Summer is coming, which means you need some side dish options that hold up well for cookouts and BBQs. Cole slaw is an obvious choice, and while I do love that option, this spicy cashew crunch salad kicks things up a notch. It’s spicy peanut dressing will have you licking your fingers, and the fact that this salad is cabbage-based means that it can hold up to being dressed in advance. Really, what more do you want in a summer dish? It’s also a perfect lunch, with or without the addition of chicken or chickpeas. And to take it up a notch I think it would be delicious with some spicy grilled shrimp!
I love salads like this that are great as a side dish, but also could be topped with a grilled protein and you can call it lunch or dinner. And you don’t even have to add the protein source! It’s great all by itself. For a vegetarian protein punch, chickpeas are a great addition to this crunchy salad.
Everything in this salad is crunchy: green and red cabbage, carrots, and cashews with green onion and cilantro for extra flavor. And the spicy peanut sauce is to die for. Go ahead and make a double batch because you’ll want to drizzle this sauce on roasted vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for wraps and raw veggies. It’s so versatile and full of flavor.
While grandma’s cole slaw is delicious, maybe you’re looking for a summer salad that uses cabbage but is less traditional. Recipe is below, I’m sure you’ll be enjoying seconds.
- ½ small head green cabbage, shredded
- ½ small head red cabbage, shredded
- 4 large carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 5 tbsp. soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1-2 tbsp. chili paste
- 1 tsp. sugar
- ¾ cup roasted cashews
- In a large bowl, toss green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, green onion, and cilantro.
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, chili paste, and sugar, blend until smooth.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
- Add cashews and stir to combine.
- Enjoy!
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