Cashew Salad
A creamy, crunchy salad with green peas, cashews, and bacon, perfect for picnics or potlucks, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, stirring well.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the salad. If you need a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also swap the bacon for cooked ham for a different protein option. To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cashew salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs wonderfully with American recipes like Barbecue Beans or Cheesy Bacon Potato Slices. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or serving it alongside a light green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm in the microwave but avoid overcooking to preserve the texture of the peas and cashews. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so consider making it in smaller batches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Salad contains roughly 654 calories, with 26g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1049mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used in place of frozen. However, they should be blanched before adding to the salad to retain their bright color and crispness. This will give the salad a fresher taste.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, replace the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt. Omit the bacon and consider adding smoked tempeh or extra nuts for the savory flavor profile.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just combine all ingredients, but hold off on adding the cashews until right before serving to maintain their crunch. Store it in the refrigerator, and stir gently before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).