Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish combining tender grilled chicken with crisp vegetables and crunchy cashews. Finished with a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing and crispy chow mein noodles, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup green onions, sliced
• 1 cup unsalted cashews, roasted
• ½ cup crispy chow mein noodles
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool slightly, then slice into strips.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced green onions.
3. Step 3: Add the roasted unsalted cashews to the vegetable mixture and toss gently.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Step 6: Fold in the sliced grilled chicken until distributed throughout the salad.
7. Step 7: Just before serving, sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles on top for extra crunch.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
9. Step 9: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, substitute grilled chicken with tofu or tempeh.
• Use crushed peanuts instead of cashews for a different nutty taste.
• Add a splash of lime juice to the dressing for extra brightness.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey in the dressing.

Storage

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently and toss with fresh vegetables and dressing. Add the crispy noodles just before serving to keep them crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the components ahead but combine them just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and the noodles crunchy.

What can I use if I don’t have chow mein noodles?

Crunchy fried onions or crushed wonton strips can be good alternatives to add texture on top of the salad.

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 214 reviews

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and crunchy salad combining grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, roasted cashews, and crispy chow mein noodles, all tossed in a savory-sweet Asian-inspired dressing. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup green onions, sliced
• 1 cup unsalted cashews, roasted
• ½ cup crispy chow mein noodles
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Grill the chicken breasts on medium-high heat until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Let them cool slightly, then slice into strips.
2. Chop the Vegetables: In a large bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce, diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced green onions. Mix gently.
3. Add Cashews: Toss the roasted unsalted cashews into the vegetable mix to incorporate a crunchy texture.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season lightly with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
6. Add Chicken: Gently fold the sliced grilled chicken into the salad, distributing it evenly.
7. Top with Noodles: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy chow mein noodles over the top for added crunch.
8. Garnish: Optionally, add chopped fresh cilantro for a fragrant finish.
9. Serve Immediately: Plate the salad and enjoy immediately to savor the fresh, crisp textures and balanced flavors.

Notes

• Use freshly grilled chicken for best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing for sweetness preference.
• For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables.
• To keep noodles crispy, add them just before serving.
• Roasting unsalted cashews enhances their flavor and crunch.

Keywords: Chicken Salad, Cashew Salad, Asian Dressing, Crunchy Salad, Healthy Lunch, Grilled Chicken Salad, Easy Salad Recipe