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Cashew Crunch Salad – The Ultimate Crunchy, Creamy Summer Salad
Summer calls for fresh, vibrant, and satisfying salads — and this Cashew Crunch Salad is everything you want in a summer side dish. With a perfect balance of crisp vegetables, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy roasted cashews, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s both indulgent and refreshing.
This creamy summer salad is perfect for backyard barbecues, picnic spreads, or a quick weekday lunch. The best part? It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it a simple but show-stopping addition to any meal.
Whether you’re craving crunch, creamy texture, or bold flavor, this Cashew Crunch Salad delivers it all in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cashew Crunch Salad
- Perfect Crunch: Roasted cashews add satisfying texture.
- Fresh and Colorful: Red cabbage, shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce make the salad visually appealing.
- Creamy Dressing: A light mixture of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and honey keeps it smooth and tangy.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and ready in under 20 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Refrigerate and toss before serving.
Unlike heavy, overly dressed salads, this summer salad keeps every bite light and refreshing while still indulgent enough for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups romaine or mixed lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup roasted cashews
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle roasted cashews on top and toss lightly again.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately for maximum crunch.
- Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Cashew Crunch Salad – The Ultimate Crunchy, Creamy Summer Salad
A crunchy and creamy summer salad with fresh vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and roasted cashews tossed in a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and green onions with dressing.
- Sprinkle roasted cashews on top and toss lightly.
- Chill 10–15 minutes before serving or serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
For extra crunch, add cashews just before serving.
Why This Salad Stands Out
1. Balanced Flavor Profile
The combination of tangy lemon juice, creamy yogurt, a touch of sweetness from honey, and crunchy cashews creates a perfectly balanced taste.
2. Multiple Textures
From soft lettuce to crisp cabbage, tender tomatoes, and crunchy cashews, each bite is a mix of textures that keep the salad interesting.
3. Quick Prep
With pre-shredded vegetables or a quick knife work, this salad is on your table in under 20 minutes.
Tips for the Perfect Cashew Crunch Salad
- Use Fresh Cashews: Roasted cashews bring warmth and crunch. Lightly toast them at home for extra flavor.
- Dry Your Greens: Wet lettuce can dilute the dressing. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels.
- Chill Cashews Separately: Add just before serving if you want to preserve maximum crunch.
- Customize Your Veggies: Add cucumber, bell peppers, or radishes for variety.
- Adjust Dressing: If you prefer lighter creaminess, reduce mayonnaise and increase Greek yogurt.
Delicious Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the dressing.
- Sweet Twist: Toss in dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
- Nut Alternatives: Substitute cashews with almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled seafood or chicken
- Burgers and sliders
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Summer pasta dishes
- Picnic platters or potluck spreads
It’s a versatile side that can complement almost any summer meal.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Add cashews just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Toss the salad before serving to redistribute dressing.
Avoid storing with tomatoes for long periods; they can release moisture and soften the salad.
Nutritional Highlights
- Cashews: Provide healthy fats, protein, and crunch.
- Vegetables: Offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and protein without excess fat.
This combination makes the salad both satisfying and nutrient-rich, perfect for summer meals.
Common Questions
Can I use other nuts?
Yes — almonds, pecans, or walnuts work well if you prefer.
Can I make it vegan?
Use vegan mayonnaise and skip honey or use maple syrup.
How do I keep the salad crunchy?
Add cashews and dressing just before serving or toss lightly after refrigeration.
Final Thoughts
Cashew Crunch Salad – The Ultimate Crunchy, Creamy Summer Salad delivers bold flavor, vibrant colors, and irresistible texture. It’s a show-stopping side dish for any summer gathering, picnic, or simple family meal.
Fresh, crunchy, creamy, and easy to prepare — it has everything a perfect summer salad should have. Once you try it, this salad will become a summer staple.