If you’re on the lookout for a salad that’s as vibrant as it is delicious, you’ve just found it! This broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries is a fresh and crunchy delight that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. Imagine biting into crisp broccoli, creamy cashews, and juicy apples and pears, all while the tart cranberries dance around your taste buds. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth!
Not only is this salad refreshing, but it’s also incredibly simple to whip up. I love how it’s packed with nutrients and colors; you’ll feel good serving it to friends and family. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just treating yourself to something wholesome at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cashews, roughly chopped for a delightful crunch
- 1 apple, diced (I love using a sweet variety like Honeycrisp for that extra flavor)
- 1 pear, diced (a ripe Bartlett pear works wonderfully here)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, packed for sweetness
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (this adds a nice zing!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, for a rich and smooth dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, to brighten everything up
- 1 tablespoon honey, to balance the flavors
- Salt and pepper to taste, for that perfect seasoning
How to Prepare Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
- Start by washing your broccoli florets thoroughly. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you like a bit of a crunch, don’t overcook them—raw broccoli is the way to go!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, roughly chopped cashews, diced apple, diced pear, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
- Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will add a zesty kick to the salad.
- Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss everything again until it’s all evenly coated. Get in there and make sure each piece is dressed—it’s worth it!
- Once everything is nicely mixed, let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes. This step is super important because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can chill it in the fridge if you want it extra refreshing!
- Finally, serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light lunch all on its own. Enjoy every crunchy, sweet, and tangy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—just 15 minutes and you’re done!
- Fresh, vibrant ingredients that are packed with nutrients and flavor.
- A delightful mix of textures—from crunchy broccoli to creamy cashews and juicy fruits.
- Sweet and tangy flavor combination that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
- Perfect for meal prep—you can make it ahead of time and it stays delicious for days!
- Versatile enough to be a side dish or a light main course on its own.
- Great for all occasions, from casual lunches to festive celebrations.
Tips for Success with Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
To make sure your broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries turns out absolutely fabulous, here are some of my top tips!
- Choose the Right Apples and Pears: For the apples, I highly recommend using Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweetness and crunch. As for pears, go for ripe Bartlett or Anjou—they add a lovely juiciness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Keep It Fresh: Use fresh broccoli florets and make sure to wash them thoroughly. The crunchier the broccoli, the better the salad will be!
- Customize Your Nuts: If you want to mix things up, feel free to swap in other nuts like almonds or walnuts. They can add a different flavor profile and a new crunch!
- Don’t Skimp on the Dressing: Make sure every piece of salad gets a good coating of that delicious dressing! If you find it’s too thick, just add a splash of water or more olive oil to loosen it up.
- Let It Marinate: Giving the salad a little time to sit after dressing it allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. I usually let it rest for at least 10 minutes, but if you can wait a little longer, it’s totally worth it!
- Serve It Chilled: This salad tastes fantastic when served chilled, especially on a warm day. If you have time, pop it in the fridge before serving to enhance the flavors even more!
With these tips, your salad will not only look stunning but will taste out of this world! Happy salad making!
Variations of Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a little, there are so many fun variations you can try with this broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries! Here are some ideas that’ll keep your taste buds excited:
- Nutty Delight: Swap out cashews for almonds, walnuts, or even pecans for a different crunch and flavor. Each nut brings its own unique texture and taste!
- Fruit Fiesta: Add in some diced oranges or mandarin segments for a citrusy twist! The bright pop of flavor will take your salad to the next level.
- Cheesy Goodness: Crumble some feta or goat cheese on top before serving. The creaminess of the cheese pairs wonderfully with the crunchy veggies and fruits.
- Seeds of Flavor: Toss in some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra layer of crunch and nutrition. They add a lovely nutty flavor as well!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can bring a refreshing element to the salad. Just sprinkle a handful on top for a burst of freshness!
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños. The heat contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruits.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what sounds good to you. The beauty of this salad is its versatility, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
Now that you’ve got your broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries all ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This salad is not just a stand-alone star; it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes to create a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Grilled Chicken: A perfectly grilled chicken breast seasoned with your favorite spices makes for a deliciously light protein to complement the salad. It adds that savory element that balances out the sweetness of the fruits.
- Quinoa Bowl: Serve the salad alongside a warm quinoa bowl loaded with veggies and a sprinkle of feta cheese. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs wonderfully with the crunchy salad.
- Fish Tacos: Fresh fish tacos with a zesty lime crema are a fantastic option. The lightness of the fish and the crunch of the salad will have your taste buds dancing!
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful vegetable stir-fry with a soy or teriyaki glaze can be a great accompaniment. The flavors and textures will create an exciting contrast with your refreshing salad.
- Sandwiches or Wraps: Pair it with a hearty sandwich or wrap—think turkey and avocado or a veggie wrap with hummus. The salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the fillings.
- Cheese and Crackers: For a more casual spread, serve it as part of a cheese and cracker platter. Add some slices of a sharp cheddar or creamy brie to elevate your snacking experience.
These serving suggestions not only enhance your meal but also make it a delightful experience for all. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, this salad will shine alongside your favorite dishes. Happy eating!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries is super simple, and the best part? It stays delicious for a couple of days! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. This salad is best enjoyed within 2 days, as the fruits and veggies will stay crisp and flavorful.
- Refreshing Tip: If you find the salad has lost a bit of its zing after a day, just give it a little toss and maybe add a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up again!
- No Reheating Needed: This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just take it out of the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
By following these simple storage tips, you can ensure that your salad remains as vibrant and delicious as when you first made it. Enjoy every last crunchy bite!
Nutritional Information for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed in this broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries! This salad not only tastes amazing but also offers a healthy array of nutrients. Here’s a typical breakdown per serving (about 1 cup), but keep in mind that these values can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 6g
This salad is a fantastic way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals while enjoying a delicious meal. With a lovely mix of healthy fats from the cashews and plenty of fiber from the fruits and broccoli, it’s a win-win! Enjoy this nutritious dish without any guilt, and feel good about what you’re eating!
FAQ about Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries can be made a few hours in advance. Just remember to give it a toss before serving to refresh the flavors!
What can I substitute for cashews?
If you’re not a fan of cashews or have an allergy, feel free to swap them out for almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. Each option will bring a different flavor and crunch!
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. Just be aware that the apples and pears may brown slightly, but a splash of lemon juice can help keep them vibrant!
Can I add more fruits to this salad?
Definitely! This salad is super versatile. You can add in fruits like grapes, oranges, or even pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of flavor and color!
How do I prevent the apples and pears from browning?
To keep your apples and pears looking fresh, you can toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This not only prevents browning but also adds a nice zesty kick!
Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crunchy salad featuring 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 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cashews, apples, pears, cranberries, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feel free to add other nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli cashew salad with apples pears and cranberries