If you’re craving a salad that bursts with texture, flavor, and a touch of sweetness, you simply must dive into this Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights. It is a harmonious blend of crisp broccoli, crunchy cashews, and the juicy sweetness of fresh apples and pears, all tied together with a tangy-sweet dressing. Each bite offers a delightful balance of fresh, nutty, and fruity notes, making it a perfect dish to brighten up lunch or dinner with vibrant colors and exciting tastes.

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of fresh and pantry staples that create a salad full of personality. Each ingredient plays a special role — from the crunchy nuts and fresh fruit to the zingy dressing that brings everything together.

Broccoli florets (2 cups): The hearty backbone of this salad, providing crunch and vibrant green color.
Cashews (1 cup): These add a creamy crunch and a nutty depth that complements the fresh produce perfectly.
Apple, diced (1): A crisp sweetness that adds freshness and juiciness to every bite.
Pear, diced (1): Offers a soft, subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apple and broccoli.
Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): For a pop of tartness and chewy texture that contrasts nicely.
Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp, savory brightness that balances the sweet elements.
Olive oil (1/4 cup): The base for the dressing, bringing a smooth richness that ties everything together.
Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a refreshing zing that lifts all the flavors.
Honey (1 tablespoon): A natural sweetener that mellows the acidity and complements the fruits.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the salad’s components.

How to Make Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights

Step 1: Combine the fresh ingredients

Start by tossing the broccoli florets, cashews, diced apple and pear, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion together in a large bowl. This mix is where the magic begins, offering a base full of contrasting textures and flavors that promise each forkful will be a little adventure.

Step 2: Whisk the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This dressing is crucial — it brings a beautiful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that enhance the natural goodness of the ingredients.

Step 3: Dress and toss

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything well to ensure every piece is lightly coated. This step infuses the salad with flavor and unifies the ingredients into a harmonious dish.

Step 4: Let it rest

Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully so the salad tastes even better than when freshly tossed.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights chilled or at room temperature depending on your mood and the season — both ways are absolutely delicious!

How to Serve Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights

Garnishes

Enhance your salad’s presentation and boost its flavor with fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a handful of extra toasted cashews. A few more dried cranberries on top can also add a stunning color pop and a touch of sweetness to each serving.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal, or serve it alongside a warm grain like quinoa or farro to add some hearty comfort. It also makes a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes like creamy pasta or roasted meats.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve this salad in decorative glass bowls to showcase its vibrant colors or portion it into individual clear cups for a stylish appetizer. You could also scoop it onto a bed of mixed greens or use it as a filling for crunchy lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (not likely, but if!), store the Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its freshness for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed sooner to maintain the crispness of the broccoli and fruits.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh fruits and vegetables will lose their texture upon thawing. The cashews and dressing can also become soggy, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.

Reheating

This salad is ideally served cold or at room temperature and does not need to be reheated. If you want to eat it slightly warmed, allow it to come to room temperature naturally, but avoid microwave heating to preserve the crisp textures.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cashews for another nut?

Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work beautifully too, each adding their own unique crunch and flavor. Just be sure to toast them lightly for extra aroma and texture.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is best for this salad due to its crispness, but if you must use frozen, thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad. Slightly steaming it and cooling quickly can help maintain some texture.

Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?

To make it fully vegan, simply swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. This will keep the dressing sweet and delicious without compromising your dietary preferences.

How long should I let the salad sit before serving?

About 10 minutes is perfect for allowing the flavors to meld. If you let it sit longer, up to a couple of hours in the fridge, the flavors intensify, but be mindful that the fruits may release more juice, slightly softening the broccoli.

Can I add protein to make this salad a complete meal?

Yes! Adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas will turn this refreshing salad into a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights will bring a burst of freshness and joy to your table. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a small celebration every time you eat it, whether as a light lunch or an eye-catching side at dinner. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites to nourish your body and delight your taste buds.

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and 7 Delights is a vibrant and crunchy salad perfect for a refreshing, nutritious meal or side dish. Its combination of fresh broccoli, sweet fruits, crunchy cashews, and a tangy honey-apple cider dressing offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures ideal for any season.

Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli florets, cashews, diced apple, diced pear, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion until evenly distributed.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing.
Marinate: Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to slightly soften the broccoli.
Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish.