Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing – Easy & Delicious

Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is one of those recipes that’ll have you wondering, “Wait, did I just crave a salad?” Yes, friend, you did. This isn’t your typical sad desk salad. This is bold. It’s crunchy, colorful, wildly flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together. And the sesame dressing? Let’s just say it’s the kind of dressing you might want to sip straight from the jar.

Whether you’re juggling a packed workday, chasing toddlers, or just trying to eat something green between bites of leftover mac and cheese, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing brings all the texture—shredded cabbage, crispy noodles, roasted cashews—and just the right balance of tang and creaminess from that dreamy dressing. This is the salad even your picky eater husband might call “pretty good,” which, as we know, is basically a five-star Yelp review. So if you’re looking to eat well without losing your sanity, this crunchy bowl of goodness has your name all over it.

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What is Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing?

Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is basically the Beyoncé of the salad world. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body without sacrificing taste, joy, or your will to live. At its core, it’s a crisp, veggie-packed salad layered with shredded green and purple cabbage, matchstick carrots, and bright green edamame.

But the real magic happens when you add roasted cashews, crunchy chow mein noodles, and a generous drizzle of that homemade sesame dressing. Depending on your mood (or what’s in the fridge), you can top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or keep it plant-based. The dressing brings in a nutty, sweet-tangy flavor with sesame oil, vinegar, garlic powder, and a touch of sugar. Want it creamy? Stir in some Greek yogurt or mayo. This salad is more than just lunch—it’s an edible mood-lifter. Plus, it holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping ahead of a busy week. It’s wholesome, satisfying, and makes eating your veggies feel like a treat.

Reasons to Try Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

If you’ve ever sworn off salads because they’re “boring,” this one is here to change your mind—and your lunch game. First off, Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is wildly satisfying. Thanks to roasted cashews, chow mein noodles, and hearty veggies, it’s got enough crunch to rival your favorite bag of chips. And that homemade sesame dressing? It’s packed with so much flavor, you’ll be licking the spoon. The real kicker? It’s totally customizable.

Toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover shrimp from last night’s dinner and boom—instant meal. You can keep it light and vegan or dress it up however your heart (or pantry) desires. This is also one of those dishes that actually tastes better as it sits, meaning you can make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week without it turning into a soggy mess. It’s great for meal prep, potlucks, or just those nights when cooking feels like a chore. It even wins over picky eaters, which is basically a culinary miracle. So whether you’re craving crunch, flavor, or just a break from the dinner routine, this salad checks all the boxes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

For the Salad:
½ head of green cabbage, finely shredded
½ head of purple cabbage, finely shredded
2 cups carrots, matchstick-cut or shredded
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup sliced green onions
2 cups cooked edamame
1–2 cups roasted cashews (regular or Thai chili for extra zing)
2 cups crunchy chow mein noodles (optional but delightful)
Optional protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu

For the Sesame Dressing:
¼ cup olive oil (or any neutral oil)
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil (don’t skip this—it’s the flavor star)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
A few shakes of garlic powder
Optional: ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayo (for a creamy twist)

Instructions to Make Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing – Step by Step

Step 1: Whip Up the Sesame Dressing

Start by grabbing a mason jar or any container with a lid—because we’re about to shake things up, literally. Pour in ¼ cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil (this is the magic ingredient, so don’t swap it out unless you’re in a true pantry emergency), 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a few solid shakes of garlic powder. If you like your dressing creamy, now’s the time to add in the Greek yogurt or mayo. Start with ¼ cup and give it a good shake. You’re looking for a smooth, pourable consistency that tastes like it came from a fancy bistro—but you made it in your PJs. Want to learn more about vinaigrettes vs. creamy dressings? Check out our guide to creamy salad dressings to play around with other mix-ins.

Step 2: Prep Your Veggie Base

Grab a big bowl—trust me, you’ll need it. Finely shred ½ head each of green and purple cabbage. You want those ribbons thin so they can soak up all the sesame dressing goodness. Toss in your 2 cups of matchstick carrots. If you’re not into chopping, the pre-shredded stuff totally works. Next, add 1 cup of chopped cilantro for that herby punch and ½ cup of sliced green onions for a mild, savory kick. This veggie base is like a flavor sponge—fresh, crunchy, and just begging for that dressing.

Step 3: Add Edamame and Cashews

Toss in 2 cups of cooked edamame. These little green gems are full of protein and add a soft, satisfying bite. If you’re starting from frozen, just steam or microwave them with a pinch of salt. Now for the crunch: roasted cashews. Add at least 1 cup, but 2 cups if you’re a crunch fanatic (hi, same). Feel free to use flavored cashews like Thai chili from Trader Joe’s or ALDI if you want to spice things up. If nuts aren’t your thing, sunflower seeds work too.

Step 4: Toss in Chow Mein Noodles

Add 2 cups of crunchy chow mein noodles right before serving so they keep that satisfying crunch. They’re totally optional, but they make it taste like something you’d get from a fancy fusion restaurant. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to skip this step or sub with gluten-free crispy noodles or even crushed rice crackers. Need gluten-free salad tips? We’ve got a great one in our Tex-Mex Crispy Quinoa Salad too.

Step 5: Add Protein If You’d Like

This salad is fantastic on its own, but it also plays really well with others. Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu to make it a full meal. It’s a great way to use up leftovers, or snag a rotisserie chicken and call it a day. For seafood lovers, this also pairs beautifully with our Pan-Seared Chimichurri Shrimp.

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Right before you’re ready to eat, pour your homemade sesame dressing over the salad. Start with about half, toss it all together, and taste. You might want a bit more, depending on how saucy you like it. Be generous—but don’t drown your veggies. The dressing is bold, so a little goes a long way. Toss everything until every little bite is dressed and delicious. Serve in bowls, add a sprinkle of extra cashews on top if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready to dig into a crunchy, craveable salad that doesn’t feel like a punishment.

What to Serve with Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing is totally capable of being the star of the show, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with a bowl of our Lemon Chicken Couscous Soup for a light but cozy dinner. Want something heartier? Serve it alongside Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi or our crowd-pleasing One-Pan Healthy Ground Beef Pasta. For a plant-based option, it pairs perfectly with a grain bowl or our Rainbow Orzo Salad for double the color and crunch. Add a sparkling water or a crisp white wine, and you’ve got yourself a casual but delicious dinner setup.

Key Tips for Making Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

Don’t skip the sesame oil in the dressing—it’s what gives the salad that signature nutty, toasty flavor. Use fresh veggies when possible; the crunch factor is key here. If you’re meal prepping, keep the dressing and chow mein noodles separate until just before serving. That way, nothing gets soggy. Want a shortcut? Use pre-shredded cabbage and bagged matchstick carrots. It cuts down on prep time without sacrificing taste. Mix and match proteins based on what you’ve got—rotisserie chicken, frozen shrimp, crispy tofu—all work like a charm. If you’re sensitive to raw cabbage, let the dressed salad sit for 10 minutes to soften the leaves slightly. And finally, always taste your dressing before pouring it all over the salad. A tiny splash more vinegar or a pinch of sugar can really balance things out.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing

This salad actually holds up really well in the fridge, especially if you keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate. Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The dressing will last even longer—up to a week—in the fridge. Just give it a shake before using. If you’ve already dressed the salad, don’t worry—it’ll still taste great the next day, though the noodles might lose their crispness. To refresh, just add a handful of fresh chow mein noodles or cashews on top. No reheating needed (unless you’ve added warm protein). For a next-day lunch that still feels fresh, pack the salad and dressing separately in your lunch container and combine when you’re ready to eat. This is also a terrific make-ahead for parties or potlucks—just dress right before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan? Yes! Just skip the mayo or Greek yogurt in the dressing, and boom—vegan-friendly. Want it creamy and dairy-free? Try adding a spoonful of miso paste instead.
Is it gluten-free? It can be. Just leave out the chow mein noodles or sub in gluten-free crispy rice noodles.
Can I meal prep this? Absolutely. Keep dressing and noodles separate, mix when ready to serve.
Can I use bagged slaw mix? Yep. Saves time and still works beautifully.
How long does the dressing last? Up to 7 days in the fridge in a sealed jar.
What protein works best? Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even a soft-boiled egg if you’re feeling extra.

Final Thoughts

Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame Dressing isn’t just another salad—it’s your weekday hero, your potluck savior, your meal prep MVP. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just trying to eat something fresh, this colorful, craveable dish delivers every time. With a vibrant mix of textures, punchy sesame flavor, and customizable ingredients, it fits into your real-life schedule—and your real-life cravings. Ready to keep the crunch going? Try our Fresh and Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad for another easy, veggie-packed favorite. Now go shake up that dressing, toss it all together, and enjoy a salad that actually makes you excited to eat greens.

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