Cashew Crunch Salad – The Ultimate Crunchy, Creamy Summer Salad

If you’re looking for a bold, refreshing, and texture-packed dish that tastes like sunshine in a bowl, this Cashew Crunch Salad is exactly what your summer table needs. Loaded with crisp cabbage, vibrant vegetables, and toasted cashews, then tossed in a creamy sesame dressing, this salad delivers an irresistible balance of crunch and creaminess.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, prepping weekday lunches, or simply craving a healthy yet satisfying meal, this crunchy summer salad recipe checks every box. It’s colorful, nutritious, meal-prep friendly, and completely customizable.

Let’s dive into what makes this Asian inspired cabbage salad so special.

Why You’ll Love This Cashew Crunch Salad

This isn’t just another basic side salad. The combination of textures and flavors creates a crave-worthy experience:

• Crisp shredded cabbage for structure and crunch
• Sweet carrots and bell peppers for color and brightness
• Toasted cashews for nutty depth
• Creamy sesame dressing for richness and balance
• Fresh herbs for a burst of freshness

It’s the perfect harmony of crunchy, creamy, sweet, salty, and slightly tangy.

Even better? It holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup roasted salted cashews, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Creamy Sesame Dressing:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and green onions. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic until smooth.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time if needed to achieve a pourable consistency.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
5. Fold in chopped cashews and fresh cilantro just before serving to maintain crunch.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
7. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.

The Secret to Maximum Crunch

The key to a truly great healthy cashew salad lies in texture management.

Here are expert tips:

1. Slice Thinly
Use a sharp knife or mandoline to shred cabbage very thinly. Thin slices absorb dressing better while staying crisp.

2. Toast Your Cashews
Even if using pre-roasted cashews, give them 3–5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat. This enhances their nutty aroma and adds deeper flavor.

3. Add Nuts Last
If meal prepping, store cashews separately and add just before serving to preserve crunch.

Why Cabbage is Perfect for Summer Salads

Unlike delicate lettuces that wilt quickly, cabbage is sturdy and long-lasting. It holds dressing well and actually improves after marinating slightly. That makes this crunchy summer salad recipe ideal for picnics and gatherings.

Cabbage is also:

• Rich in fiber
• Packed with vitamin C
• Low in calories
• Budget-friendly
• Available year-round

It’s one of the most underrated superfoods in the produce aisle.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about this Asian inspired cabbage salad is how customizable it is.

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken strips
• Seared shrimp
• Crispy tofu cubes
• Shredded rotisserie chicken

Make it Spicy

• Add 1 teaspoon sriracha to the dressing
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes
• Include thinly sliced jalapeños

Add Sweetness

• Toss in mandarin oranges
• Add thin apple slices
• Include dried cranberries

Make it Vegan

• Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo
• Swap honey for maple syrup

Serving Suggestions

This creamy sesame dressing salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled meats at summer BBQs
• Asian-inspired noodle dishes
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Rice bowls
• As a refreshing side for spicy foods

You can even stuff it into lettuce cups for a light appetizer.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

One reason this cashew crunch salad is so popular is its durability.

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If preparing ahead, keep dressing separate until 1–2 hours before serving.
• Store cashews separately for maximum crispness.

Unlike leafy salads, this one doesn’t get soggy quickly.

Nutritional Benefits

This healthy cashew salad isn’t just delicious — it’s nourishing.

Cabbage provides antioxidants and digestive-supporting fiber.
Carrots add beta-carotene for eye health.
Cashews offer healthy fats and plant-based protein.
Sesame oil contributes heart-healthy fats and rich flavor.

It’s a balanced dish that satisfies without feeling heavy.

Entertaining with Cashew Crunch Salad

Hosting a gathering? This salad is a showstopper on buffet tables. Its vibrant colors stand out beautifully, and it complements a wide variety of cuisines.

Serve it in a large shallow platter and garnish generously with extra chopped cashews and cilantro for visual appeal.

Guests will love the unexpected crunch in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes.

Can I use coleslaw mix instead of shredding cabbage?
Absolutely. A pre-shredded mix saves time and works perfectly.

Is this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it fully gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Cashew Crunch Salad truly earns its title as the ultimate crunchy, creamy summer salad. It’s fresh, bold, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant side dish or a light main meal, this salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Make it once, and it just might become your go-to summer staple.

Cashew Crunch Salad

A vibrant cabbage salad loaded with fresh vegetables, toasted cashews, and creamy sesame dressing for the ultimate crunchy summer dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Asian Inspired

Calories: 280

Ingredients

  

Salad

• 4 cups green cabbage shredded
• 2 cups red cabbage shredded
• 1 cup carrots julienned
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 4 green onions sliced
• 1 cup roasted cashews chopped

Dressing

• 0.25 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger grated
• 1 garlic clove minced

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Combine shredded vegetables in a large bowl.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour dressing over salad and toss well.
4. Fold in chopped cashews and serve chilled.

Notes

Store cashews separately if meal prepping to maintain crunch.