### Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews
As winter sets in, the craving for fresh, lively tastes often stands in stark contrast to the typical rich foods usually found at festive gatherings. This Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews offers a refreshing alternative that melds crunchy textures and bright flavors, making it an ideal addition to your holiday feast or a charming standalone dish.
#### Ingredients
**Spiced Cashews:**
– 1 cup (115 grams) cashews
– 2 tablespoons (25 grams) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
**Salad Assembly:**
– 1 pound (455 grams) red cabbage, finely sliced or shredded (approximately 4 cups)
– 1 small or half a large fennel bulb, halved and thinly sliced (around 1 cup)
– 3 regular or 4 thin scallions, finely sliced (green and white parts)
– A small handful of fresh mint leaves, sliced thin
– 3 mandarins (clementines or alternative small oranges), divided
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white wine vinegar
– 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon sumac, plus extra for finishing
– Spiced cashews (from above)
#### Instructions
**Make the Spiced Cashews:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cashews in a colander with water, ensuring they stay slightly moist.
3. In a bowl, mix the cashews with dark brown sugar, kosher salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika, stirring until uniformly coated. If the mix appears dry, add an extra teaspoon of water.
4. Spread the cashews on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they darken and show some black spots. Watch them carefully to avoid burning. Allow them to cool completely.
**Assemble the Salad:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the red cabbage, fennel, scallions, and mint.
2. Juice one of the mandarins and pour 2 tablespoons of the juice into a small bowl. (Any additional juice can be savored as a refreshing drink.)
3. Add white wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and sumac to the bowl with the mandarin juice and whisk to blend.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste. If making ahead, this mixture can sit for a few hours without becoming soggy.
5. Peel the remaining two mandarins, separating them into segments.
6. On a serving plate, layer half of the dressed salad mixture, followed by half of the mandarin segments and half of the spiced cashews. Repeat with the remaining salad, mandarin, and cashews.
#### Serving Suggestions
This salad complements a variety of holiday meals, from crispy latkes to robust braises. It can also serve as a rejuvenating brunch option or a light meal by itself. Savor the crunch and lively flavors that this Winter Cabbage Salad adds to your table, making it a delightful choice for any winter celebration.