Asian Crunch Salad with Cashews Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with texture, bright flavors, and a satisfying crunch, you’re going to want to try this Asian Crunch Salad with Cashews Recipe. I absolutely love this because it’s not your typical leafy salad—it’s vibrant, colorful, and the cashews add this irresistible buttery crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re bringing it to a summer barbecue or just want a fresh, healthy side, this recipe has got your back.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Asian Crunch Salad with Cashews Recipe is all about fresh, crisp vegetables balanced with a flavorful dressing and toasted nuts. The key is picking vibrant, crunchy produce and a dressing that ties it all together smoothly. I always look for the freshest kale slaw mix I can find – Trader Joe’s works wonders.

• Kale Slaw: I recommend buying pre-packaged kale slaw for convenience; just pick out any tough stems before mixing.
• Green Cabbage: Adds a mild sweetness and extra crunch to your salad.
• Cucumber: Diced for a juicy, refreshing contrast.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots bring color and subtle sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced red, orange, or yellow peppers inject vibrant color and a touch of sweetness.
• Scallions: Optional but highly recommended for a mild onion flavor that brightens the salad.
• Cashews: Coarsely chopped for that satisfying nutty crunch I can’t get enough of.
• Soy Sauce: The umami base of your dressing—low sodium works best to keep it balanced.
• Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger amps up the zing and warmth in the dressing.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens every bite.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice softens the sweetness and adds refreshing citrus notes.
• Light Brown Sugar: Just enough sweetness to round out the dressing flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat to keep things exciting without overpowering.
• Avocado Oil: Used in the dressing for its mild flavor and healthy fats.

Variations

I love customizing this Asian Crunch Salad with Cashews Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s surprisingly flexible, so don’t hesitate to get creative with veggies or nuts.

• Add Protein: I’ve tossed in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp for a more substantial meal, and it’s a hit every time.
• Swap the Cashews: Sometimes I replace cashews with peanuts or toasted almonds to change up the nutty flavor and texture.
• Spice It Up: For those who love heat, adding extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha in the dressing kicks it up a notch.
• Seasonal Veggies: In cooler months, I swap out bell peppers for shredded Brussels sprouts or snap peas for seasonal freshness.

How to Make Asian Crunch Salad with Cashews Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Greens and Veggies

Start by picking through the kale slaw to remove any large, woody stems—you want just the tender bits to keep the salad crisp but not tough. Then toss the kale slaw, shredded green cabbage, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, and scallions into a large mixing bowl. This chunk of prep is where you build your crunchy base, so take a minute to admire those colors—it’s already looking delicious!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a separate bowl or a jar with a lid, combine soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, rice wine vinegar, fresh lime juice, light brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk or shake well until the brown sugar has dissolved completely—that’s a key step to avoid any graininess in your dressing. Then slowly whisk in the avocado oil to emulsify it all. The dressing is your flavor powerhouse, so taste it before moving on and adjust any element to your preference.

Step 3: Combine and Toss Just Before Serving

When you’re ready to serve, give the dressing a good shake again (it tends to separate as it sits) and drizzle about three quarters of it over the slaw mixture. Toss gently to coat every bite with that tangy, flavorful dressing. Next, stir in three quarters of the chopped cashews—those bad boys bring the awesome crunch. Taste and add the remaining dressing if you want it more saucy, then sprinkle the remaining cashews on top as a garnish to impress your guests visually and texturally.

How to Serve Asian Crunch Salad with Cashews Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this Asian Crunch Salad with Cashews Recipe with a sprinkle of extra chopped cashews for crunch and some fresh cilantro for a pop of herbal brightness. Sometimes, I add toasted sesame seeds or a wedge of lime on the side to brighten things even more. These little touches make it feel restaurant-quality and extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian meal. My family goes crazy for it alongside simple jasmine rice or some steamed dumplings. It’s also great as a side for any Asian-inspired BBQ or potluck.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like serving this salad in individual lettuce cups or clear parfait glasses, layering the veggies and dressing so the crunch and colors really stand out. It’s fun to watch guests dig in and appreciate the textures. On casual nights, a big wooden bowl with plenty of extra cashews on top does the trick just fine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge but keep the dressing separate if possible to avoid sogginess. If you’ve already tossed everything together, the salad is still delicious the next day but just less crunchy. Adding fresh cashews at serving time helps revive the texture.

Freezing

This salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the fresh veggies and dressing separate or get mushy upon thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh or storing leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days instead.

Reheating

No need to reheat this salad since it’s designed to be fresh and crunchy. Just give leftovers a gentle toss and add a splash of fresh lime juice if the flavors have mellowed overnight. If you’d added warm protein on the side, warm that separately.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Asian Crunch Salad with Cashews Recipe became one of my favorite go-to salads after I first made it for a summer picnic. It’s vibrant, healthy, and feels both nourishing and indulgent thanks to the cashews and zesty dressing. If you want to impress your family or friends with minimal effort but maximum flavor, this salad is a clear winner. Give it a try—I promise you’ll come back to it again and again.

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