Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries! It’s like a burst of freshness in every bite! I love how the crunchy broccoli pairs perfectly with the sweet, juicy apples and pears, while the cashews add that delightful nuttiness. And don’t even get me started on those tart cranberries—they’re just the right touch to balance everything out. This salad is my go-to when I want something light yet satisfying, and it comes together in no time! Whether I’m serving it at a gathering or just enjoying it solo, it never fails to impress. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one!
Ingredients for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries Recipe
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cashews, roughly chopped or whole, depending on your preference
- 1 apple, diced into small cubes (I love using a sweet variety like Honeycrisp!)
- 1 pear, diced into small cubes (Bartlett pears work wonderfully here)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, for that delightful tartness
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced finely to add a bit of zing
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, but it adds a lovely creaminess!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil, for a rich dressing
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for a tangy kick
- 1 tablespoon honey, to sweeten the dressing just a touch
- Salt and pepper to taste, because we want everything to shine!
How to Prepare Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables
First things first, let’s get our veggies ready! Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets—aim for bite-sized pieces so they mix well with everything else. I like to remove the tough stems, but if you want, you can chop those up too for extra crunch! Next, dice your apple and pear into small cubes. I recommend leaving the skin on for added texture and nutrition. And don’t forget the red onion! A fine dice will help it blend beautifully into the salad.
Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in the chopped broccoli, cashews, diced apple and pear, dried cranberries, and red onion. It’s like a colorful party in there! Gently stir everything together to ensure each ingredient gets a little love. You want to keep that crunch, so handle it with care! If you’re using feta, hold off for now; we’ll add that later.
Step 3: Making the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to really mix it well—this dressing is what brings everything together! Taste it to see if you want a bit more sweetness or tang; feel free to adjust as you go. That’s the beauty of homemade dressings!
Step 4: Combining and Serving
Now, pour that delicious dressing over the salad and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. If you’re adding feta cheese, sprinkle it on top just before serving for that creamy finish. You can serve it immediately for the freshest crunch, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to meld those flavors together beautifully. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors—it’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Fresh, crunchy textures that make every bite satisfying.
- Sweet and savory flavors from apples, pears, and cranberries.
- Packed with nutrients from broccoli and healthy fats from cashews.
- Versatile and customizable—perfect for any occasion!
Tips for Success with Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries Recipe
To make this salad truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, try to use fresh broccoli for that ultimate crunch—avoid any wilted or yellowing florets. If you want an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the cashews in a dry skillet for a few minutes; it really enhances their nuttiness! For the dressing, don’t hesitate to tweak the honey or vinegar to match your taste—some like it sweeter, while others prefer a zippier profile.
And here’s a fun idea: mix in some cooked quinoa for added protein and texture, or swap out the feta for goat cheese if you prefer a tangy twist. Lastly, serve the salad chilled on a hot day; it’s super refreshing! These little adjustments can take your salad from great to absolutely unforgettable!
Variations for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries Recipe
If you’re looking to shake things up, there are so many fun variations you can try! Swap out the cashews for pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor. You could also mix in some sliced strawberries or mandarin oranges for extra sweetness and color. For a bit of crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. And if you’re a fan of cheese, crumbled blue cheese can give it a bold twist. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries Recipe
This broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries is not just delicious, but also packed with goodness! Each serving has approximately 250 calories, with 15 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein, and 30 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also get 4 grams of fiber, which is great for digestion! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, so adjust as needed when you’re whipping this up. It’s a light yet nutritious option that you’ll love!
FAQ About Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries Recipe
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can definitely prepare it a few hours in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain that crunch.
What other nuts can I use? If you’re not a fan of cashews, feel free to swap them out for almonds, walnuts, or even pecans! Each will bring its own unique flavor and texture.
Can I use other fruits instead of apples and pears? Absolutely! You can try adding grapes, chopped oranges, or even pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness.
Is this salad vegan-friendly? Yes, it’s super easy to make this salad vegan! Just skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and you’re good to go!
How long does this salad last in the fridge? It can last for about 2-3 days in the fridge, but I recommend eating it within the first day for the best texture and flavor!
Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crunchy 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 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the broccoli into small florets.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cashews, apple, pear, 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 to combine.
- Top with feta cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: broccoli cashew salad, apple pear salad, cranberry salad recipe