Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and a Creamy Dressing

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Description:
This Broccoli Cashew Salad combines the crunchiness of fresh broccoli and cashews with the sweet, crisp flavors of apples and pears, all tossed in a rich, creamy dressing. It’s a delightful salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. The mix of textures and flavors makes this salad a satisfying choice for any meal.

Ingredients:

  • For the Salad:
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 large apple, cored and chopped (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 large pear, cored and chopped
  • 1/2 cup roasted cashews, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • For the Creamy Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit:
  • Rinse the broccoli florets and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
  • Core and chop the apple and pear into pieces approximately the same size as the broccoli for consistency.
  1. Make the Dressing:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Assemble the Salad:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, apple, pear, red onion, dried cranberries or raisins, and chopped cashews.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  1. Chill and Serve:
  • For best flavors, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  • Toss the salad again before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Nutritional Information Estimate (per serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 270
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Protein: 3g

Additional Tips:

  • For added protein, consider adding chickpeas or shredded chicken.
  • To make this salad vegan, use a plant-based mayonnaise and agave syrup instead of honey.
  • Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of cashews depending on what’s available or based on preference.

This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to your dining table for both family meals and special occasions. Enjoy the combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory in one refreshing dish!

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