Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is a colorful symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Imagine the crunch of fresh broccoli mingling with crunchy cashews, while sweet apples and juicy pears provide a refreshing twist. The aroma of this delightful salad wafts through the air, promising a burst of taste that will make your taste buds sing. For more inspiration, check out this more salad ideas recipe.

Growing up, my family had a peculiar tradition of serving salads at every gathering, even birthday parties. I remember one year when my cousin insisted that we had to include Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears. It was met with skepticism until the first forkful turned everyone into instant fans. Now, this salad graces our table for any occasion, from casual picnics to festive holiday feasts. For more inspiration, check out this delicious lunch recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious broccoli cashew salad offers an easy preparation that fits perfectly into any meal plan
- The balance of sweet and savory creates a flavor explosion in every bite
- With its vibrant colors, it adds a beautiful touch to your dining table
- This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a light main course
My friends couldn’t stop raving about this salad during our last potluck; they practically begged for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli is a must for crunch; avoid yellowing florets for the best taste.
- Cashews: Use roasted cashews for added flavor and crunch; unsalted varieties work best.
- Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a sweet-tart balance.
- Pears: Ripe pears add juiciness; go for Bosc or Anjou for their sweetness.
- Dressing: A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and honey brings everything together beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors; adjust according to your taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your kitchen for this delicious adventure as we create Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears.
Chop the Broccoli: Start by rinsing fresh broccoli florets under cool water. Cut them into bite-sized pieces until you have about four cups ready.
Toast the Cashews: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews until golden brown—about 3-5 minutes—stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Dice the Apples and Pears: Core and chop two apples and two pears into small cubes. Leave the skin on for extra nutrition and color.
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of honey until well combined.
Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, chopped apples, pears, and toasted cashews. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until everything is coated.
Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad according to your preference. Give it one final toss to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
And there you have it! A fresh Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears that’s sure to impress at any gathering or simply brighten up your weekday lunch! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This delightful Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is perfect for any occasion
- The combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet apples, and creamy cashews offers a satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for more
- Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by blanching the broccoli until bright green. Then toss in the apples and pears for a quick mix before serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute almonds for cashews or add dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor. A sprinkle of feta could also enhance creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, enjoy the salad cold without reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep broccoli crisp by blanching it quickly; overcooking makes it mushy
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a brighter taste
- Experiment with different nuts to find your favorite crunch factor!
Creating this Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears reminded me of family picnics where everyone eagerly devoured every last bite, leaving only crumbs behind.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Frozen broccoli can work but may lose its crunch when thawed. Fresh is best.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply skip any cheese or creamy dressings to keep the dish entirely plant-based.
Is there a way to prep this salad in advance?
Yes, chop all ingredients ahead of time and mix them just before serving to maintain freshness.

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines crunchy broccoli, creamy cashews, and the sweetness of fresh apples and pears. This delightful salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, it can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course. Quick to prepare, this salad will brighten up your meals and keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
- 2 crisp apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
- 2 ripe pears (e.g., Bosc or Anjou), diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the broccoli florets under cool water and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Core and chop the apples and pears into small cubes, leaving the skin on.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, apples, pears, and toasted cashews. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg