Broccoli Cashew Salad

This broccoli cashew salad is packed with bacon, broccoli, cashews, red onion, water chestnuts, and raisins smothered in a creamy mayo-based dressing.

Why this recipe works

Broccoli cashew salad has quickly become my favorite party salad. The added crunch from the cashews and the sweetness from the raisins give it layers of texture and flavor. Everything melds together extremely well as it chills in the refrigerator with the dressing leaving it with the perfect amount of subtle crunch.

While we’ll always love a classic broccoli salad, it’s fun to switch up and incorporate different ingredients. You can also make this salad with craisins for the holidays!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BROCCOLI – Grab 2 large crowns of broccoli, or change it up with 1 head of broccoli and 1 head of cauliflower.

CASHEWS – The star ingredient alongside broccoli is the cashews of course. If you really wanted to, you can substitute with another type of nut. Walnuts or peanuts would also be tasty!

RAISINS – Raisins add a nice bit of sweetness to this salad. You can easily substitute with dried cranberries during the holiday season for a festive touch.

BACON – You’ll need about 8 slices, but who are we to tell you how much bacon to use? You can substitute with bacon bits or precooked bacon that you heat up in the microwave to save some time, but making it fresh is always best.

ONION – Red onions are perfect for salads because they are sweeter and less pungent compared to yellow or white.

DRESSING – Mayo, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt combine to make the creamy dressing. Feel free to use low-fat mayo or optionally replace half of the mayo with Greek yogurt.

How to Make Broccoli Cashew Salad

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Combine dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl, stirring with a rubber spatula until sugar dissolves.
2. To a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, bacon, cashews, red onion, raisins, and water chestnuts.
3. Add dressing and stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
4. Cover with plastic wrap or lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, overnight is better.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Store any leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The longer the salad sits in the dressing, the softer it becomes – but it still tastes great!

This salad is best the day it’s made. However, you can prepare both the salad and the dressing and store them separately in the refrigerator a day in advance. Assemble the dressing and salad 2 hours before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli cashew salad is perfect for potlucks and parties of all sorts. Serve it up alongside grilled meats in the summer or bring it to holiday dinners – it’s so versatile it goes well with everything! Allow it to chill for at least two hours in the refrigerator before digging in.

More Salad Recipes

• Pea Salad
• Waldorf Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Chicken Salad with Grapes
• Cauliflower Salad

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