Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

This Cashew Crunch Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish packed with crisp veggies, crunchy cashews, and a bold sesame dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a meal on its own with added protein. The mix of textures and flavors—nutty, slightly sweet, and tangy—makes this salad truly irresistible!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (green, red, or a mix)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ cup edamame (cooked and shelled)
• ½ cup roasted cashews, chopped
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• ½ cup crispy wonton strips (optional, for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Sesame Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon water (to thin, if needed)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, mustard, ginger, garlic, and sriracha.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.

2. Assemble the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, edamame, cashews, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
• Toss well to mix.

3. Dress and Toss:

• Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.

4. Serve and Enjoy!

• Garnish with crispy wonton strips for extra crunch.
• Serve immediately or let sit for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Customization Ideas:

✅ Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas.
✅ Make it Extra Crunchy: Toss in toasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
✅ Boost the Flavor: Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

This Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is fresh, crunchy, and full of bold flavors—a delicious, healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion! 🥗🥜✨