Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is a colorful explosion of crunch and flavor that tantalizes your taste buds. Imagine biting into a crisp piece of broccoli paired with the creamy goodness of cashews, all while the sweetness of apples and pears dances on your palate like they’re auditioning for a Broadway show.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Broccoli Cashew Salad ahead of time?
- What dressing goes well with this salad?
- Can I add protein to this salad?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This salad isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Picture yourself at a sunny picnic, surrounded by laughter, and this vibrant dish is the star of the show. The mix of flavors is so enchanting that even your skeptical cousin who claims to “not like vegetables” will be sneakily going back for seconds. Trust me; they won’t be able to resist!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet and savory flavor profile keeps every bite exciting. Visually stunning, it adds color to any table setting. It’s versatile enough for potlucks, picnics, or as a standout side dish for dinner! [/info_box]
I still remember the first time I made this salad for my family reunion. My uncle Bob took one bite and declared it the “best salad ever.” If that doesn’t say something about this dish, I don’t know what does!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets. Look for firm stalks without any yellowing.
Cashews: Opt for raw or lightly salted cashews. They add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
Apples: I recommend using sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for that refreshing sweetness.
Pears: Ripe pears bring in a juicy texture; Bartlett or Anjou work best!
Dried Cranberries: These add a sweet-tart zing that balances out the salad beautifully.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling—it enhances the flavors immensely.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up—no bottled stuff here!
Honey (optional): A touch of honey can elevate sweetness if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Get ready to whip up this delightful salad in no time! Follow these steps to create your masterpiece.
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing all your fresh produce thoroughly under cold water. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Toast the Cashews: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews until golden brown and fragrant—about 5 minutes should do the trick! Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Chop the Fruits: Dice your apples and pears into small cubes, ensuring you remove any seeds. Keep their skins on for added texture and nutrients.
Mix It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, diced apples, pears, toasted cashews, and dried cranberries. Toss them gently so everything gets acquainted without getting smashed!
Create Your Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Drizzle this zesty dressing over your salad mixture.
Toss Everything Again!: Gently toss your ingredients again until each piece is coated with dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—add salt or more lemon juice as desired.
Now you have an exquisite Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears ready to dazzle your guests! Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let those flavors mingle even more. For more inspiration, check out this more lunch ideas recipe.
Enjoy this vibrant medley at gatherings or as a refreshing lunch; either way, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home! For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is not just a dish; it’s a crunchy, colorful explosion of flavor. The fresh ingredients and contrasting textures create a visually stunning and healthy meal perfect for any occasion. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by blanching the broccoli until just tender, then cool it quickly in ice water to lock in color and crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cashews for walnuts or add dried cranberries for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating as it’s best enjoyed cold.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To elevate your Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears, always use fresh ingredients. Look for vibrant, crisp broccoli and firm fruits for maximum flavor. Toasting the cashews slightly enhances their nutty aroma, giving the dish a delightful crunch. [/info_box]
Creating this salad reminds me of a picnic gone hilariously wrong when my cousin tried to impress everyone with her “signature” salad—let’s just say it involved too much dressing!
FAQ
Can I make Broccoli Cashew Salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day prior but add apples right before serving to prevent browning.
What dressing goes well with this salad?
A light vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing complements the flavors beautifully.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or chickpeas makes this salad even heartier and more satisfying.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines crunchy broccoli, creamy cashews, and sweet fruits for an explosion of flavor in every bite. Perfect for picnics or as a healthy side dish, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning. With its delightful balance of sweet and savory ingredients, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup raw cashews (toasted)
- 1 large Fuji apple (diced)
- 1 large ripe Bartlett pear (diced)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse all produce under cold water. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Dice the apple and pear into small cubes, keeping the skins on.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, diced fruits, toasted cashews, and dried cranberries.
- For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey in a separate bowl. Drizzle over the salad mixture.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients with dressing. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
