Orange Cashew Ranch Salad has citrusy brightness and nutty richness that captures the essence of both flavor and curiosity. It’s easy and perfect for summer.
This recipe was given to me by my adopted mother, Helen Reeves Pearson. I adopted her and called her Mom.
Helen was a wonderful cook, and taught me a few of her master recipes, this being one of them. To make the salad perfectly, she always used Iceberg Salad Mix and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing. It was a perfect salad.
Orange Cashew Ranch salad goes very well with a hamburger steak, rare steak, or chicken.
Mandarin Oranges History
The story behind Mandarin oranges is as captivating as the burst of citrus they bring to the Orange Cashew Ranch Salad. Named after the high-ranking officials of the Chinese Imperial Court during the Qing dynasty, these oranges are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Renowned for their easy-peel skin and sweet, juicy flesh, Mandarin oranges became a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, making them highly prized.
Despite their association with China, the term “Mandarin” is thought to have originated from the fruit’s association with the officials who wore robes of a similar color. As these oranges made their way to the West, the name stuck, and Mandarin oranges became a household favorite, gracing salads and desserts with their unmistakable zing.
Cashews: The Botanical Twist
While the Orange Cashew Ranch Salad delights the palate with its citrusy and nutty ensemble, it’s worth noting that cashews, despite their common classification, aren’t true nuts. Botanically speaking, cashews belong to the family Anacardiaceae, which also includes pistachios and poison ivy. The cashew nut, nestled beneath the cashew apple, is a seed rather than a true nut.
The process of harvesting cashews involves meticulous care due to the presence of a toxic substance in the shell. Once carefully extracted and processed, the cashew nut emerges, revealing its distinct crescent shape. This fascinating botanical twist adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Orange Cashew Ranch Salad, reminding us that the culinary world is full of surprises.
Although cashews are not true nuts, they do cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are allergic to pistachios, since they share a similar toxin, you are probably allergic to cashews, too. Cashews, like peanuts, and other allergic-reaction-causing nuts, are also allergens so omit them from the salad if you are allergic to nuts.
Ranch Dressing
You are free to use Hidden Valley Ranch dressing if you don’t have Penzey’s Buttermilk Dressing and Dip spice mix. The Penzey’s spice mixed with fresh buttermilk and mayonnaise has a fresher, brighter flavor. Please don’t use bottled dressing. Buy a packet of dressing mix and make it yourself. You will be glad you did!
Orange Cashew Ranch Salad Recipe
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Orange and Cashew Salad
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Ingredients
Buttermilk Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Penzey's Buttermilk Dressing & Dip
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Salad
- 12 oz Iceberg Lettuce Mix
- ¼ cup Cashews, whole preferred
- 11 oz Mandarin Oranges, canned and drained
Instructions
- Mise en place
Buttermilk Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Penzey's Buttermilk Dressing & Dip, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup mayonnaiseMix the ingredients for the dressing and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Salad
- 12 oz Iceberg Lettuce MixPut the iceberg lettuce mix into a large salad bowl.
- 11 oz Mandarin OrangesDrain the oranges.
- 1/4 cup CashewsCombine lettuce with cashews and oranges. Toss with dressing and plate.
Notes
- For Vegan or Vegetarian, replace the buttermilk and mayonnaise with your favorite substitutes. You could also use your favorite vegan Ranch dressing.
- It’s important to use a good ranch dressing. If you don’t have Penzey’s Buttermilk Dressing & Dip, then use the actual Hidden Valley brand as the others do not quite taste the same. It’s best to use the package and make your own from the freshest ingredients.
At first I thought that was an AI picture, but then I looked at it again, and nope, it’s not. So, I decided to make this and you know what? I really liked it a lot. It’s perfect for summer. Thank you!
I am not very fantastic with English but I lived this salad. Thank you.
Easy, simple, tasty! Just what I wanted. Thanks!