Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash

This Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash is a cozy seasonal twist on the classic Caesar salad. Crisp shaved Brussels sprouts and tender greens are tossed with roasted butternut squash, sweet Honeycrisp apples, shaved parmesan, and crunchy garlic herb croutons, then finished with a creamy Caesar dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Dairy-free, Vegan, + Make Ahead options!

Fall is the season when salads begin to feel a little heartier—when roasted vegetables, crisp apples, warm spices, and toasted nuts transform simple greens into something cozy and satisfying. This Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash captures everything we love about seasonal cooking: fresh produce, comforting flavors, and beautiful textures well layered.

Apples are at their peak, so I use sweet and crunchy Honeycrisp apples. For the squash, be sure to use my Roasted Butternut Squash recipe, which is super quick and easy! It’s also recommended to use my Homemade Croutons recipe and Homemade Caesar Dressing for topping. You won’t regret it! If you're a lover of butternut squash, then you're sure to be satisfied with this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta, Sweet Breakfast Butternut Squash Crumble Muffins, and Maple Herb Roasted Butternut Squash.

Instead of traditional romaine, shaved Brussels sprouts create a sturdy base that holds creamy Caesar dressing perfectly while adding a delicious crunch. Paired with roasted butternut squash, sweet Honeycrisp apples, parmesan and this salad feels just as welcome on a weeknight table as it does on a holiday spread.

To elevate the flavors even more, the salad is topped with spiced maple walnuts—warmly coated in maple syrup, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and allspice for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. The result is a vibrant fall salad that feels hearty enough for dinner yet fresh enough for a holiday side dish.

Whether you’re looking for a fall Brussels sprouts salad, a festive holiday salad, or a seasonal Caesar salad with roasted vegetables, this recipe brings together comforting autumn flavors in every bite.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Salad
• How to Make Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash
• Ingredients
• Why Shaved Brussels Sprouts Are Perfect for Salads
• How to Shave Brussels Sprouts Perfectly
• Best Substitutes for Brussels Sprouts
• Best Apples for Fall Salads
• Roasting Tips for Butternut Squash
• What to Serve With This Fall Salad
• Storage + Make-Ahead Tips
• Common Q + A's for Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash
• More Delicious Salad Recipes To Try Next!
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and roasted textures
• A seasonal fall Caesar salad twist
• Packed with autumn produce
• Hearty enough for a light dinner
• Beautiful enough for holiday tables
• Naturally rich in fiber and nutrients
• Sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite
• Easily customizable with different greens or toppings

How to Make Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash

Start by roasting cubed butternut squash in olive oil until tender and caramelized. While the squash roasts, prepare the spiced maple walnuts by cooking walnuts with maple syrup, water, and warm spices until coated and lightly toasted.

Next, trim and thinly shave the Brussels sprouts, then toss them in a large bowl with your favorite greens. Add the roasted butternut squash, thinly sliced apples, shaved parmesan, and garlic herb croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Finish by sprinkling the spiced maple walnuts over the top and serve immediately for a vibrant fall salad that’s crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory in every bite.

Ingredients

• Brussels Sprouts. The hearty base of this salad. When shaved thinly, Brussels sprouts become tender yet crisp, making them perfect for holding creamy Caesar dressing without becoming soggy. Substitutes: Kale, shaved cabbage, romaine lettuce, or arugula.
• Mixed Greens. Adds freshness and softness to balance the crunch of the Brussels sprouts. Substitutes: Baby spinach, arugula, spring mix, or chopped romaine.
• Roasted Butternut Squash. Provides warm sweetness and soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp salad base. Substitutes: Roasted sweet potatoes, delicata squash, or acorn squash.
• Honeycrisp Apple. Adds natural sweetness and a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of Caesar dressing. Substitutes: Fuji, Pink Lady, Gala, or Granny Smith apples.
• Shaved Parmesan Cheese. Delivers salty, nutty depth that enhances the Caesar flavor profile. Substitutes: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or dairy-free parmesan.
• Garlic Herb Croutons. Provide satisfying crunch and soak up the dressing beautifully. Substitutes: Toasted sourdough cubes, gluten-free croutons, or roasted chickpeas.
• Caesar Dressing. The creamy, savory element that ties the entire salad together.
  Substitutes: Yogurt Caesar dressing, vegan Caesar dressing, or lemon vinaigrette.
• Walnuts. Form the crunchy base of the spiced maple topping and add healthy fats and richness. Substitutes: Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds.
• Maple Syrup. Adds natural sweetness that balances the smoky spices.
• Warm Spices (Cinnamon, Smoked Paprika, Allspice). These spices create a cozy autumn flavor that complements the roasted squash and apples.

Why Shaved Brussels Sprouts Are Perfect for Salads

Shaved Brussels sprouts are one of the best ingredients for hearty salads, especially during the fall and winter months. Unlike delicate lettuce that can wilt quickly, Brussels sprouts are sturdy and naturally crisp, which means they hold up beautifully to rich dressings like Caesar.

When thinly shaved, Brussels sprouts soften slightly while still maintaining a pleasant crunch. This texture allows them to absorb flavor without becoming soggy, making them ideal for salads that include creamy dressings, roasted vegetables, nuts, and cheese.

They’re also incredibly nutrient-dense, providing fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which makes them a delicious way to turn a simple salad into something both satisfying and nourishing.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SALAD!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially for this Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

How to Shave Brussels Sprouts Perfectly

Shaving Brussels sprouts creates thin, tender ribbons that work beautifully as a salad base.

Step 1: Trim the Ends

Cut off the tough stem end of each Brussels sprout and remove any loose outer leaves.

Step 2: Slice Thinly

Using a sharp knife, slice the sprouts very thinly from top to bottom.

Step 3: Use a Mandoline (Optional)

A mandoline slicer can create perfectly even shavings quickly and safely.

Step 4: Loosen the Shavings

Use your hands to gently separate the slices so they form fluffy ribbons instead of clumps.

Step 5: Massage if Desired

If you prefer a softer texture, lightly massage the shaved sprouts with olive oil or dressing for 1–2 minutes.

Best Substitutes for Brussels Sprouts

If Brussels sprouts aren’t available, these ingredients still create a delicious fall salad base.

Kale: Massage kale with a little olive oil to soften it before dressing.

Shaved Green or Red Cabbage: Adds similar crunch and structure to shaved Brussels sprouts.

Romaine Lettuce: Creates a more traditional Caesar-style salad.

Arugula: Adds a peppery bite that pairs beautifully with roasted squash.

Best Apples for Fall Salads

The right apple can elevate a fall salad by adding natural sweetness and crisp texture. For this shaved Brussels sprouts Caesar salad, choose apples that hold their shape and provide a balanced sweet-tart flavor.

Honeycrisp: The perfect salad apple—sweet, juicy, and incredibly crisp.

Fuji: Naturally sweet with firm texture that stays crunchy.

Pink Lady: A great balance of sweet and tart, adding brightness to rich salads.

Granny Smith: Tart and refreshing, ideal if you want to balance sweeter ingredients like roasted squash and maple walnuts.

Gala: Mild and slightly sweet with a softer crunch.

Roasting Tips for Butternut Squash

When it comes to making butternut squash, personally seasoning them and roasting them is the best way! You can follow my How to Roast Butternut Squash recipe for steps.

Cut Evenly

Dice squash into evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate.

Use Enough Oil

Coating the squash lightly in olive oil helps caramelize the edges.

Roast at High Heat

Roast at 400°F–425°F to achieve golden, caramelized edges.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Spread cubes in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.

Season Simply

Salt, pepper, and olive oil are enough, but you can also add cinnamon or paprika for extra warmth.

What to Serve With This Fall Salad

This autumn Brussels sprouts Caesar salad pairs beautifully with a variety of cozy seasonal dishes.

• Roasted Chicken. Herb-roasted chicken complements the savory Caesar flavors perfectly. My Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken would be an awesome addition! For something lighter, adding wings like my Spicy Fried Chicken Wings, Baked Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings, Baked Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Wings, or Sticky Maple Apple Chicken Wings. For a nice switch up---try my Baked Cranberry Pomegranate Turkey Wings!
• Baked Salmon. The richness of salmon balances the bright, crunchy salad. Learn how to cook sockeye salmon perfectly!
• Butternut Squash Pasta. Creates a comforting fall-themed meal. You can even add your favorite pasta dish as a side like my Creamy Weeknight Alfredo Pasta, Lemon Brown Butter Pasta, or Weeknight Alla Vodka Pasta.
• Steak or Ribs. Creates a comforting meatiness to the salad and rich flavor. You're sure to love my Pan Seared Ribeye Steak Recipe or my Hubby’s Favorite Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs!
• Pumpkin or Tomato Soup. A warm bowl of soup alongside this salad makes a perfect cozy dinner. My Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is the perfect thing! Also, my Creamy Roasted Apple Pumpkin Soup is the perfect combination.
• Rustic Bread or Focaccia. Great for soaking up extra dressing and rounding out the meal. I love making my own garlic bread like this Homemade Garlic Bread, Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread, or Homemade Texas Toast Garlic Bread.

Storage + Make-Ahead Tips

Make Ahead

• Roast butternut squash up to 3 days ahead
• Prepare maple walnuts in advance and store at room temperature
• Shave Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours ahead

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container for 1–2 days. For best texture, store dressing separately.

Meal Prep Tip

Assemble the salad base (without dressing or apples) and refrigerate. Add apples, walnuts, and dressing just before serving.

Common Q + A's for Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash

More Delicious Salad Recipes To Try Next!

If you thoroughly enjoyed this Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash recipe, don't forget to add these delicious creations to your "must-make" list:

• Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
• Green Goddess Pasta Salad 
• My Fave Quinoa Salad
• My Favorite Chicken Taco Salad
• BBQ Chicken Peach Chopped Salad
• Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Salad
• Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potato Chopped Salad
• The Best Lemon Pepper Chicken Chopped Salad
• Copycat Olive Garden House Salad
• Roasted Orange Fall Harvest Kale Salad

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Butternut Squash or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

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