This Cashew Crunch Salad is loaded with crunchy vegetables, roasted cashews, edamame, and optional chow mein noodles—plus a sesame dressing that will make you actually want to eat a salad. 🥗✨
It’s fresh, colorful, and full of textures, making it a perfect lunch, side dish, or even a dinner entrée when you add your favorite protein.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
If you’re craving something healthy but satisfying, this salad checks all the boxes:
- Crunchy: cabbage, carrots, chow mein noodles, and cashews.
- Creamy & tangy: the sesame dressing with a touch of Greek yogurt or mayo is irresistible.
- Customizable: add chicken, shrimp, tofu, or leave it vegan!
- Quick & easy: ready in about 30 minutes, with minimal cooking required.
This salad is perfect for hot-weather meals, casual summer dinners, or any time you want a fresh, feel-good, veggie-packed dish.
Ingredients
Salad:
- ½ head green cabbage, finely shredded
- ½ head purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups carrots, matchstick-cut or shredded
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 2 cups cooked edamame (see FAQs)
- 1–2 cups roasted cashews
- 2 cups crunchy chow mein noodles (optional)
- Optional protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu
Sesame Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (key for flavor!)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- A few shakes garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayo for creaminess
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
Shake the oil, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a jar until smooth. Add Greek yogurt or mayo if using, and shake again until creamy. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, cilantro, green onions, edamame, cashews, and chow mein noodles. - Dress & Serve:
Drizzle the sesame dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes & Tips
- Cashews: Regular roasted cashews work perfectly. For extra flavor, try Thai chili cashews from Trader Joe’s or ALDI.
- Make it vegan: Omit the Greek yogurt or mayo; it will be slightly lighter, more like a vinaigrette. For a creamy dairy-free alternative, try blending in miso.
- Gluten-free: Simply leave out the chow mein noodles.
- Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this a filling dinner salad.
FAQs
Can I prep this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Chop and prep all the veggies in advance. Wait to mix in chow mein noodles, cashews, and dressing until just before serving to keep the crunch.
What kind of edamame should I use?
Frozen, shelled edamame works best. Boil for a few minutes like peas, then add to the salad.
Why This Cashew Crunch Salad Works
This salad delivers texture, flavor, and freshness in every bite. Crunchy vegetables, savory roasted cashews, and a slightly sweet, nutty sesame dressing make it irresistible. Perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, or light dinners, it’s a salad that even your non-salad-loving friends will crave.