Brussels sprouts have a bad rap. They are stereotyped as chewy, smelly and unfulfilling. Yet these little green vegetables actually taste quite good when cooked and prepared in the proper manner.

In fact, Brussels sprouts are currently trending upward. Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients and plenty of taste. People are coming up with extremely creative ways to prepare this nutritious vegetable.

Give Brussels sprouts a chance with the following recipes and you just might grow to love them.

1. Citrus Brussels Sprouts Salad
Pair Brussels sprouts with green onion, lemon vinaigrette, grilled shrimp and some seasonings and you will have a glorious salad. You can eat this wholesome salad as a meal or use it as a starter dish.

2. Garlic Parmesan Sprouts
Give garlic parmesan sprouts a chance and they just might become one of your go-to dishes. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook. You'll need the sprouts, olive oil, salt, lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything in a bowl, place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese before serving and you will never think of Brussels sprouts the same again!

3. Black Bean Salsa Sprout Wraps
It is time to switch up your wraps with the addition of Brussels sprouts. This delicious wrap features black beans, chopped kale, red onions, green peppers, corn, red wine vinegar and shaved or shredded sprouts. Use a spinach wrap instead of a plain old flower wrap to make it that much healthier. The beauty of this wrap is that it is light, tasty and can be made without turning on the stove. If you don't want to shave your own Brussels sprouts, you can buy a pre-made chopped kale and Brussels sprout kit from the grocery store.

4. Brussels Sprouts Fried Rice
Who doesn't love fried rice? A bowl of crispy fried rice with brussels sprouts and other veggies is one of the most satisfying dishes you can eat. It will take a mere 15 minutes to prepare. If you want to turn your Brussels sprouts fried rice into a full meal, add some shrimp or grilled chicken. You'll need shredded Brussels sprouts, minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, eggs, onion and rice. The end result is a tasty nutritional powerhouse with an abundance of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and calcium.

5. Brussels Sprouts and Ricotta Pizza
Adding Brussels sprouts to pizza is hands-down the tastiest way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. The Brussels sprouts on this pizza are sauteed with garlic and caramelized onions, making them that much more savory. The key is to pull the leaves off the sprouts and saute them rather than chopping them in half. This method makes it possible for the sprouts to soften and wilt. Opt for ricotta cheese over mozzarella for some extra creaminess. Don't forget to drizzle on a balsamic glaze at the very end. This is the final touch that makes the pie achieve the perfect balance between sweet and salty.

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