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