If you’re on the quest for a salad that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brims with freshness and healthy goodness, look no further than the Pinch of Yum Cashew Crunch Salad. This culinary creation is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will make you rethink your approach to salads. And the star of the show? The sesame dressing – it’s truly an OMG moment!
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A Salad that Checks All the Boxes
When lunchtime rolls around, and your cravings kick in, the internal dialogue begins:
- I’m hungry.
- What would taste awesome right now?
- No, wait, what would be super healthy right now? Because… mocha peanut butter pie?
- No, but what would actually fill me up?
- WAIT WAIT WAIT what about that salad with the sesame dressing that is awesome-tasting AND healthy AND keeps me full because it’s full of so many friendly fats and good stuff?
- Yes! I love salad!
- I love vegetables!
- I love life!
That’s an actual transcript of the internal dialogue of a salad lover. These are the terms we think in: tastes amazing, mostly healthy, still fills me up.
Let’s Talk About This Sesame Dressing
The dressing in this Cashew Crunch Salad might just steal the spotlight. It’s an oil-and-vinegar dressing that’s easy to prepare – simply shake it up in a jar. Sweetened with a hint of sugar and seasoned with sesame oil, it hits all the right notes. And if you’re like me, you’ll add a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayo to achieve that creamy perfection. Because sometimes, a vinaigrette just doesn’t cut it – we need a little creaminess to elevate our salads.
Make This Salad Your Way
This salad is versatile, accommodating various dietary preferences:
- For vegans – omit the creamy additions.
- For the gluten-free crowd – skip the crunchy chow mein noodles.
- For the protein enthusiasts – add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or your favorite protein source. It quickly transforms into a hearty dinner entree salad with juicy grilled chicken on top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prep this salad ahead of time? Yes! You can chop and prep all the veggies in advance and even mix them together. Just wait to add the chow mein noodles, cashews, and dressing until just before serving.
2. What type of edamame should I use? Opt for frozen, shelled edamame and boil them for a few minutes, similar to boiling peas.
3. How should I prepare protein to add to this salad? If you want to include grilled chicken or shrimp, marinate it in soy sauce, honey, and garlic for added flavor.
Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1/2 head of green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 head of purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups carrots, matchstick-cut or shredded
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced green onion
- 2 cups cooked edamame
- 1–2 cup roasted cashews
- 2 cups crunchy chow mein noodles (optional)
- Protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or any other oil)
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A few shakes of garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayo (for creaminess)
Instructions
- Shake the dressing ingredients in a jar until smooth. If using Greek yogurt or mayo, add and shake again until smooth.
- Toss all the salad ingredients together, drizzle with dressing, and serve!
Enjoy this delightful Cashew Crunch Salad that’s a medley of vibrant vegetables, satisfying crunch, and the irresistible allure of sesame dressing.