, provolone, olives, peperoncini, half of the Parmesan cheese, and three-quarters of the basil leaves.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
- Toss the salad gently to combine.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and basil leaves for a fresh finish.
FAQs
What can I substitute for Brussels sprouts?
If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts or can’t find them, you can use shredded cabbage, kale, or a mix of hearty greens like spinach and arugula. These alternatives will provide a different texture but still absorb the dressing well.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or cheddar based on your preference. Keep in mind that different cheeses will alter the flavor profile of the salad.

Simple Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad
Ingredients
For Dressing:
- 2 cloves garlic grated or finely chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Salad:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts finely shredded
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella torn into bite-size pieces
- 6 oz thinly sliced genoa salami cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 cup roasted red peppers patted dry and sliced
- ½ cup cubed provolone cheese
- ½ cup pitted Castelvetrano olives torn into small pieces
- ½ cup sliced peperoncini
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, large leaves torn into smaller pieces divided
Instructions
Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.Tip: The dressing can be prepared up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, bring it to room temperature and give it a good whisk.
Prepare the Salad
- In the same bowl with the dressing, add the shredded Brussels sprouts and sliced red onion. Toss everything well to coat. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to allow the Brussels sprouts and onions to soften and absorb the dressing flavors.Add the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, salami, roasted red peppers, provolone, olives, peperoncini, half of the Parmesan cheese, and three-quarters of the basil leaves. Season with additional salt and black pepper if desired.Toss the salad gently to combine. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and basil leaves for a fresh finish.
hey Sandra, can i throw in some nuts or somethin for extra crunch in the salad? not sure what works.
Absolutely! Almonds or walnuts could add a nice texture. Just toast’em lightly before tossing them in.
If i add beer instead of vinegar to the dressing, does it become a brunch salad? asking for a friend lol
love the idea of a Brussels sprout salad. gonna try to make it this weekend, wish me luck 🙂
Not sure about the cheese option here. Wouldn’t a sharper cheese clash with the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts?
looks easy enough. i might give it a go.
Ah yes, Brussels sprouts, the vegetable of choice for people who enjoy the taste of disappointment. Can’t wait to try this out.
Is there a vegan cheese that won’t melt into a weird blob if I try to use it in this recipe?
brussels sprouts again? thought we agreed as a society to leave those in the past smh
Great, another salad. Because what my life was missing was more Brussels sprouts.