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Crunchy Roasted Cashew Salad

This vibrant salad combines crisp, fresh greens with toasted cashews that add a smoky crunch and rich flavor. The key techniques involve roasting the nuts to bring out their aroma and tossing everything with a tangy vinaigrette for a balanced, textured dish. The final appearance is a colorful, crunchy salad with golden nuts and bright greens, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cashew nuts raw or unsalted
  • 6 cups mixed greens such as romaine or spinach
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for vegan
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • optional shredded carrots or chopped herbs for extra flavor and color

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Salad spinner
  • Whisk
  • Salad bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the cashew nuts evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 8-10 minutes, until they turn golden and fragrant. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn, and shake the pan once or twice for even roasting.
  2. While the nuts are roasting, wash your greens thoroughly and dry them completely using a salad spinner. This ensures they stay crisp and fresh when tossed.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until the dressing is smooth and slightly emulsified. The dressing should be tangy with a touch of sweetness and umami.
  4. Once the cashews are roasted and cooled slightly, roughly chop or leave whole depending on your preference. Add half of the nuts to your greens in a large salad bowl.
  5. Pour half of the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat all the leaves evenly. The greens should look vibrant and lightly glistening.
  6. Add shredded carrots or chopped herbs for extra color and flavor if desired. Toss again to distribute evenly.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining roasted cashews over the top to maintain their crunch. Toss lightly once more to combine everything beautifully.
  8. Serve immediately on a plate or in individual bowls, enjoying the contrast of crunchy nuts, fresh greens, and tangy dressing with each bite.