Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is a vibrant melody of crunch and sweetness that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the crispness of fresh broccoli mingling with the creaminess of cashews, while juicy apples and pears add a delightful twist. This salad doesn’t just look beautiful; it practically sings summer picnics and cheerful gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Every bite is like a mini celebration, perfect for potlucks or simply brightening up your lunch routine. I still remember the first time I whipped this up for a family picnic; it vanished faster than you can say “healthy eating.” The compliments flowed, and I basked in my culinary fame—if only until someone burned the burgers. For more inspiration, check out this healthy lunch ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is deceptively easy to prepare, making healthy eating feel like a treat
- Its distinct flavor profile combines nutty and sweet elements, creating a balance that will leave your taste buds dancing
- The salad’s vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes, perfect for impressing guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a light meal any day of the week
I once made this salad for an outdoor gathering, and my cousin declared it “the best thing since sliced bread”—which, coming from him, is high praise.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets that are firm to touch; they should feel like little green trees ready for adventure.
- Raw Cashews: Opt for unsalted cashews to control the flavor; they provide delightful crunch without overpowering the salad.
- Apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji): These varieties offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness; make sure they’re crisp!
- Pears (Bartlett or Anjou): Look for ripe pears; they’ll add juicy sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Dried Cranberries: These add a pop of color and chewy texture; they’re like little bursts of joy in every bite.
- Red Onion: Use thinly sliced red onion for its mild flavor; it adds just the right amount of zing to brighten up the salad.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors; choose high-quality oil for best results.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up; it’s like sunshine in your salad bowl.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together; don’t skimp on these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Get ready to create this delightful Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears! It’s easier than you think.
Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by rinsing your broccoli thoroughly under cold water. Trim off any tough stems and cut into bite-sized florets. Set aside to dry completely.
Chop Fruits and Nuts: Dice the apples and pears into even pieces—no one wants a salad where they’re playing hide-and-seek with fruit! Roughly chop your cashews as well for added texture.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste it—almost like liquid sunshine!
Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, chopped fruits, cashews, dried cranberries, and red onion. Pour over the dressing, then toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill Before Serving: Allow your salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives time for flavors to mingle—like friends at a party!
Enjoy your vibrant Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears as an energizing side dish or a light meal! Each bite delivers not just nourishment but also joy—a reminder that healthy can be delicious too!
You Must Know
- Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears combines crunch, sweetness, and creaminess for a delightful dish
- The vibrant colors and crisp textures create an eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for gatherings
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings smiles, making every bite feel like a celebration
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by toasting the cashews for extra flavor, then chop the broccoli while they cool. Mix your dressing next to keep it fresh. Assemble everything right before serving for maximum crunch.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts if cashews aren’t your thing. You can also add dried cranberries for a burst of tartness or swap out apples for citrus fruits.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid reheating as it can make the salad soggy; enjoy it cold for the best taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For this Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears, always use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor
- Experimenting with different dressings can create exciting variations
- Tossing in seasonal fruits keeps this salad vibrant and ever-changing throughout the year
Sometimes I look back at a family gathering where this salad stole the show. Everyone kept asking for seconds, and I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them enjoy my creation.
FAQ
Can I make Broccoli Cashew Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance but add dressing just before serving.
What dressing goes well with this salad?
A light vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing enhances its flavors beautifully.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is naturally gluten-free and healthy!
Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Enjoy a refreshing Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears that perfectly balances crunch, creaminess, and sweetness. This colorful dish combines fresh broccoli, creamy cashews, juicy apples, and ripe pears, creating a salad that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. Ideal for potlucks or light lunches, this salad is simple to prepare and will leave your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews (chopped)
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple (diced)
- 1 large Bartlett pear (diced)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse broccoli under cold water, trim tough stems, and cut into bite-sized florets. Set aside.
- Dice the apple and pear into even pieces. Roughly chop the cashews.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, chopped fruits, cashews, cranberries, and red onion. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg