Name: Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (105g) raw cashews; 2 teaspoons neutral flavored oil; 1 tablespoon (20 g) maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon mild chilli powder, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon fine salt; 3 tablespoons (45 ml) lime juice; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fish sauce, ensure gluten free; 2 tablespoons (40 g) maple syrup (can sub with brown sugar); 1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes, or to taste; 2 1/2 cups (about 200 g) red cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded; 2 apples, cut into match sticks; 1/2 red onion, diced; 1 cup (25 g) loosely packed cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup (12 g) loosely packed mint leaves, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 12 reviews

If you’re seeking a vibrant, crunchy, and delightfully flavorful salad that bursts with textures and bright tastes, then the Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe is your new best friend. This salad perfectly balances the crisp sweetness of apples and red cabbage with the smoky, spicy crunch of chili-glazed cashews. It’s refreshingly tangy, subtly spicy, and packed with fresh herbs that make each bite sing. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a stunning side dish, this recipe brings an exciting twist to salad time that’s both simple and unforgettable.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl containing five distinct layers arranged in separate sections: thin slices of red apple with pale cream flesh at the top left, finely chopped light purple onion pieces to the top right, a pile of chopped fresh green herbs on the right side, a layer of chopped deep purple cabbage at the bottom left, and a mound of roasted cashew nuts with a golden brown, slightly oily texture in the center. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe comes to life through a handful of straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to create harmony in flavor and texture. From the spicy cashews to the fresh herbs and zesty dressing, every component plays a crucial role in making this salad irresistible.

Raw cashews, ¾ cup (105g): The star crunch element, perfect for roasting and absorbing spicy maple glaze.

Neutral flavored oil, 2 teaspoons: Helps the seasoning stick to the cashews without overpowering their flavor.
Maple syrup, 1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons (20g + 40g): Adds a natural sweetness that balances the chili’s heat beautifully.
Mild chili powder, ½ teaspoon: Delivers gentle smoky heat—adjust to your spice preference.

Black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Enhances the warmth and depth of the flavors.
Fine salt, ½ teaspoon: Essential for seasoning and bringing all ingredients to life.
Lime juice, 3 tablespoons (45 ml): Adds a zesty brightness that lifts the entire salad.

Fish sauce, 1 tablespoon (15 ml): Brings a complex umami punch, choose gluten-free for safety.
Dried chili flakes, ¼ teaspoon: For extra heat in the dressing, adjust as you like.
Red cabbage, 2 ½ cups (about 200g): Thinly sliced for a gorgeous, crunchy purple base filled with nutrients.

Apples, 2, cut into match sticks: Fresh, sweet, and juicy, providing crisp contrast.
Red onion, ½, diced: Adds subtle sharpness and crunch to balance sweetness.
Cilantro, 1 cup (25g) chopped: Fresh herbaceous notes to brighten the salad.

Mint leaves, ½ cup (12g) chopped: Adds a cool, aromatic freshness.

How to Make Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Chili Cashews

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (170°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, maple syrup, chili powder, black pepper, and salt—it’s this mixture that will glaze the cashews and infuse them with irresistible flavor. Toss your cashews in the mixture until they’re fully coated, then spread them evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 9 to 10 minutes until the nuts turn a beautiful golden brown and the maple syrup caramelizes, enhancing both sweetness and crunch. Once done, let them cool—this is what gives your salad the unmistakable chili cashew crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While your nuts roast, combine lime juice, fish sauce, maple syrup (the larger amount), and dried chili flakes in a small bowl. Stir until completely mixed. This dressing is the bright, tangy, and slightly spicy punch that ties the entire salad together. Setting it aside allows the flavors to meld and prepares it for that perfect toss later.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the thinly sliced red cabbage, matchstick apples, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves. Then add your cooled chili cashews for that excellent textural contrast. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure an even distribution of ingredients before drizzling the vibrant dressing over the top.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until every crunchy leaf, juicy apple slice, and roasted nut is lightly coated in that tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This step is where all the individual elements mingle to create the lively flavor combination that makes the Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe so memorable.

How to Serve Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a colorful salad showing three main layers: thin strips of purple cabbage giving a vibrant deep purple color, thin apple slices with red skin adding a light cream and red contrast, and chopped green herbs scattered on top for fresh green touches. There are also small chunks of light brown nuts and tiny pieces of finely chopped white onion mixed throughout. A woman's hand using silver tongs is lifting a portion of the salad, capturing the mix of all the ingredients closely against a white marbled surface background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or mint leaves on top just before serving. A few additional chili flakes can add a subtle visual and flavor kick if you're feeling adventurous. These garnishes make the salad feel fresh and vibrant on the plate, energizing both your eyes and palate.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu. It also complements a light bowl of quinoa or jasmine rice effortlessly, making it a versatile side. Its fresh, zesty nature provides a lively counterpoint to richer dishes, balancing out meals perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, serve this salad in individual mason jars or on crisp lettuce leaves as edible cups. You can also use it as a crunchy topping for tacos or burgers, where the chili cashews add a spectacular crunch. The colorful layers of red, green, and white make it a vibrant centerpiece no matter the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the roasted cashews separate if you prefer to maintain their crunch, then add just before serving the next day.

Freezing

The crisp textures and fresh herbs in this Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe don’t freeze well, so freezing is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture of the apples and cabbage, resulting in a soggy salad once thawed.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. If you want to warm the roasted cashews to bring back their roasted aroma, you can gently heat them in an oven at low temperature before adding them to the salad again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cashews with other nuts?

Absolutely! Almonds or pecans can work well, but keep in mind they might have different roasting times and textures. Cashews provide a creamy crunch that complements the salad beautifully, so try to choose nuts that offer a similar balance.

Is the fish sauce optional?

The fish sauce adds a lovely depth of umami and saltiness that brightens the dressing, but if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, soy sauce or tamari is a great substitute. Just adjust to taste since they differ in saltiness.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat level is mild and adjustable by the amount of chili powder and flakes you use. If you want it hotter, feel free to add more chili flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, reducing them will still keep the salad flavorful and balanced.

Can I prepare parts of this salad in advance?

You can roast your chili cashews a day ahead and store them in an airtight container to save time. The dressing can also be mixed in advance. However, it’s best to chop the apples and herbs right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

What’s the best apple variety to use?

Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady for a refreshing contrast to the cabbage and chili cashews. They hold up well without browning quickly and add a lovely zip.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe that makes it an absolute joy to eat and share. Its medley of colors, flavors, and textures speaks to the soul of fresh, wholesome cooking. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a festive meal, this salad promises to wow your taste buds and leave you coming back for more. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed salad without that exciting crunch and vibrant zing.

Apple and Red Cabbage Salad with Chili Cashews Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need