Quick & Fresh Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Crisp vegetables dance with surprising texture in this delightful cashew crunch salad sesame dressing that bursts with fresh flavors.

Nutty cashews add a delectable crunch to every bite of this vibrant dish.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of crisp greens and toasted nuts.

The sesame dressing brings a rich, umami-like depth that complements the salad’s natural ingredients.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe transforms simple produce into a memorable meal.

Bold and bright, the salad offers a perfect balance of crispness and rich nutty undertones.

You’ll fall in love with this quick and easy culinary creation that makes healthy eating absolutely irresistible.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into This Crunchy Salad Bowl

• Rice Vinegar: Bright, tangy base that adds zesty brightness to the dressing.
• Sesame Oil: Provides rich, nutty aroma that gives authentic Asian flavor profile.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances acidity and creates smooth texture.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and salty undertone to enhance overall taste.
• Ginger: Adds warming, spicy kick with fresh, vibrant complexity.

• Green Cabbage: Crisp foundation that provides awesome textural backdrop for salad.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color and sweet, earthy crunch to the mix.
• Bell Pepper: Brings juicy sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
• Scallions: Introduces mild onion flavor with fresh, sharp notes.

• Cashews: Delivers rich, buttery crunch and protein-packed nutrition.
• Cilantro: Brings bright, herbal freshness that elevates entire salad profile.

Kitchen Gear to Make It Crisp & Fresh

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing and combining salad ingredients with ease.
• Small bowl or jar: Ideal for whisking together the sesame dressing smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients until perfectly emulsified.
• Knife: Sharp tool for chopping vegetables and herbs precisely.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for prepping all fresh ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning dressing ingredients.

Assembling This Cashew Crunch Favorite

• Create Flavor Explosion

Grab a jar and whip up a tangy sesame dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance. Blend ingredients until silky smooth and perfectly balanced.

• Chop and Toss

Slice crisp cabbage, julienne bright carrots, and dice colorful bell peppers into vibrant pieces. Sprinkle in green onions, scatter crunchy cashews, and shower with fresh cilantro.

• Mix and Enjoy

Drizzle your amazing dressing over the veggie medley. Gently toss everything together so each bite is coated with zesty goodness. Let sit briefly to let flavors mingle or serve immediately for maximum crunch factor.

How to Switch Up the Dressing & Mix-ins

• Toast cashews lightly in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crispiness before adding to the salad.
• Prep vegetables and dressing separately, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.
• Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete meal with extra protein and substance.
• For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Swap cashews with sunflower seeds for nut-free alternative. Vegans can replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing.
• Replace bell peppers with seasonal vegetables like cucumber in summer or radishes in spring to keep the salad exciting and adaptable throughout the year.

Salad Pairings That Work Every Time

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange the salad on a large wooden board with extra cashews scattered around for a rustic, inviting presentation that adds visual appeal and extra crunch.
• Weekend Brunch Companion: Pair this vibrant salad alongside grilled chicken, quiche, or frittata to create a balanced and refreshing meal that brightens up your weekend breakfast spread.
• Asian-Inspired Side Dish: Serve alongside teriyaki salmon, stir-fried tofu, or grilled shrimp to complement the sesame and cashew flavors with a protein-rich main course that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Summer Potluck Star: Transport the salad in a sealed container, add dressing just before serving to maintain maximum crispness, and watch it become the most requested dish at outdoor gatherings and community events.

Prep Ahead Like a Pro, Store Without Soggy Greens

• Chop vegetables in advance and store separately in sealed containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays. Keep cashews and dressing separate to maintain maximum crunchiness.
• Store salad components unassembled to prevent wilting. Dressing can stay fresh in a sealed jar for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. Mix ingredients just before serving to preserve texture.
• Double the recipe and create multiple meal portions. Separate ingredients into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner sides. Cashews can be stored separately to prevent soggy texture.
• Keep chopped vegetables crisp by wrapping them in damp paper towels inside airtight containers. Cashews should be stored in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to maintain their crunch and prevent rancidity.

Vibrant Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crisp cashew crunch salad delivers Mediterranean magic with zesty sesame dressing, blending fresh textures and tangy flavors. Refreshing ingredients dance together, inviting you to savor each delightful, nutty bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup roasted cashews
• ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 scallions, sliced
• Optional: edamame, avocado, or crispy wonton strips
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil or avocado oil
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup or honey
• 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp tahini or peanut butter (for creaminess)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Blend Dressing: Whisk sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a small container until smoothly combined, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
2. Chop and Toss Vegetables: Finely slice napa cabbage, julienne carrots, dice bell peppers, and mince scallions into uniform pieces, then mix thoroughly in a large salad bowl.
3. Combine and Garnish: Pour prepared dressing over vegetable mixture, gently tossing to ensure even coating; sprinkle roasted cashews and fresh cilantro on top, allowing ingredients to meld for 5-10 minutes before serving for enhanced taste and texture.

Notes

• Add cashews just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent soggy nuts.
• Taste and adjust dressing seasoning with extra rice vinegar for tanginess or honey for sweetness.
• Chop vegetables and make dressing separately, combining only right before serving to preserve salad’s freshness and crispness.
• Swap cashews with sunflower seeds for nut-free version or add grilled chicken for protein boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg