What is this recipe? Is it for a Broccoli Cashew Salad that’s been incredibly popular in my family for years? Think of it as the cooler, crunchier cousin of your regular coleslaw, but with way more nutritional value. What are some of the best creamy dressings? Seriously, even the kids gobble it up, and that’s saying something about broccoli! I always bring this to potlucks, and it’s always the first to disappear. You have got to try this. What is the secret of roasting broccoli?
What is Broccoli Cashew Salad?
What is Broccoli Cashew Salad? What is essentially a salad built around crisp-tender broccoli florets, crunchy cashews and sweet almonds? Pops of dried cranberries (or raisins, if you’re feeling old-school)! What’s the best way to serve this salad? Think of it as a party in your mouth – textures and flavors all playing together so nicely. What is your grandmother’s wilted Broccoli Salad? The cashews add this fantastic buttery element that’s just…chef’S kiss. I usually sneak in a little red onion for my first bite, but you can totally leave that out if you’re not into it. I’m gonna eat it for lunch.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat Broccoli Cashew Salad? First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. What is the taste of broccoli balanced by the sweetness of the cranberries? What’s a creamy, tangy dressing? Is it like a rollercoaster for your taste buds?
Secondly, it’s ridiculously easy to make. I can whip up this recipe in under 30 minutes. And most of that time is just letting the broccoli roast in the oven. What is the rest of it?
What are some good reasons to buy this car? What are the best ways to save money on broccoli? And let’s not forget the versatility! Can you serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish? I like to add a scoop of quinoa to my meal.
What I love about this recipe is how customizable it is. Don’t like cranberries? Use raisins! What are some good alternatives to cashews? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes! It’s completely up to you. What is better than lettuce salad? I usually have most of these ingredients in my pantry, but I don’t have any of them.
How do you make a creamy broccoli cashew salad?
Quick Overview
What is the recipe for Broccoli Cashew Salad? What is the best way to roast broccoli to bring out its sweetness and tenderness? What are the other ingredients and a creamy dressing? What is the key to roasting? It really elevates the flavor of the broccoli and prevents it from being too bitter. What is the best thing about this recipe? If you’re feeding a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Broccoli:
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 6 cups) • 2 small heads of cauliflower.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
I always use fresh broccoli for this, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting.
For the Salad:
• 1 cup raw cashews, roughly chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
I prefer cashews raw because they have a milder flavor. I like to eat them raw. If you only have roasted, that’s fine too. As for the cranberries, I like to use the sweetened ones, but you can use unsweetened if you prefer. What is a less sweet salad?
For the Dressing:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
I know some people are mayo-averse, but trust me, it’s essential for the creaminess of the dressing. If you can’t stand Greek Yogurt, try using Greek yoghurt. The flavor will be a bit tangier. I like to use local, raw honey for the best flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you prevent broccoli from sticking to your skin? Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Step 2: Roast the Broccoli
In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated with the oil, so it roasts properly. Then, spread the broccoli in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
While the broccoli is roasting, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt. In a small bowl, combine mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I usually add a little extra honey if I want it sweeter.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Once the broccoli is roasted, let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the roasted broccoli, cashews, cranberries, and red pepper. Set aside. What is onion? What is the best dressing to serve with salad? If you overmix broccoli, you will get mushy. Be careful not to over mix.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. How do I get the flavors to meld and the broccoli to cool down completely? Serve cold and enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
What is a good Broccoli Cashew Salad?
For a BBQ:What is the perfect side dish to serve alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or chicken? What are some of the best salads to serve on a grill?
For a light lunch:Serve it as a side salad with sandwich or wrap. It adds a nice crunch to your meal.
For a Potluck:What are some of the best salads that are easy to make? I usually bring it in a large bowl with lid, so it stays fresh.
My family loves grilled salmon. What is the best way to serve it? The richness of the salmon is a perfect combination with the freshness in the salad. Is there anything wrong with that?
How do I make a perfect broccoli cashew salad?
What are some of the best ways to make Broccoli Cashew Salad?
Don’t overcook broccoli. Cook it slowly You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Keep an eye on it while it’s roasting and take it out of the oven as soon as it’s done.
Toast the cashews: For an even nuttier flavor, toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, until they’re lightly browned and fragrant. Just be careful not to burn them.
Make it ahead of time: This salad actually tastes better if it sits in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broccoli to soften slightly. I usually make it the night before if I’m bringing it to a potluck.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of honey in the dressing. You can also use unsweetened cranberries instead of sweetened ones. I sometimes even add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
Add some protein: For a more filling salad, add some cooked chicken, bacon, or chickpeas. This makes it a great option for lunch or a light dinner. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great here!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Broccoli Cashew Salad is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days, but the broccoli may soften slightly over time. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the broccoli will become mushy when thawed.
The dressing will keep it moist, so there’s no need to add more before serving. Just give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing.
If you’re making the salad ahead of time, I recommend storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. This will prevent the broccoli from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s favorite Broccoli Cashew Salad Recipe! I truly hope you give it a try because I know you’re going to love it just as much as we do. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s so easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in! If you’re looking for more delicious salad recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
Broccoli Cashew Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Broccoli florets
- 0.5 cup Cashews, roasted and chopped
- 0.25 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup Dried cranberries
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cashews, red onion, and cranberries.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients (see dressing recipe) and pour over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
