Crunchy Cashew Rainbow Salad with Zesty Sesame Dressing
Are you looking for a salad that’s not only good for you, but also incredibly delicious and satisfying? Look no further! This Crunchy Cashew Rainbow Salad with Sesame Dressing is a flavor explosion of fresh veggies, delightful textures, and a dressing that will make your taste buds sing.
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
This isn't your average leafy green salad. It's a vibrant mix of crunchy green and purple cabbage, sweet matchstick carrots, fresh cilantro, and the subtle bite of green onions. Add to that the pleasant chewiness of edamame, the satisfying crunch of roasted cashews, and the delightful crispness of chow mein noodles (optional for gluten-free friends!) – and you've got a salad that's both exciting and filling.
The Magic of Sesame Dressing
The star of this salad is undoubtedly the sesame dressing. It's a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, white vinegar, sesame oil, a touch of sugar for balance, and seasoned with salt and garlic powder. But here's where it gets exciting: a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise adds a creamy element, transforming it from a light vinaigrette to a luscious, more filling dressing. For a vegan option, simply skip the yogurt or mayo.
Make It Your Own
This salad is incredibly versatile:
- Vegan? Simply omit the Greek yogurt or mayo. For added creaminess, try a touch of miso or a cashew-based cream.
- Gluten-Free? Skip the chow mein noodles or use a gluten free alternative.
- Need Protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal. Marinate your protein in soy sauce, honey, and garlic for an extra flavor boost.
Tips for the Best Salad
- Prep Ahead: Chop all your veggies in advance and store them in the fridge. Add the chow mein noodles, cashews, and dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
- Edamame: Buy frozen, shelled edamame and boil it for a few minutes.
- Cashews: Feel free to use plain roasted cashews or try flavored ones for a twist, such as Thai chili cashews.
The Recipe
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1/2 head green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 head purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups carrots, matchstick-cut or shredded
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced green onion
- 2 cups cooked edamame
- 1-2 cups roasted cashews
- 2 cups crunchy chow mein noodles (optional)
- Your choice of protein (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A few shakes of garlic powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayo (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a jar or bowl. Add yogurt or mayo if using, and mix until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Enjoy Your Healthy, Delicious Salad!
This Crunchy Cashew Rainbow Salad with Zesty Sesame Dressing is not just a salad; it's an experience. It's a wonderful way to incorporate more veggies and healthy fats into your diet without compromising on taste. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner side, or even a potluck dish. Enjoy the crunch, the colors, and the zesty dressing – a salad you'll actually crave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep this salad in advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare all the veggies and store them in the fridge, but add the dressing, cashews, and chow mein noodles right before serving to keep everything nice and crunchy.
What kind of edamame should I use?
Frozen, shelled edamame is ideal. Just boil it briefly before adding it to your salad.
Any protein recommendations?
Grilled chicken or shrimp is a classic addition. Marinating it with soy sauce, honey, and garlic is a fantastic idea for enhancing the flavor.