Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with fresh broccoli, apples, pears, and cashews, this salad offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Texture and Flavor: The combination of crunchy nuts, crisp fruits, and creamy dressing creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

• Versatile: Easily adaptable with various nuts, fruits, and dressings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for gatherings and meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh and chopped into small, bite-sized pieces.

• Apple: Cored and diced; choose a firm variety like Fuji or Gala.

• Pear: Firm, cored, and diced.

• Red Onion: Diced for a mild, tangy flavor.

• Cashews: Toasted or roasted for added crunch.

• Dried Cranberries: Provide a sweet-tart contrast.

• Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the creamy dressing.

• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess; can substitute with kefir or Greek yogurt.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for acidity.

• Honey: Softened or warmed to mix easily into the dressing.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the apple, pear, and red onion.

2. Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, diced apple, diced pear, red onion, cashews, and dried cranberries.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or kefir or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, softened honey, and salt until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.

5. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8 servings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes.

• Total Time: 30 minutes.

Variations

• Alternative Nuts: Substitute cashews with pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, or pistachios for a different flavor profile.

• Different Dried Fruits: Replace cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or dried blueberries.

• Single Fruit Option: Use only apples or only pears instead of both.

• Lighter Dressing: Replace some or all of the mayonnaise or sour cream with kefir or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Note: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the fruits may release moisture over time, slightly altering the texture.

FAQs

How do I toast raw cashews for this salad?

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw cashews on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture, consider adding the dressing just before serving to prevent the fruits from becoming too soft.

What type of apple works best in this salad?

Firm and crisp varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are ideal as they maintain their texture and provide a sweet flavor.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the dressing?

You can use dairy-free mayonnaise and substitute the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt to make the dressing dairy-free.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli may become too soft and watery for this salad.

How can I prevent the apples and pears from browning?

Toss the diced apples and pears in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. The acidity helps slow down the oxidation process that causes browning.

What can I use instead of honey in the dressing?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey, keeping in mind that they may slightly alter the flavor.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any substitutions or additions are also gluten-free.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas can be added for extra protein, making the salad more filling.

How do I keep the salad crunchy if storing leftovers?

To maintain the crunchiness, store the dressing separately and mix it with the salad just before serving. This prevents the ingredients from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Its nutrient-rich ingredients and customizable options cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Whether served at a family dinner or a festive gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries Recipe

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This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries is a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish that blends fresh fruits, crunchy cashews, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or barbecues, this versatile salad can be customized with different fruits, nuts, and dressings to fit dietary preferences.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (for toasting cashews)
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Tossing, Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 cups Broccoli Florets (fresh, chopped)

1 Apple (firm variety like Fuji or Gala, cored and diced)

1 Pear (firm, cored and diced)

¼ cup Red Onion (diced)

½ cup Cashews (toasted or roasted)

½ cup Dried Cranberries

½ cup Mayonnaise

¼ cup Sour Cream (or kefir/Greek yogurt)

1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)

2 tablespoons Honey (softened or warmed)

Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Dice the apple, pear, and red onion.

• Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, mix the chopped broccoli, diced apple, diced pear, red onion, cashews, and dried cranberries.

• Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or kefir/Greek yogurt), lemon juice, softened honey, and salt until smooth.

• Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

• Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or kefir instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.

• To prevent the fruits from browning, toss them in lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

• Customize with different fruits, nuts, or dried fruits for variety.