Description
A delicious, vibrant, and wholesome Broccoli Cashew Salad: features crisp raw broccoli, sweet apples and pears, crunchy cashews, and tart cranberries, all coated in a rich honey-lemon dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups broccoli florets (chopped into small bites)
- 1 apple (cored and diced)
- 1 pear (firm, cored, and diced)
- ¼ cup red onion (diced)
- 1 cup cashews (toasted or roasted)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (or kefir or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup honey (softened or warmed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, add broccoli, apple, pear, red onion, cashews, and cranberries.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or kefir/Greek yogurt), lemon juice, honey, and salt. Ensure the honey is runny so it blends smoothly.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Notes
- Roasting Cashews: If using raw cashews, toast them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Fruit: Choose firm apples and pears to avoid mushiness.
- Make Ahead: This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be made a few hours ahead for better flavor blending.
- Broccoli Prep: Chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces; this makes them easier to eat and ensures the dressing adheres better.
- Dressing Flavor: Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier dressing base. Warm the honey briefly to ensure it blends smoothly without clumping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup (⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: ~340 kcal
- Sugar: ~23 g
- Sodium: ~160 mg
- Fat: ~21 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~16 g
- Trans Fat: <0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~34 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
- Protein: ~6 g
- Cholesterol: ~15 mg
Keywords: Broccoli Salad, Cashew Salad, Creamy Salad, Apple Pear Salad, Cranberry Salad, Healthy Side Dish, Make-Ahead Salad, Sweet Savory, Wholesome Salad, Party Salad