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–+ servings

Cashew Crunch Salad

This vibrant salad combines crunchy toasted cashews with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing. The textures play a key role, from the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts to the crispness of raw veggies, resulting in a colorful, flavor-packed dish with a beautiful final appearance. Perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners, it’s a fresh, satisfying symphony of textures and flavors.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: 220kcal
Author: James Taylor
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Knife and chopping board

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cashews preferably raw or roasted, for toasting
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint roughly chopped
  • 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 small red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for vegan
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce optional, for depth
  • pinch salt

Instructions

  • Heat a dry skillet over medium and add the cashews. Toast, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant, creating a crackling sound as they toast.
  • Remove the toasted cashews from the skillet and let them cool slightly on a plate; they should be fragrant and crunchy to the touch.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt to create a bright, tangy dressing.
  • Chop the fresh cilantro and mint, then thinly slice the red onion and bell pepper, adding all to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Break the cooled cashews into smaller pieces and add them to the bowl with the other ingredients, distributing evenly.
  • Toss everything gently until the herbs, vegetables, and nuts are coated with the dressing, ensuring a colorful and textured mix.
  • Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the herbs to soften slightly.
  • Serve the Cashew Crunch Salad in bowls, garnished with extra herbs if desired, and enjoy the vibrant textures and fresh flavors.

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the cashews until deeply golden but be careful not to burn. Feel free to customize with other nuts or herbs for variation. Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a day—re-toast the nuts before serving if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 250mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1.2mg