Delightful Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples & Pears

The Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is a vibrant explosion of colors, textures, and flavors that will awaken your taste buds. Imagine crisp broccoli mingling with the crunch of cashews, the sweetness of ripe apples, and the juicy tenderness of pears. guilt-free apple donuts This salad is not just food; it’s a party on your plate, ready to elevate any occasion into a celebration.

Picture this: You’re at a family gathering, and someone brings out this salad. Suddenly, everyone stops mid-conversation, eyes wide like kids in a candy store. The moment you take a bite, it’s pure joy. stuffed portobello mushrooms Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a healthy side dish for your weekday meals, this recipe is bound to steal the show!

Ingredients for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears

For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Shrimp Hawaiian Style recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets for the best flavor and texture; they’re the star of this salad.
• Raw Cashews: These add delightful crunch; opt for unsalted ones to keep the flavors balanced.
• Apples: Sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work beautifully; they bring natural sweetness to the dish.
• Pears: Ripe pears add juicy softness; feel free to mix in different types for added complexity.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a zingy contrast; soak them in cold water beforehand to mellow their intensity.
• Dried Cranberries: These sweet-tart gems enhance flavor while adding lovely color; they’re basically nature’s candy!

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness; it complements all the ingredients perfectly.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A splash adds tangy depth; choose a good balsamic for maximum flavor impact.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing your fresh broccoli thoroughly under cool running water. Once cleaned, chop it into bite-sized florets. Next, thinly slice your red onion and soak those slices in cold water for about ten minutes. This will tone down their sharpness while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Chop Your Fruits

Core and dice your apples and pears into cubes that are roughly the same size as your broccoli florets. Think about how fun it will be when everyone gets a little bit of everything in each bite!

Step 3: Toast Those Cashews

In a dry skillet over medium heat, add your raw cashews. Stir them frequently until they turn golden brown and fragrant about five minutes should do it! Keep an eye on them because burnt cashews are not nearly as charming.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil and two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste this dressing ties all those delightful flavors together!

Step 5: Combine It All

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, diced apples and pears, soaked onions, toasted cashews, and dried cranberries. Drizzle on that zesty dressing and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Chill & Serve

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes before serving it allows those flavors to meld beautifully! When you’re ready to serve, give it another quick toss and enjoy this colorful bowl of goodness!

Transfer to plates or bowls for serving and watch as everyone dives into this delightful dish. You might want to keep some extra dressing handy because trust me, people will be asking for more! For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Burrito Bowls recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing and chopping your broccoli into bite-sized florets. While you’re doing that, toast the cashews in a dry skillet until golden. Next, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and toss with your dressing for optimal flavor distribution.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cashews for almonds or walnuts if you’re feeling nutty. You could even throw in some dried cranberries or feta cheese for an extra kick of flavor. The dressing? Try mixing in a hint of honey or mustard for a personal twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, avoid the microwave; instead, give it a quick toss in a pan over low heat to retain its crispiness.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my friends devour this salad at gatherings! One time, I brought it to a picnic, and it disappeared faster than my attempts at making homemade bread (which is still an ongoing saga).

FAQs:

What are the health benefits of Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears?

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is packed with nutrients. Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, while cashews provide healthy fats and protein. Apples add fiber, which aids digestion, and pears contribute antioxidants. This salad not only boosts your immune system but also supports heart health. Including a variety of fruits and vegetables enhances overall well-being, making this salad a nutritious choice for any meal.

How can I customize my Broccoli Cashew Salad?

You can easily customize your Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears by adding your favorite ingredients. Consider incorporating dried cranberries for sweetness or swapping cashews for almonds. For added crunch, include sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You might also experiment with different dressings, such as a honey mustard or a balsamic vinaigrette, to enhance flavor according to your taste preferences.

Can I make the Broccoli Cashew Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears ahead of time! To maintain freshness, store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing. Combine them just before serving to keep the broccoli crisp and the fruits vibrant. If you plan to enjoy leftovers, consider adding fresh elements like apples right before eating for an extra burst of flavor.

Is Broccoli Cashew Salad suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is naturally vegan-friendly. It contains no animal products, making it an excellent option for those following a plant-based diet. Ensure that any dressing you choose is also vegan to keep the entire dish aligned with vegan principles. This salad is not only delicious but also inclusive for various dietary preferences.

Conclusion for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears:

In summary, Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that makes it an ideal healthy dish. Packed with essential nutrients from broccoli, healthy fats from cashews, and natural sweetness from apples and pears, this salad promotes overall wellness. broccoli fritters recipe Its versatility allows for customization based on personal preferences or dietary needs, making it suitable for various occasions. Enjoy this colorful salad as a refreshing side or a light main dish!

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Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears

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• Author: Hannah
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is a nourishing, eye-catching dish that combines the crispness of fresh broccoli, the crunch of roasted cashews, and the sweetness of juicy apples and pears. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side at dinner, this salad is not only vibrant but also packed with nutrients. The easy-to-make dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar ties it all together, making this salad a delightful addition to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup raw cashews (unsalted)
• 1 medium Fuji apple, diced
• 1 medium ripe pear, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse the broccoli under cool water and chop into bite-sized florets.
2. Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
3. Dice the apple and pear into cubes similar in size to the broccoli florets.
4. Toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, apples, pears, onions, toasted cashews, and cranberries. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added protein or crunch, substitute almonds or walnuts for cashews. To customize flavors further, consider incorporating feta cheese or sunflower seeds. If preparing ahead of time, store dressing separately until ready to serve.