Crunchy Broccoli Cashew Salad Delight
This Crunchy Broccoli Cashew Salad Delight is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of fresh broccoli, the salty crunch of cashews, and the sweetness of raisins. Enhanced with crispy bacon bits and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad makes a perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or as a light lunch option. It's not only easy to prepare but also packed with proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins that will energize your day. Chill it for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broccoli
1 large head (Washed and cut into bite-sized flowerets)
Bacon bits
1/4 cup (Artificial, ready to use)
Red onion
1 small (Chopped)
Raisins
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Cashew halves
1 cup (Pieces can also be used, ready to add)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (Ready to use)
Sugar
1/4-1/2 cup (To taste)
Apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (Ready to use)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the broccoli thoroughly under running water and draining it well.
2
Cut the broccoli into bite-sized flowerets, ensuring that they are uniform in size for even distribution in the salad.
3
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, bacon bits, red onion, and raisins. Toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
5
Pour the mayonnaise dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss it until all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Just before serving, stir in the cashew halves or pieces for an added crunch. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Broccoli Cashew Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant, nutritious salad that combines fresh broccoli, salty cashews, sweet raisins, and crispy bacon bits in a creamy, tangy dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include broccoli, bacon bits, red onion, raisins, cashew halves, mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
How many ingredients are required for this salad?
There are 8 total ingredients used in this recipe.
How should I prepare the broccoli?
The broccoli should be washed thoroughly, drained, and then cut into uniform bite-sized flowerets.
Is the broccoli cooked or raw?
The broccoli is used raw in this salad to provide a fresh and crunchy texture.
What type of dressing is used?
The dressing is a creamy and tangy mixture made from mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
When should the cashews be added?
The cashews should be stirred in just before serving to ensure they maintain their maximum crunch.
Can I use cashew pieces instead of halves?
Yes, the recipe specifies that either cashew halves or pieces can be used.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
It should be chilled for several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I make a vegan version of this salad?
Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise, a sugar alternative, and vegan-friendly bacon bits or omit them entirely.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
A small red onion, chopped, is recommended for its mild flavor and vibrant color.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is an ideal dish for meal prep because the flavor improves as it sits in the refrigerator.
What kind of bacon bits are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of artificial, ready-to-use bacon bits.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar to taste.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
Apple cider vinegar is used to provide a specific tangy flavor profile.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the label on your bacon bits and mayonnaise to be certain.
Can I use other types of nuts?
While cashews provide a unique flavor, you could substitute them with sunflower seeds or almonds if desired.
What makes this salad a good side dish?
Its combination of earthy, salty, and sweet flavors makes it a perfect accompaniment for barbecues and potlucks.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is highly recommended to maintain the crunchy texture required for this specific salad.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar together in a separate bowl until smooth before adding it to the vegetables.
Should the raisins be soaked?
No preparation is needed for the raisins; they can be added directly to the mixing bowl.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you could add shredded carrots or diced celery for extra crunch and color.
How should I store the salad?
Store it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this salad served cold?
Yes, it is best served chilled.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to wash the broccoli thoroughly under running water.
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
You can, but apple cider vinegar is preferred for its slightly sweeter and fruitier acidity.
Is this salad high in vitamins?
Yes, it is packed with vitamins from the fresh broccoli and healthy fats from the cashews.
What is the consistency of the dressing?
The dressing should be whisked until it is completely smooth and well-blended.
Can I use real bacon instead of bits?
Yes, you can substitute the artificial bits with freshly cooked, crumbled bacon if you prefer.
Why is it important to toss the ingredients gently?
Gently tossing ensures that all ingredients are evenly coated without breaking the delicate broccoli flowerets.