Creamy cauliflower cashew salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors and textures of cauliflower, cashews, and a creamy dressing. Here’s a simple recipe to make this salad:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours or overnight
- 1/4 cup water (or more as needed for desired consistency)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Wash the cauliflower thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. You can also steam or blanch the cauliflower for a few minutes to soften it slightly if desired, but raw cauliflower works well too.
- Prepare the Creamy Dressing:
- Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them under cold water.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed. If the dressing is too thick, you can add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets and chopped cashews.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the cauliflower and cashews, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cauliflower to marinate in the dressing.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the creamy cauliflower cashew salad as a side dish or as a light lunch option.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This creamy cauliflower cashew salad is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, and it’s packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish any time of the year.
