Delightful Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples & Pears

The combination of crisp broccoli, crunchy cashews, and sweet apples and pears creates a salad that dances on your palate. With each bite, you experience a delightful mix of textures, making this Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears not just a dish but an experience to savor. For more inspiration, check out this lunch ideas recipe.

I remember the first time I made this salad for a family gathering; it was an instant hit! The vibrant colors and refreshing taste turned a simple meal into a celebration. Perfect for picnics or as a side at dinner parties, this salad promises to be the star of your table.

Sharing this recipe brought smiles and compliments from friends who were pleasantly surprised by how delicious and easy it was to make!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets without yellowing for the best flavor and nutrients.
• Raw Cashews: Opt for unsalted cashews to maintain control over the seasoning in your salad.
• Apples: Use crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for that perfect sweet-tart balance.
• Pears: Ripe but firm pears add juiciness; Bartlett is an excellent choice here.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a pop of color and sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Red Onion: A small amount adds a zingy bite; soak it in water to mellow its intensity if preferred.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while providing healthy fats.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad and helps keep the fruits from browning.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those lovely flavors; don’t skip the seasoning!

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

Let’s Make it together

First things first: Gather all your ingredients! You’ll want everything prepped before diving into this colorful creation.

Prep the Broccoli: Chop fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Steam lightly until vibrant green but still crunchy—about 3-4 minutes should do the trick.

Add Some Crunch: Coarsely chop raw cashews and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown—this takes around 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning.

Fruit Preparation: Core and slice apples and pears into thin wedges. Ideally, use two different apple varieties for added depth of flavor.

Toss with Love: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, fruits, toasted cashews, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Mix gently to avoid bruising the fruit.

Dressing Delight: Whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Drizzle this dressing over your salad mixture generously.

The Final Touch: Gently toss everything together until well combined. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving so flavors can mingle—trust me; patience pays off!

Now you’ve created a vibrant Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears that’s not only good-looking but also packed with flavors! Enjoy it right away or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by chopping the broccoli into bite-sized pieces while soaking the cashews. Then, slice the apples and pears just before serving to keep them crisp.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cashews for walnuts or pecans. Toss in some dried cranberries or feta cheese for added flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating as this salad is best enjoyed cold.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of the first time I served it at a family gathering; everyone couldn’t stop raving about how refreshing it was, especially on a hot summer day!

FAQ

Can I make this Broccoli Cashew Salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving for freshness.

What dressing works best for this salad?

A light vinaigrette balances well with the sweetness of apples and pears.

Are there any substitutions for cashews in this recipe?

Absolutely! Almonds or sunflower seeds can provide a similar crunch factor.

Print

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Discover a delightful Broccoli Cashew Salad that combines crisp broccoli, crunchy cashews, and sweet apples and pears. This vibrant dish is not just a salad; it’s an experience bursting with flavors and textures. Perfect for picnics or dinner parties, this quick-to-make recipe impresses guests while keeping your taste buds dancing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup raw cashews (unsalted)
• 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, cored and sliced
• 1 medium Bartlett pear, cored and sliced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the broccoli by chopping it into bite-sized florets. Steam lightly for about 3-4 minutes until vibrant green but still crunchy.
2. Coarsely chop the cashews and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Core and slice both apples and pears into thin wedges.
4. In a large bowl, combine steamed broccoli, fruits, toasted cashews, dried cranberries, and red onion. Gently mix to prevent bruising the fruit.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad mixture.
6. Toss everything gently until well combined. Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - For added flavor variations, consider swapping cashews for walnuts or pecans. - To keep apple and pear slices from browning, toss them in lemon juice immediately after slicing. - This salad is best enjoyed cold; avoid reheating.