Description
This Asian Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining a mix of kale slaw, green cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet Asian-inspired dressing with a delightful cashew crunch. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side, this salad balances crisp textures and bold flavors with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cashew Crunch Salad
- 3 cups kale slaw (prepared mix of kale, sliced Brussels sprouts, and purple cabbage)
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions (optional)
- 1 cup coarsely chopped cashews
Asian Dressing
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- ⅔ cup avocado oil
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Pick through the kale slaw and remove any large and woody stem pieces to keep only the tender leaves. In a large bowl, combine the kale slaw, shredded green cabbage, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, and scallions (if using).
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl or dressing jar, combine soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, rice wine vinegar, fresh lime juice, light brown sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Whisk or shake well to dissolve the brown sugar completely. Then, slowly whisk in the avocado oil until the dressing is emulsified. Set aside.
- Toss the salad: When ready to serve, shake the dressing again if it has separated. Drizzle about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine thoroughly.
- Add cashews and adjust: Mix in three-quarters cup of the coarsely chopped cashews into the salad. Taste and, if desired, add the remaining dressing to enhance the flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the salad with the remaining quarter cup of cashews for extra crunch and serve immediately for the freshest texture and taste.
Notes
- The kale slaw mix typically includes finely chopped kale, sliced Brussels sprouts, and purple cabbage, which adds beautiful color and varied texture to the salad.
- You can create your own custom slaw mix using kale and thinly sliced purple cabbage if you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your desired spice level.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables and crunch of the cashews.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg