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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Blend Dressing: Whisk sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a small container until smoothly combined, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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
- Cook Time: 0 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