This Asian-inspired slaw is filled with cashews and pear, then tossed in a simple ginger dressing. Serve it as a side dish or on top of teriyaki chicken.
I'm not kidding when I say that I could eat this salad all day long. Not only is it dressed with a vinaigrette made of some of my favorite flavors, ginger and sesame, but it is healthy and refreshing, which is a nice contrast to some of the heavier stews and soups that are passing across my stovetop. While cabbage, cashews and pear may seem like a mismatched team, the sweet and nutty flavors work as well as football players on Dancing with the Stars. Seriously, who knew those big guys could be so light on their feet?
After our bout of snow, we have been spoiled by a gorgeous October, with temperatures in the mid-sixties and abundant sun warming us to our core. I've actually been wearing shorts on my daily runs, though I don't claim it's been pretty (faded suntan makes for glowing white legs). As though sensing that our mild days are numbered, the boys spent most of the weekend outside, playing on the swings, kicking the soccer ball around and making "nature stew" in their dumptruck. What is nature stew, you ask? Soft tomatoes from the vine, sage and mint leaves, grass and the odd weed. I'm sure some little garden creature will have a feast.
My husband and I are pulling the remaining pears off of our little-tree-that-could, which provided plenty of fruit this season for Crockpot Pear & Ginger Applesauce. As much as we enjoy eating them straight or in applesauce, the pears add a natural sweetness to salads such as this Asian slaw. This salad is the last hurrah before the cold weather hits this week and I am savoring every last bite of it.
The recipe:
In a large bowl, combine Napa cabbage, red cabbage, pear, cashews and cilantro. Toss to combine.
For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, lime juice and grated ginger.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve.
Other slaw recipes:
Cookin' Canuck's Spicy Asian Slaw with Napa Cabbage, Carrots & Ginger Dressing
Smitten Kitchen's Mango Slaw with Cashews & Mint
David Lebovitz's Cole Slaw with Wasabi Dressing
Guilty Kitchen's Apple Fennel Slaw
TasteFood's Kale Slaw
Printable Recipe
Asian Slaw with Cashews, Pear & Ginger Dressing
Ingredients
- ½ medium Nappa Cabbage thinly sliced crosswise
- ¼ medium red cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 Bartlett pear cut into ¾-inch pieces
- ½ cup raw cashews toasted
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine Napa cabbage, red cabbage, pear, cashews and cilantro. Toss to combine.
- For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, lime juice and grated ginger.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss gently to coat. Serve.
Marina {Yummy Mummy}
This looks so crunch and tasty! I wish I could have this in about an hour for lunch! Gorgeous post.
Judee @ Gluten Free A-Z
I make a salad with cashews and raisins and cabbage that I could eat all day ( and sometimes do) I love the combination of pear and ginger! It looks fabulous.
naomi
I'm with you, Dara, I could eat salad all day-especially this slaw. I'm loving the cashew and pear pairing. The ginger dressing is a good touch for a bit of spice and added depth of flavor!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective
I believe I could eat anything with cashews all day long. What a fabulous complement to the ginger dressing.
jenna
this looks packed full of flavor and so easy to whip together! perfect!
Maria
My kind of slaw! Looks wonderful!
Christine
I am obsessed with slaw and this one looks really wonderful!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
i have been craving asian flavors big time lately...this looks incredible!
chris@thekeenancookbook
Love the flavors in this. I can see myself enjoying this by itself or with some of your ginger pork
Jessica @ How Sweet
I love pears so, so much. This sounds delicious!