Cozy Salad with Carrot Cashew Sauce
This cozy salad is a nourishing blend of roasted veggies, greens, grains, and protein, tied together with a creamy, golden-hued carrot cashew sauce that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s perfect served warm or at room temperature.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cashew Sauce:
1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water 15 min if not using high-speed blender)
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
¼ teaspoon ground cumin or curry powder
Salt to taste
½ to ¾ cup water
For the Salad:
2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, baby kale)
1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
1 small sweet potato, cubed
1 cup broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chickpeas (roasted or plain)
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Roast the Veggies:
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Toss sweet potato, broccoli, and bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Make the Carrot Cashew Sauce:
Boil or steam carrots until soft (about 10 minutes).
Drain and blend with soaked cashews, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, cumin (if using), salt, and ½ cup water.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed for pourable texture.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a bowl or plate, layer greens, quinoa/rice, roasted veggies, and chickpeas.
Drizzle generously with carrot cashew sauce. Garnish with herbs, seeds, or chili flakes if desired.
Tips:
Make it a bowl: Add avocado or boiled egg for a heartier meal.
Spice it up: Add sriracha or harissa to the sauce.
The carrot cashew sauce can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge.
No cashews? Use sunflower seeds or soaked almonds instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned carrots or baby carrots?
Yes, just make sure they’re soft and unsweetened.
Q: Is this salad served warm or cold?
Best warm or room temperature, but can be eaten cold too.
Q: Can I use a different grain?
Absolutely! Try bulgur, farro, couscous, or even lentils.
Nutritional Information
Calories 430 kcal
Protein 14g
Carbohydrates 48g
Fiber 10g
Fat 22g
Saturated Fat 3g
Sodium 320mg
Vitamin A 200%DV
Vitamin C 90% DV
Iron 20% DV