Creamy Cauliflower Cashew Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines crunchy cauliflower with the richness of cashews and a creamy dressing. It’s a versatile salad that can be served as a side dish, a light main course, or even as a hearty addition to a potluck. The creamy dressing often features ingredients like mayonnaise or yogurt, combined with spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of the cauliflower and cashews.
Here’s a simple recipe for Creamy Cauliflower Cashew Salad:
Creamy Cauliflower Cashew Salad
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup raw cashews, toasted (see tips below)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until just tender but still crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
- Toast the Cashews:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Allow the cashews to cool before adding them to the salad.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower, toasted cashews, chopped red onion, celery, cherry tomatoes (if using), and chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve:
- For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Give the salad a final toss before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips:
- Toasting Cashews: Toasting the cashews enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch. You can also use pre-toasted cashews if preferred.
- Creaminess: For a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise. You can also adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to customize the salad with additional ingredients like diced bell peppers, chopped cucumbers, or shredded cheese.
Creamy Cauliflower Cashew Salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a versatile and satisfying dish. The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the crunchy cauliflower and cashews, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and rich.
