Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a salad that screams freshness, you’ve got to try my broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries! This vibrant dish is like a burst of color and flavor on your plate. The crunchy broccoli pairs beautifully with the creamy cashews, while the sweet, juicy apples and pears add a delightful twist. And let’s not forget those chewy cranberries that bring in a pop of tartness! Seriously, this salad is not just healthy; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies while indulging in some seriously yummy flavors. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
- 2 cups broccoli florets, washed and chopped
- 1 cup cashews, roasted and unsalted
- 1 apple, diced (I love using a crisp variety like Honeycrisp!)
- 1 pear, diced (Bartlett or Anjou works great)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (feel free to adjust if you like it sweeter!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
- Start by washing your broccoli under cold water and then chop it into small, bite-sized florets. You want them to be nice and crunchy!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, roasted cashews, diced apple, diced pear, and dried cranberries. Just imagine that colorful mix—it’s so inviting!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk it until it’s well combined and the honey is dissolved. This dressing is the magic touch!
- Pour the dressing over your salad and toss everything gently to combine. Make sure every little piece gets coated with that delicious dressing!
- Now, here’s a little secret: let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps all those flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to whip up—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Healthy and packed with nutrients from fresh fruits and veggies.
- Refreshingly crunchy with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Great for meal prep; it holds up well in the fridge.
- Versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
Tips for Success with Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
For the best results, consider making this salad a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, making it even tastier! Always use the freshest ingredients you can find—crisp broccoli and ripe fruit make all the difference. And don’t hesitate to adjust the dressing to your liking; a little extra honey or vinegar can really elevate the flavor! Trust me, you’ll love making it your own!
Variations of Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
Feel free to get creative with this salad! For a nutty twist, try swapping out the cashews for almonds or walnuts—both add a delightful crunch. You can also mix in other fruits like sliced grapes or mandarin oranges for an extra burst of sweetness. If you’re looking to add more greens, throw in some baby spinach or arugula for a peppery kick. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve—this helps maintain the crispness of the broccoli and fruit. No need to reheat; it’s delightful served chilled or at room temperature!
Nutritional Information for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
This broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also packed with nutrients! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat, 6g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates, including 5g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they show how this salad can be a wholesome addition to your meals. Enjoy the goodness without the guilt!
FAQ About Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
Can I substitute the cashews?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer something different, feel free to swap in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that crunch without the nuts.
What other fruits can I add?
You can get creative! Try adding sliced strawberries, grapes, or even some pomegranate seeds for a burst of flavor and color.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
How can I adjust the dressing flavor?
If you like it a bit tangier, add more apple cider vinegar. For extra sweetness, a dash more honey does the trick! Feel free to taste as you go.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities!
Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing salad combining broccoli, cashews, apples, pears, and cranberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 pear, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cashews, apple, pear, and cranberries.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Notes
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Can be made in advance; just add the dressing before serving.
- Substitute nuts as per your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli cashew salad, salad with apples, salad with pears, cranberry salad