This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for any season. The crisp freshness of the broccoli, the sweetness of the fruits, and the nutty crunch of cashews make this salad a popular choice for gatherings, lunches, or as a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 5 cups of bite-sized chopped broccoli florets
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 1 firm pear, cored and diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup cashews, toasted or roasted
- 1 cup dried cranberries
For the Creamy Salad Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (or substitute with kefir or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup honey, softened or warmed up to blend easily
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Core and dice both the apple and the pear. Dice the red onion finely to ensure its flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. If your cashews aren’t already toasted, lightly roast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden.
- Mix the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced apple, diced pear, diced red onion, toasted cashews, and dried cranberries. Carefully mix to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or kefir or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, honey, and salt. Ensure the honey is well incorporated into the mixture for a smooth, creamy dressing.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Toss everything together until all the components are well coated with the dressing. The creaminess of the dressing will help meld the diverse flavors and textures.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Optional Garnishes: For added color and texture, consider garnishing the salad with extra cashews or a sprinkle of chopped herbs like parsley or chives.
Conclusion:
This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries is a feast for the senses with its combination of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy elements. It’s a versatile salad that can adapt to various dietary preferences with simple substitutions in the dressing. Serve it at your next potluck, holiday gathering, or enjoy it as a refreshing addition to your weekly meal rotation. This salad not only looks impressive but also packs a nutritional punch that can complement any meal.