Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries! It’s like a burst of freshness in every bite! The crunchy broccoli paired with the creamy cashews, sweet apples, juicy pears, and tart cranberries create such a delightful flavor explosion. I whip this salad up for everything from casual dinners to holiday gatherings because it’s not only delicious but also impressively colorful on the table. Plus, it’s so incredibly easy to make! You just toss everything together, and voilà! This salad is a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying the sweetness of fruit. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

Ingredients for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup roasted cashews
1 apple, diced
1 pear, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries

Making this broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries is as easy as pie—well, easier, actually! Here’s how to do it:

First, grab a large bowl and toss in those beautiful fresh broccoli florets. Trust me, the crunch is going to make this salad sing!
Add the roasted cashews, which bring in that lovely creaminess. Then, throw in the diced apple and pear. I love how they add a sweet contrast to the broccoli!
Next, sprinkle in the dried cranberries and finely chopped red onion for that perfect bit of zing.
Now, for the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until it’s well blended. This dressing is simple but oh-so-flavorful!
Pour that delicious dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Make sure every piece is well-coated!
Finally, pop the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows all those flavors to mingle and get even tastier. Yum!

And just like that, you have a vibrant, mouthwatering salad ready to impress! Enjoy every crunchy, sweet bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare: Seriously, it takes just 15 minutes to whip this up! Perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Refreshing and nutritious: With all those fresh ingredients, this salad is a guilt-free way to get your veggies and fruits in!
Versatile for different occasions: Whether it’s a picnic, a potluck, or a family dinner, this salad fits right in. You can serve it as a side or make it a star on your lunch table.
Perfect for meal prep: You can easily make this salad ahead of time, and it keeps well in the fridge. Just give it a little toss before serving!
Great for summer gatherings: This salad is light and refreshing, making it an ideal dish for those warm, sunny days when you want something delicious but not heavy.

Tips for Success

To make your broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips that I swear by:

Fresh is best: Use the freshest broccoli you can find for that amazing crunch! If it’s wilting or turning yellow, skip it and grab a new bunch.
Chop evenly: When dicing your apples and pears, try to keep the pieces consistent in size. This way, every bite is balanced and delightful!
Roast your cashews: If you’re feeling fancy, a quick toast in the oven can elevate the flavor of your cashews even more. Just keep an eye on them—they can burn quickly!
Adjust the dressing: Don’t hesitate to tweak the dressing to your taste! If you love a bit more tang, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar. For sweetness, a drizzle of honey works wonders.
Chill for flavor: Remember to let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes! This waiting game allows all those luscious flavors to blend beautifully.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to switch things up! Try adding a sprinkle of feta cheese or some sliced grapes for an extra pop of flavor.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating a stunning salad that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!

Variations of Broccoli Cashew Salad

If you’re looking to mix things up with your broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries, you’re in luck! There are so many delicious ways to customize this salad to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

Change the Nuts: While cashews are fantastic, you can swap them out for almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and crunch!
Add Protein: For a heartier salad, toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas. They’ll make it a satisfying meal that keeps you full longer.
Mix Up the Fruits: Go ahead and experiment with different fruits! Sliced grapes, mandarin oranges, or even pomegranate seeds can add a refreshing twist.
Incorporate More Veggies: Want to boost the veggie factor? Add in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even some diced cucumbers for extra crunch and color!
Dress It Differently: Try a different dressing to change the flavor profile! A tahini-based dressing or a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette can really shake things up.
Go Seasonal: Take advantage of seasonal produce! In the fall, add roasted butternut squash; in the winter, some shredded Brussels sprouts can really add depth to your salad.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of this salad is its versatility, so let your creativity run wild and create a version that’s uniquely yours! Enjoy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

When it comes to storing your broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries, it’s super simple! First off, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the crispness of the broccoli and the juiciness of the fruit really shine. But if you have leftovers (which can happen, though I doubt it!), here’s how to keep it tasty:

Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just be aware that the longer it sits, the broccoli may start to lose some crunch, and the fruits can get a bit mushy.
Mix Before Serving: Before serving any leftovers, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. You might even want to add a splash more olive oil or a touch of vinegar to brighten it up again!
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the broccoli and fruits won’t hold up well after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to make just enough to eat!

By following these storage tips, you’ll ensure your salad remains as delicious as the first bite. Happy munching!

Nutritional Information for Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries

Curious about what’s packed into this delightful broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries? Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind, these are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:

Calories: 250
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 50mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

This salad not only tastes amazing but also provides a nourishing mix of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats! So, dig in and enjoy every nutritious bite while knowing you’re treating your body right!

FAQ Section

Got questions about the broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my friendly answers:

Can I use different nuts in this salad?

Absolutely! While I love the creamy texture of roasted cashews, you can definitely swap them out for almonds, walnuts, or even pecans. Each nut adds its unique flavor and crunch, so feel free to experiment!

How long can I store this salad?

You can store your broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the broccoli may lose some of its crunch and the fruits can get a bit mushy.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes! It’s actually a great idea to make this salad a day ahead. Just toss everything together and chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully! Just be sure to give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

No problem at all! If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use regular white vinegar or even lemon juice as a substitute. Just adjust the amount to taste, as each vinegar has its own level of acidity.

Can I add more fruits to this salad?

Definitely! The beauty of this salad is its versatility. You can add sliced grapes, mandarin oranges, or even berries for an extra pop of sweetness and flavor. Feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! I can’t wait for you to try this broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries. It’s such a delightful combination of flavors and textures that I’m sure you’ll love just as much as I do! Whether you serve it at a family gathering or just whip it up for a refreshing lunch, this salad is sure to impress.

After you make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment below and share your experience. Did you make any fun variations? How did your friends and family like it? And if you enjoyed this recipe, feel free to rate it too! Your feedback means the world to me!

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and enjoying the process, so don’t hesitate to make this salad your own. Here’s to delicious, healthy eating with this vibrant broccoli cashew salad with apples, pears, and cranberries! Happy cooking!

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples Pears and Cranberries Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing salad featuring broccoli, cashews, apples, pears, and cranberries.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup cashews, roasted
1 apple, diced
1 pear, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cashews, apple, pear, cranberries, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

This salad can be made a day ahead.
Feel free to add other nuts or seeds.
For a sweeter dressing, add honey or maple syrup.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: broccoli cashew salad, salad with apples, salad with pears, cranberry salad

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