This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh veggies. It’s light, hearty, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
The best part? The crunchy cashews add a fun twist! I sometimes munch on them straight from the jar—who can resist? 😄 Enjoy it on a sunny day for an extra dose of happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is a star here. You can use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken for ease. For a lighter option, try shredded turkey or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Cashews: Roasted unsalted cashews provide a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) make great substitutes and keep the crunch factor.
Vegetables: Romaine is crisp and refreshing. Feel free to mix in other greens like spinach or kale. You can also add bell peppers or snap peas for added color and flavor!
Dressing: Mayonnaise gives a creamy texture. Mix it up by using Greek yogurt for a healthier option. For sweetness, maple syrup can replace honey if desired.
How Do I Make the Perfect Dressing?
The dressing is important for tying flavors together! To make it smooth, whisk all ingredients in a small bowl. Here’s how:
- Combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and the other spices.
- Add grated fresh ginger for a zesty kick, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as you like!
- If it’s too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or more vinegar.
Don’t rush this—proper mixing will ensure that every bite has delicious flavor!
Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (grilled or baked with seasoning)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1/2 cup roasted unsalted cashews
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup crispy chicken pieces (optional; for extra crunch, like chicken nuggets or crispy baked chicken)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you need to cook the chicken, add about 20-30 minutes, depending on your cooking method. Overall, this delicious and healthful salad can be ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you love. Grill, bake, or pan-fry until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine the Vegetables:
In a large salad bowl, mix together the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, and julienned or shredded carrots. This colorful base makes your salad look so appealing!
3. Add Chicken and Cashews:
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the salad along with half of the roasted cashews. The crunch of the cashews will start adding a lovely texture!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated fresh ginger until everything is well mixed and smooth. Tweak the seasoning with salt and pepper to get it just right for your taste buds.
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the prepared dressing over your salad and toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Make sure each bite is packed with flavor!
6. Top Your Salad:
To finish, sprinkle the remaining cashews and chopped chives over the top of the salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, add green onions too!
7. Add Extra Crunch (Optional):
If you loved the idea of extra crunch, sprinkle crispy chicken pieces or your favorite chicken nuggets on top for a delightful touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and dig into this fresh, crunchy, and flavorful Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad! It’s the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and yumminess!
Enjoy your meal and feel free to make this salad your own by adding any ingredients you love!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces to mix well with the salad.
What Can I Use Instead of Cashews?
If you have nut allergies, you can substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for that crunch. Both options add a nice texture without any nuts!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then combine them just before serving. This helps keep the lettuce crisp and fresh!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crunch, but it will still taste great. If you can, add the dressing right before you eat the leftovers for better freshness!
