Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is a vibrant, texture-rich dish bursting with fresh vegetables, crispy toppings, and a sweet-savory sesame vinaigrette. It’s the perfect combination of crisp, creamy, nutty, and tangy. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a light lunch, or topping it with your favorite protein, this salad is a refreshing, wholesome crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with crunchy textures and bold, nutty flavor
• Tossed in a sweet, tangy sesame dressing that’s completely addictive
• Quick to prep and perfect for meal prep or gatherings
• Easily customizable with protein or extra veggies
• Naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan or gluten-free

ingredients

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

For the salad:

• Napa cabbage or green cabbage, shredded
• Purple cabbage, shredded (optional for color)
• Carrots, shredded or julienned
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Green onions, chopped
• Roasted cashews, chopped or whole
• Crunchy ramen noodles (uncooked), broken into pieces
• Fresh cilantro or mint (optional for garnish)

For the sesame dressing:

• Olive oil or neutral oil
• Toasted sesame oil
• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Honey or maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• Salt and pepper

directions

1. Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, ginger (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
2. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions.
3. Add crunch: Just before serving, toss in roasted cashews and broken ramen noodles.
4. Toss and serve: Drizzle with the sesame dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with herbs and serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Servings and timing

Serves 46 as a side, 23 as a main
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a more filling meal.
• Make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your ramen noodles are egg-free.
• Add fruit: Toss in sliced mango, mandarin oranges, or julienned apple for sweetness.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a spoonful of chili crisp to the dressing.
• Use different nuts: Try almonds, peanuts, or sunflower seeds for a twist.

storage/reheating

Store salad and dressing separately for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Toss together just before serving to maintain crunch.
Once dressed, it’s best eaten within a few hours for the best texture.
No reheating required.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep all ingredients and store separately. Assemble and toss with dressing right before serving.

Are the ramen noodles raw?

Yes, they’re added uncooked for crunch—just break them into small pieces.

What kind of cabbage works best?

Napa, savoy, or green cabbage all work well—mix with purple cabbage for color.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Absolutely—great time-saver and works just as well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free ramen noodles or skip the ramen entirely.

Can I use store-bought sesame dressing?

Yes, but homemade gives the freshest flavor—plus you control the ingredients.

Can I serve this warm?

It’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature for crunch and freshness.

How do I make the dressing creamier?

Add a spoonful of tahini or peanut butter for a creamy version.

What’s a good protein pairing?

Grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or teriyaki salmon all pair beautifully.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Yes! Easily scaled up—just toss everything together right before serving.

Conclusion

Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is the perfect combination of bold flavor and crisp texture. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and always a hit at the table. Whether you’re looking for a fresh side dish or a light main course, this salad delivers satisfying crunch and delicious flavor in every bite.

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