If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying salad that’s bursting with contrasting textures and fresh flavors, the Crunch Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Peanuts Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad perfectly balances the crispness of kale and cabbage with the sweetness of apple and the zest of a tangy cilantro lime dressing, all rounded out by the satisfying crunch of peanuts and seeds. It’s a fresh, healthy, and downright addictive dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crunch Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Peanuts Recipe lies in how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role, whether to add crunch, freshness, creaminess, or depth of flavor, making this salad a harmony of textures and tastes.
- Cilantro (1 large bunch): adds bright, herbal notes that make the dressing sing with freshness.
- Garlic clove (1): provides a subtle, aromatic kick to the dressing.
- Lime juice (1/4 cup): gives the dressing its signature tangy zing that wakes up every bite.
- Honey (1/2 tsp): balances acidity with a gentle touch of natural sweetness.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): creates a silky base for the dressing, carrying flavors smoothly.
- Cumin (pinch, optional): lends a warm, earthy undertone that complements the lime and cilantro.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: essential for seasoning and enhancing each ingredient’s flavor.
- Lacinato kale (1 bunch): serves as the hearty, nutritious leafy base with a satisfying chew.
- Green cabbage (1/4 small): adds crunch and a slightly peppery note.
- Granny Smith apple (1, diced): injects a crisp, tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the greens.
- Persian or kirby cucumbers (3, diced): bring a refreshing, watery crunch to the mix.
- Celery stalks (2, diced): contribute another layer of crisp texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- Scallions (3, thinly sliced): add a mild onion flavor that ties everything together.
- Roasted and unsalted peanuts (1/3 cup, roughly chopped): provide irresistible crunch and a toasty background note.
- Roasted and unsalted seeds (1/3 cup, such as sunflower or pumpkin): give an extra nutty crunch variety.
- Feta cheese (3 oz, crumbled): introduces a creamy, tangy element that complements the salad’s bright dressing.
How to Make Crunch Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Peanuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by adding the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and honey to a food processor or blender. Pulse them until the cilantro is finely chopped, releasing its full aroma. Then, slowly pour in the olive oil while the machine is running until the dressing reaches a silky consistency. Taste it and add a pinch of cumin if you like that warm, earthy accent. Season everything with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring the dressing fully to life.
Step 2: Massage the Kale
Take your chopped lacinato kale and place it in a large bowl with a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until it darkens slightly and becomes tender. This step softens the leaves and helps mellow their natural bitterness, making them the perfect canvas for the rest of the salad.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Now, add the chopped green cabbage, diced Granny Smith apple, diced cucumbers, celery, and thinly sliced scallions to the bowl with the kale. Then, mix in the roughly chopped peanuts and your choice of roasted seeds for that signature crunch everyone loves. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top to add a creamy, tangy contrast.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour your freshly made cilantro lime dressing over the salad. Toss everything thoroughly but gently so each bite gets a perfect coating of dressing without wilting the crisp ingredients. The combination of textures, from crunchy to creamy, along with the vibrant flavors, is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crunch Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Peanuts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra chopped peanuts and some fresh cilantro leaves over the top right before serving. This adds a final pop of color and crunch that makes the salad even more inviting and visually appealing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or shrimp for a light yet satisfying meal. You can also serve it alongside warm crusty bread or quinoa for a more filling experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Crunch Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Peanuts Recipe in individual mason jars for a portable, pretty lunch or as a vibrant side dish on a large wooden board with colorful, fresh herbs scattered around. It’s just as perfect for casual weeknight dinners as it is for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Mixed together, the salad can become soggy quickly, so keeping them apart will preserve the crunch and freshness for the next day.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The crisp vegetables and fresh dressing do not hold up well to freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is unnecessary. Simply add fresh dressing before serving if the salad has been stored without it.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides peanuts?
Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional in this recipe, you can substitute with cashews, almonds, or even walnuts depending on your preference or dietary needs.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, just skip the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative, or add some avocado chunks for creaminess to keep the texture balanced.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Definitely. The cilantro lime dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container to save time when assembling the salad.
What kind of seeds work best in this salad?
Roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds are excellent choices for adding extra crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
How long does this salad keep fresh?
When stored properly with the dressing separate, the salad ingredients should stay fresh and crunchy for up to two days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
If you want a salad that excites your taste buds and feels like a treat rather than just a side, the Crunch Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Peanuts Recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with textures and colors that make each bite an absolute joy. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite go-to salad!
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Crunch Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing and Peanuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and crunchy salad combining kale, cabbage, apple, cucumber, celery, and scallions with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. Topped with crunchy peanuts, seeds, and creamy feta cheese, this fresh salad is perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 large bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Pinch of cumin (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 1 (10 to 12-ounce) bunch lacinato kale, chopped or torn into small pieces
- 1/4 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 Granny Smith apple, diced into about ¼ inch pieces
- 3 Persian or Kirby cucumbers, diced about ¼ inch
- 2 stalks celery, diced about ¼ inch
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup roasted and unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup roasted and unsalted seeds (such as sunflower or pumpkin)
- 3 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Add the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and honey to a food processor or blender. Blend until the cilantro has been finely chopped. While blending, slowly pour in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Season with a pinch of cumin if using, and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Prepare the salad: Place the chopped kale in a large bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Massage the kale gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves darken slightly and soften. This process reduces the kale’s bitterness and improves texture.
- Assemble the salad: Add the chopped green cabbage, diced Granny Smith apple, diced cucumbers, diced celery, thinly sliced scallions, roughly chopped peanuts, roasted seeds, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the kale. Toss the ingredients together to combine evenly.
- Add the dressing: Pour your desired amount of the prepared cilantro-lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Massaging the kale is key to making it tender and less bitter.
- You can substitute the peanuts and seeds with your favorite nuts or seeds, toasted if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on your taste and desired salad moisture level.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be an excellent addition.
- To make this salad vegan, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
