Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

Introduction

There’s something so satisfying about a salad that’s not only full of fresh, crisp veggies but also has a little crunch and depth of flavor to keep you coming back for more. That’s exactly what this Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is all about. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures – from the crispy cabbage and carrots to the roasted cashews and that savory, tangy sesame dressing that ties it all together.

This salad is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a healthy, vibrant side dish to serve at dinner, or a light and refreshing lunch. The sesame dressing brings so much flavor to the table, and the cashews add that much-needed crunch. Trust me, this salad is going to become your go-to when you want something quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

I first came across this recipe during a summer gathering at a friend’s house, and from the very first bite, I was hooked. The combination of fresh veggies, crunchy nuts, and the creamy dressing felt so refreshing, yet comforting at the same time. Since then, it’s become a regular in our household, and I’m always excited to share it with friends and family.

Whether you’re looking for something to serve as a side dish at a barbecue or just want a quick and nutritious meal on its own, this salad is the answer. So, let’s dive right in and get you started on making this vibrant, delicious, and satisfying Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing will become a favorite in your kitchen. Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it too:

• Easy to make: The best part? It’s super simple! With just a few fresh ingredients and a quick homemade dressing, you’ve got a flavorful salad ready to go in no time. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
• Packed with textures: From the crisp veggies to the crunchy cashews, this salad gives you that perfect bite every time. The sesame dressing adds a creamy, nutty finish that really ties everything together.
• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from the cashews, and protein from the sesame dressing, this salad is a nutritious powerhouse. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat light but still feel full and satisfied.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a healthy lunch, this salad is a winner. It’s light enough for summer meals but hearty enough to serve year-round.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: Serves 4-6 people
• Calories per serving: 320 kcal (calories may vary depending on ingredient brands)

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this vibrant Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing:

Salad:

• 4 cups of Napa cabbage, finely shredded (or any cabbage you prefer)
• 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned (you can use a vegetable peeler to make thin strips)
• 1 cup of roasted cashews, roughly chopped (feel free to add more if you love a crunch)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, but adds great freshness)

Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
• 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds (optional, but adds extra flavor and texture)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1st Step: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by prepping your veggies. This is the easy part! You’re going to chop, slice, and shred everything so that it’s ready to be tossed together.

• Shred the Napa cabbage or whatever cabbage you’re using. I love Napa cabbage for its mild, crunchy texture, but you can use any cabbage you have on hand.
• Peel and julienne the carrots. I like using a vegetable peeler for this because it gives you nice, long strips. If you’re in a pinch, you can also grate them.
• Thinly slice the red bell pepper. The sweet, crisp bell pepper adds color and a burst of freshness to the salad.
• Chop the green onions into small pieces. These will add a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• If you’re using cilantro, chop the fresh cilantro into small bits. It’s optional, but I love how it brings freshness to the salad.

2nd Step: Make the Sesame Dressing

The dressing is the star of the show, so let’s get it just right!

In a small bowl or jar, combine all the ingredients for the sesame dressing:

• Sesame oil, which is nutty and fragrant
• Rice vinegar for that zing
• Soy sauce for savory depth
• Honey to balance the acidity and add a little sweetness
• Fresh ginger and garlic for extra aromatic flavor
• Sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if you want some extra texture and spice

Whisk everything together until it’s fully combined, and you’ve got yourself a creamy, tangy, and savory dressing. The flavor is truly addictive, so you might want to double the recipe and save some for later!

3rd Step: Assemble the Salad

Now that all the elements are ready, it’s time to put everything together!

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded Napa cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and green onions. Give it a good toss to combine.

Next, add the cashews. I like to roughly chop them so you get more of that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad. Start with a little and toss, then add more as needed. The dressing is rich and flavorful, so you don’t need to drown the veggies—just enough to coat everything evenly.

How to Serve

Once your salad is all tossed and dressed, it’s time to serve! Here are some serving ideas that will make your Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing even more irresistible:

• As a side dish: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or your favorite protein. The crisp veggies and creamy dressing complement almost any main dish.
• As a meal: If you’re looking to make this a full meal, top the salad with some grilled shrimp, crispy tofu, or a simple poached egg. It’s light but satisfying!
• With extra crunch: For even more texture, sprinkle additional roasted cashews and sesame seeds on top just before serving.
• Add a side of bread: Serve with warm pita or a few slices of crusty bread to complete the meal.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

1. Use fresh cabbage: The fresher your cabbage, the more crunchy and delicious your salad will be. Make sure you use a sharp knife or mandolin to get that perfect thin shred.
2. Toast your cashews: If you have the time, toast your cashews in a dry skillet for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until golden and fragrant. This extra step brings out the natural flavor of the cashews.
3. Adjust the dressing to your taste: If you love a more tangy dressing, feel free to add extra vinegar or a splash of lime juice. If you want it sweeter, add more honey.
4. Make ahead: The salad can be prepped in advance, but if you plan to store it for later, don’t add the dressing until just before serving to keep the veggies crisp.
5. Double the recipe: If you’re hosting a party or gathering, feel free to double or even triple the recipe. This salad is a crowd-pleaser!

Recipe Variations

Want to change things up? Here are some fun variations to try:

1. Make it spicy: Add a tablespoon of chili paste or a few extra red pepper flakes to the dressing for some heat.
2. Add fruits: For a sweet twist, toss in some mandarin orange slices or thinly sliced apples. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory dressing.
3. Try different nuts: If you’re not a fan of cashews, feel free to swap in almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for crunch.
4. Go gluten-free: If you need this salad to be gluten-free, simply swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

Freezing and Storage

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The veggies will stay crisp, and you can dress the salad just before serving.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the fresh veggies may lose their crunch. However, you can freeze any leftover sesame dressing in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.

Special Equipment

• Mandolin slicer: For perfectly thin slices of cabbage and carrots.
• Large mixing bowl: To toss the veggies and dressing together.
• Airtight container: For storing leftovers or prepping the salad in advance.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different nut instead of cashews? Yes! Feel free to use almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. Each nut will bring its own flavor and crunch to the salad.

How long will the sesame dressing last? You can store leftover dressing in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep all the veggies and make the dressing in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep everything nice and crisp.

Print

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing! Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad is packed with flavor, texture, and so much goodness. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your salad and tag me on Instagram – I’d love to see how it turns out! Enjoy and happy cooking!