Cashew Crunch Salad
A crunchy, vibrant salad featuring mixed vegetables, chow mein noodles, and roasted cashews, all tossed in a flavorful sesame dressing.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 cups mixed crunchy vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers) Use a colorful mix for visual appeal.
- 1 cup chow mein noodles These give a fun, crispy element.
- 1 cup shelled edamame If using frozen, thaw under cold running water or blanch.
- 1 cup roasted cashews Pre-roasted work well; toast lightly for deeper flavor.
- ΒΌ cup sesame dressing Use store-bought or homemade.
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Optional Garnishes
- to taste green onions Thinly sliced for garnish.
- to taste sesame seeds Toasted for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and chop the bell peppers into thin strips, peel and shred the carrots, and slice the cucumber thinly.
- If edamame is frozen, run under warm water or blanch for 1β2 minutes, then drain and cool.
- Keep the vegetables uniform in size for balanced texture and flavor.
Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed crunchy vegetables, chow mein noodles, edamame, and roasted cashews.
- Add chow mein noodles last if prepping ahead to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Start with a small amount of dressing and add more to taste.
- For a creamier coating, mix 1β2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the dressing.
- If preferred, serve the dressing on the side.
Season and Garnish
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Serve
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Notes
For make-ahead options, store salad components separately to maintain crunch. Salad can be scaled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 200mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4g
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