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Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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