Cashew Crunch Salad – The Ultimate Crunchy, Creamy Summer Salad
There are salads… and then there are salads that people talk about on the ride home.
Cashew Crunch Salad is firmly in the second category.
It’s crisp and colorful. It’s creamy yet light. It’s packed with texture in every bite — cool cabbage, sweet carrots, fresh green onions, and buttery roasted cashews. And that dressing? Tangy, slightly sweet, and just savory enough to keep you coming back for “one more scoop.”
If you’re searching for the perfect creamy summer salad that works for potlucks, barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep, this is the one. It’s bold enough to stand out on a crowded table but simple enough to throw together without breaking a sweat.
Let’s dive into why this cashew crunch salad deserves a permanent spot in your warm-weather recipe rotation.
Why This Cashew Crunch Salad Is So Addictive
The secret to a truly unforgettable crunchy cabbage salad is balance — and this recipe nails it.
You get:
- Crisp shredded cabbage for a sturdy base
- Sweet carrots for natural brightness
- Fresh green onions for bite
- Toasted cashews for buttery crunch
- A creamy sesame dressing that ties it all together
The combination creates layers of texture and flavor. Each forkful delivers crunch, creaminess, and just a hint of tangy sweetness.
And unlike leafy salads that wilt quickly, this Asian inspired slaw holds up beautifully — even after hours in the fridge.
The Dressing: Creamy, Tangy, and Just a Little Sweet
What sets this creamy summer salad apart is the dressing.
Instead of relying solely on mayonnaise, we combine:
- Mayonnaise for richness
- Greek yogurt for lightness
- Rice vinegar for brightness
- Honey for subtle sweetness
- Soy sauce for savory depth
- Sesame oil for nutty aroma
The result is silky and flavorful without feeling heavy.
It coats the cabbage perfectly, enhancing the crunch rather than drowning it.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced green onions. Toss to distribute evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
- Fold in the chopped cashews just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cashew Crunch Salad – The Ultimate Crunchy, Creamy Summer Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine cabbages, carrots, and green onions in a large bowl.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing until evenly coated.
- Fold in cashews just before serving and chill 20–30 minutes.
Notes
Why Cabbage Is Perfect for Summer Salads
Cabbage might not always get the spotlight, but it should.
It’s:
- Inexpensive
- Long-lasting in the refrigerator
- Extremely versatile
- Naturally crunchy
Unlike delicate greens, cabbage can sit dressed for hours without wilting into a soggy mess. That makes this easy potluck salad ideal for outdoor gatherings where dishes may sit out for a bit.
Make-Ahead Tips
This salad actually improves after resting.
You can:
- Prep vegetables up to 24 hours ahead
- Make the dressing separately and store refrigerated
- Combine everything (except cashews) 4–6 hours before serving
Add cashews right before serving to preserve their crunch.
If the salad thickens slightly after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of rice vinegar or a splash of water to loosen the dressing.
Delicious Variations
Want to customize your cashew crunch salad? Try these ideas:
Add Protein
Shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp turns it into a complete meal.
Add Fruit
Thinly sliced mandarin oranges or diced mango add tropical sweetness.
Make It Spicy
Add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Go Lighter
Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier, lighter dressing.
Add Extra Crunch
Toss in toasted sesame seeds or crispy chow mein noodles.
Perfect Pairings
This Asian inspired slaw pairs beautifully with:
- Teriyaki grilled chicken
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Barbecue ribs
- Fish tacos
- Pulled pork sandwiches
It’s also excellent served inside lettuce wraps or on top of rice bowls.
Storage & Freshness
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because cabbage is sturdy, it maintains texture well. However, the cashews will soften over time — so for best results, store them separately if you anticipate leftovers.
Why This Is the Ultimate Easy Potluck Salad
Potluck recipes need to meet certain criteria:
- Easy to transport
- Crowd-pleasing
- Budget-friendly
- Holds up well
- Visually appealing
This cashew crunch salad checks every box.
The mix of purple, green, and orange makes it pop on the table. The creamy dressing appeals to comfort-food lovers. And the crunchy texture keeps it exciting.
It’s the kind of salad that disappears quickly — and people ask for the recipe before they leave.
A Little Flavor Inspiration
This salad draws inspiration from Asian-style slaws that combine crisp vegetables with sesame-forward dressings. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is what makes these slaws so crave-worthy.
While not traditional to any one cuisine, this version blends familiar ingredients into something approachable and universally loved.
Final Thoughts
Cashew Crunch Salad – The Ultimate Crunchy, Creamy Summer Salad isn’t just another side dish.
It’s vibrant. It’s textured. It’s balanced. It’s addictive.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout, prepping lunches for the week, or bringing a dish to share, this crunchy cabbage salad brings bold flavor and beautiful color to the table.
Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature summer salad.
