Dinner

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears Recipe

ByJack Voss August 3, 2025August 3, 2025

Looking for something fresh, vibrant, and loaded with flavor? Say hello to Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears – the ultimate mix of crisp veggies, juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and pops of sweet-tart cranberries, all tossed in a creamy lemon-honey dressing. This salad is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy, making it nearly impossible to resist. Whether you need a stunning side for a special meal or a feel-good make-ahead lunch, you’re about to become obsessed with this recipe!

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret behind a truly irresistible Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears? It’s all in the high-quality, simple ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, from color and texture to unexpected bursts of flavor. Here’s exactly what you need and why it matters:

Broccoli florets: These create the hearty, crunchy base of the salad and soak up the creamy dressing for amazing texture in every bite.
Apple: A diced apple offers juicy sweetness and a refreshing crispness that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
Pear: Choose a firm pear for a mellow, slightly floral sweetness and luscious bites that contrast with the denser broccoli.
Red onion: Just a quarter cup adds a gentle bite and vibrant color without overwhelming the salad.
Cashews: Roasted or toasted, these nuts supply buttery crunch and a toasty richness.
Dried cranberries: A handful goes a long way, adding pops of tangy-sweet flavor and chewy texture against all that crunch.
Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy backbone of the dressing for richness and classic flavor.
Sour cream (or kefir or Greek yogurt): Offers a touch of tanginess and works with mayo to create a light, velvety dressing.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the whole salad and softens the raw veggies just enough.
Honey: Make sure it’s softened or runny; it binds the dressing together and brings just the right sweetness.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances every flavor and finishes off the perfect dressing.

How to Make Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears

Step 1: Chop and Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl – you’ll want plenty of room for tossing! Combine the chopped broccoli, diced apple, pear, red onion, crunchy cashews, and dried cranberries. The idea here is to keep the broccoli pieces bite-sized, so every forkful is flavorful and balanced. This is your foundation for the colorful, crunchy Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Lemon-Honey Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or kefir or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, honey, and salt. If your honey isn’t quite runny, give it a quick zap in the microwave until it flows smoothly – it’ll combine with the other dressing ingredients much more easily this way. Whisk until totally smooth and taste for seasoning, adding a pinch more salt if you want that extra oomph.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the creamy dressing over your bowl of chopped goodness. With a large spoon or spatula, gently fold the mixture together until everything’s thoroughly coated but the ingredients still look bright and fresh. You want that dressing hugging every broccoli floret, apple chunk, and cashew, so take your time mixing. And that’s it – your Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears is ready for showtime!

How to Serve Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle a few extra roasted cashews and a handful of dried cranberries right on top before serving. If you want to get fancy, some finely chopped fresh parsley or a twist of lemon zest adds a burst of color and aroma to your Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears.

Side Dishes

This salad shines beside simple grilled chicken, savory pork chops, or even flaky salmon. It’s also fantastic with grain-based dishes like quinoa or farro, which soak up any extra dressing. For a vegetarian spread, try serving it as part of a vibrant lunch board with hummus, pita, and roasted seasonal veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the classic salad bowl! Try serving Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears in individual mason jars for picnics or potlucks, or pile it onto a bed of arugula for a more elegant plate. It’s also a showstopper in lettuce wraps or tucked into whole-wheat pita pockets for a refreshing, no-fuss lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears holds up beautifully in the fridge, thanks to the sturdy veggies and fruit. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors meld even more after a few hours, making it a great make-ahead option.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The creamy dressing and fresh produce can become watery or lose their crunch after thawing. It’s best to enjoy Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears fresh or from the fridge.

Reheating

This is definitely a salad to serve chilled or at cool room temperature. There’s no need to reheat – in fact, the contrast of cool, crisp broccoli and fruit with the creamy dressing is what makes Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears so satisfying and refreshing.

FAQs

Can I make Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for prepping a day in advance. In fact, letting it chill for an hour or two helps the flavors mingle beautifully. Just add the nuts right before serving if you prefer maximum crunch.

What types of apples and pears work best?

Choose a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji, and always opt for a firm, just-ripe pear. This combination gives you a lovely crunch and prevents the salad from getting mushy.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise and swap sour cream for an unsweetened almond or coconut yogurt. The result is just as creamy and delicious as the classic Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears.

Can I substitute different nuts or add seeds?

Definitely. If you’re out of cashews or want some variety, toasted almonds, pecans, or even a handful of sunflower seeds all add great texture and flavor.

Will the apples and pears brown after chopping?

The lemon juice in the dressing helps keep the fruit from browning. If you’re prepping the ingredients very early, you can also toss the diced apple and pear with a few drops of extra lemon juice before mixing everything together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a showstopping salad that’s as nourishing as it is irresistible, Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears should absolutely be on your list. There’s something magical about the sweet snap of apples, juicy pears, and toasted cashews all enveloped in luscious, lemony dressing. Give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Jack Voss

Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples and Pears

Step 1: Chop and Combine the Fresh Ingredients