If you’re searching for a vibrant and refreshing dish to brighten your cold days, this Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Spiced Cashews Recipe is an absolute game changer. It perfectly balances the crunch of cabbage and fennel with the juicy sweetness of mandarins, while the spiced cashews add a satisfying kick of smoky heat and caramelized crunch. Every bite feels like a celebration of winter produce, making it the perfect salad to enliven your table and warm your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by its simplicity—each ingredient in this salad brings something unique to the party, from texture to flavor to color. The combination of fresh produce, spices, and vibrant dressings makes this dish truly unforgettable.
- 1 cup cashews: These will become spiced and caramelized for that irresistible crunch and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes to the cashews.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne: Just enough heat to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth into the cashews.
- 1 pound red cabbage (thinly sliced): Provides a crisp, colorful base with mild bitterness to complement the sweet mandarins.
- 1 small or half large fennel bulb (thinly sliced): Adds a lovely anise aroma and crunch.
- 3-4 scallions (sliced): Both white and green parts for freshness and mild onion flavor.
- A handful fresh mint leaves (thinly sliced): Brightens the salad with a refreshing note.
- 3 mandarins: Juicy and sweet, alternating sections will go into the salad and some get used as garnish.
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: Gives the dressing a gentle tang to lift the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Smoothness and richness that bring everything together.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the salad to taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon sumac (plus more for finishing): A tangy, slightly sour spice that adds a beautiful pop to the salad.
How to Make Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Spiced Cashews Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Cashews
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss the cashews with dark brown sugar, kosher salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through to avoid burning. Once golden and fragrant, remove and let them cool completely; they’ll crisp up as they cool to add that irresistible texture to the salad.
Step 2: Slice the Vegetables
While the cashews roast, thinly slice the red cabbage with a sharp knife or mandoline for the best texture. Halve and thinly slice your fennel bulb for a subtle licorice crunch that complements the cabbage’s earthiness. Slice scallions across, incorporating both the white and green parts for layered freshness, and thinly slice the mint leaves to release their fragrant oils.
Step 3: Segment the Mandarins
Peel the mandarins and carefully remove the pith to avoid bitterness. Segment the mandarins by cutting between the membranes to release beautiful juicy pieces that will burst with sweetness in every bite. Reserve a few extra segments for garnish to add a lovely pop of color on the finished dish.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sumac. Whisk vigorously until emulsified into a smooth dressing that balances acidity and richness, perfectly designed to mingle with the crisp veggies and sweet citrus.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cabbage, fennel, scallions, and mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to evenly coat each piece. Gently fold in the mandarin segments and the cooled spiced cashews, reserving some cashews and mandarin slices for garnish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed.
How to Serve Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Spiced Cashews Recipe
Garnishes
This salad shines when topped with a sprinkle of sumac—that extra touch of tartness enhances the brightness of the mandarins and deepens the flavor of the cabbage. Use a few fresh mint leaves and some whole spiced cashews to add visual appeal and extra texture. A final drizzle of olive oil can bring a silky finish to the plate.
Side Dishes
The Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Spiced Cashews Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled fish, where the crisp and fruity salad acts as a refreshing counterbalance to rich proteins. It also makes a fantastic stand-alone lunch or a vibrant addition to any holiday feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a large glass bowl so all the colorful layers are visible. Alternatively, plate individual portions on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, farmhouse-style feel. If you want to wow your guests, arrange the salad on large leaves of kale or collard greens to add an extra layer of green and an edible serving platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Spiced Cashews Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, store the spiced cashews separately and add them just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Freezing
Because of the fresh cabbage and juicy mandarins, this salad is not ideal for freezing. The texture and flavor of the salad will degrade significantly once frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want warmth, try pairing it alongside a hot dish instead of heating the salad itself to preserve its crisp, fresh qualities.
FAQs
Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage?
Absolutely! Green cabbage will work just fine; it has a milder flavor and the same satisfying crunch. However, the red cabbage gives that gorgeous pop of color and slight earthiness that balances beautifully with the mandarins.
What if I can’t find sumac?
If sumac is unavailable, fresh lemon zest or a small splash of lemon juice can provide a similar tangy brightness. While sumac adds a unique flavor, these substitutes help keep the salad lively and fresh-tasting.
Can I substitute other nuts for cashews?
Yes, almonds or pecans would be delicious alternatives. Just make sure to roast and spice them similarly so you keep that sweet, smoky crunch that’s so important in this salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Definitely! All ingredients are plant-based, making it a wonderful vegan salad option that’s full of flavor and texture, perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday meals.
How long does it take to make this salad?
This Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Spiced Cashews Recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy but impressive dish to throw together any day of the week.
Final Thoughts
This Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Spiced Cashews Recipe is one of those dishes that dazzles every time with its balance of fresh, sweet, smoky, and tangy notes. It’s perfect for when you want something light yet deeply satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite on your table, especially during the cozy winter months!
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Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Spiced Cashews Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews is a vibrant and crunchy salad featuring thinly sliced red cabbage, fennel, and scallions, accented by fresh mint and juicy mandarins. Spiced cashews with a smoky and sweet flavor add a delightful crunch, while a tangy dressing of white wine vinegar and olive oil ties everything together. The use of sumac adds a unique, slightly sour note, making this salad perfect for a refreshing winter side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Spiced Cashews
- 1 cup (115 grams) cashews
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salad Assembly
- 1 pound (455 grams) red cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1 small or half a large fennel bulb, halved and sliced thin (about 1 cup)
- 3 regular or 4 thin scallions, thinly sliced (green and white parts)
- A small handful fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
- 3 mandarins (clementines or other small oranges), divided
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sumac, plus more for finishing
- Spiced cashews (from above)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiced Cashews: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, toss the cashews with dark brown sugar, kosher salt, ground cayenne, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are toasted and caramelized. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice or shred the red cabbage and set aside in a large mixing bowl. Halve the fennel bulb, then slice it thinly to create crisp, refreshing layers. Thinly slice the scallions, including both green and white parts, and chop the fresh mint leaves finely.
- Segment the Mandarins: Peel the mandarins and separate them into segments. Reserve about half the segments for tossing in the salad and the rest for garnish.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon sumac until fully emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: To the bowl with cabbage, add the fennel, scallions, mint, and half of the mandarin segments. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
- Add the Cashews and Finish: Just before serving, sprinkle the spiced cashews over the top along with the remaining mandarin segments. Dust the salad with extra sumac for a bright finishing touch and serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
Notes
- If you cannot find sumac, substitute with a pinch of fresh paprika for a similar smoky-lingering effect, though the flavor will be milder and less tangy.
- For a nut-free option, substitute cashews with roasted chickpeas seasoned similarly.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead, but add the spiced cashews just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat in the spiced cashews.
