Broccoli Salad with Cashews makes a pretty presentation, plus tastes so refreshing with the many yummy textures and tastes combinations. You will definitely like the crunch and flavor that the cashew nuts add to this salad. Trust me – you will love this salad and will not be disappointed. This salad also makes a great potluck dish. Excellent served with Karen’s Grilled Cedar Plank Wild Salmon and Trombocino Squash with Tomatoes.
This very delicious and very easy-to-make salad recipe, comments, and photo were shared with me by Karen Calanchini, Food Stylist and Photographer, of Redding, CA.
More delicious Salad and Salad Dressing Recipes.
- 1/2 cup Craisins or golden raisins
- 1/2 cup fruit juice (such as orange or apple juice)
- Water (for cooking broccoli)
- 3 strips bacon, cooked until crisp
- 1/2 cup whole cashews, lightly-salted
- 1 pound broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces*
- 1/4 cup red onion, very finely-diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/8 cup (2 tablespoons) sour cream
- 1/8 cup (2 tablespoons) pure maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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In a small bowl, add Craisins or raisins and the fruit juice; let soak together for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain, and set aside.
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Prepare Salad Dressing and set aside if immediately making the Broccoli Salad.
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In a large pan over medium-high heat, add enough water to cook the broccoli. Heat water to boiling, toss in broccoli pieces and blanch for approximately 2 minutes or until broccoli turns a brilliant dark green. Be sure to cook broccoli quickly, since long cooking not only makes it soft and flavorless, but also destroys it's rich nutrients.
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Immediately remove from the boiling water and plunge into ice water. As soon as the broccoli cools, remove from and water, and drain well.
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In a large serving bowl, place the drained Craisins or raisins, cooked bacon, cashews, red onion, cooked broccoli, and prepared Salad Dressing; gently mix. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, if desired.
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In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, sour cream, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and vinegar; whisk until smooth. Cover and set aside while you make the Broccoli Salad.
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The Salad Dressing my be made in advance; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
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Makes approximately 1/2 cup.
* Select a broccoli bunch that is dark green with tightly closed flowerets. The stalks should be firm, without leggy branches. The buds should be tightly closed and the leaves crisp. Also the stronger broccoli smells, the older it is. Refrigerate, unwashed, in a plastic bag, for up to four days.