### Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews
As the festive season draws near, many are engulfed by decadent, lavish foods. Yet, at times, a rejuvenating salad is exactly what the body desires amidst the celebration. This Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews is a colorful, crunchy creation that offsets the richness of holiday fare with its lively flavors and textures.
#### 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 ground cayenne
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
**For the Salad Assembly:**
– 1 pound (455 grams) red cabbage, sliced thin or shredded (approximately 4 cups)
– 1 small or half a large fennel bulb, halved and sliced thin (about 1 cup)
– 3 regular or 4 thin scallions, sliced thin (green and white parts)
– A small handful fresh mint leaves, cut thin
– 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 ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon sumac, plus extra for finishing
– Spiced cashews (from above)
#### Instructions
**Prepare the Spiced Cashews:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the cashews in a colander without shaking them off. The moisture helps the spices stick.
3. In a bowl, mix the cashews with dark brown sugar, kosher salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika. Stir until well coated. If it appears dry, add an extra teaspoon of water.
4. Arrange the cashews on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 8 to 10 minutes. For a richer flavor, you may roast them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. Let them cool completely.
**Assemble the Salad:**
1. In a large bowl, mix the sliced red cabbage, fennel, scallions, and mint.
2. Juice one of the mandarins and pour 2 tablespoons of juice into a small bowl. (You can enjoy any leftover juice as a refreshing beverage.)
3. Add white wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and sumac to the bowl with mandarin juice, whisking to combine.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly. Taste and modify seasoning as needed. If making ahead, the salad can marinate for a couple of hours while retaining its crunch.
5. Peel the other mandarins and separate them into segments. Layer half of the dressed salad on a serving platter, topping with 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 dishes, from crunchy latkes to robust braises. It can also serve as a light brunch option or a refreshing side at any gathering. Relish the pleasure of a nutritious, flavorful salad that stands out among holiday delights.
#### Conclusion
The Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews is more than just a dish; it’s a tribute to flavors and textures that offers a rejuvenating counterpoint to the abundance of the season. Whether savored alone or as part of a festive spread, this salad is bound to become a favorite.