### Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews
As the festive period draws near, many of us are enveloped by rich, decadent dishes. Nonetheless, at times our bodies yearn for something crisp and lively. This Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews serves as the ideal remedy for the weightiness of holiday cuisine. With its crunchy consistency, vibrant flavors, and a charming mix of ingredients, this salad is bound to please.
#### Ingredients
**For the Spiced Cashews:**
– 1 cup (115 grams) cashews
– 2 tablespoons (25 grams) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
**For the Salad:**
– 1 pound (455 grams) red cabbage, finely sliced or shredded (approximately 4 cups)
– 1 small or half a large fennel bulb, halved and sliced thinly (around 1 cup)
– 3 regular or 4 slender scallions, finely sliced (green and white portions)
– A small handful of fresh mint leaves, finely sliced
– 3 mandarins (clementines and other small oranges are suitable), divided
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white wine vinegar
– 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– Freshly cracked black pepper
– 1 teaspoon sumac, plus extra for garnish
– Spiced cashews (from above)
#### Instructions
**Prepare the Spiced Cashews:**
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cashews in a colander under water, ensuring they are slightly moist.
3. In a bowl, mix the cashews with dark brown sugar, kosher salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika. Stir until well-coated. If the mixture seems dry, add an additional teaspoon of water.
4. Spread the cashews on a baking sheet lined with parchment and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are darker with some black spots. Monitor them closely to avoid burning. Let them cool completely.
**Create the Salad:**
1. In a large bowl, mix the red cabbage, fennel, scallions, and mint.
2. Juice one mandarin and pour 2 tablespoons of juice into a small bowl. (Any leftover juice can be enjoyed as a refreshing beverage.)
3. To the bowl with mandarin juice, add white wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and sumac. Whisk together.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If made in advance, the salad can marinate for a few hours without getting soggy.
5. Peel the remaining mandarins and separate them into segments. Layer half of the dressed salad on a serving dish, topping it with half of the mandarin segments and spiced cashews. Repeat with the rest of the salad, mandarins, and cashews.
#### Serving Suggestions
This salad complements various holiday dishes wonderfully, from crispy latkes to hearty stews. It can also function as a refreshing brunch option or a light meal by itself. Relish the pleasure of being in your kitchen, enjoying this lively salad while the hustle of the season swirls around you.
#### Conclusion
The Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews is more than just a recipe; it exemplifies a celebration of fresh flavors and textures that can illuminate any holiday spread. With its blend of crunchy cabbage, sweet mandarins, and spiced cashews, it provides a delightful counterpoint to the richer fare customary of the season. Enjoy this salad as a reminder that even amidst the indulgent holiday festivities, fresh, wholesome choices can be equally fulfilling.