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Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 314 reviews

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, roasted cashews, and crispy chow mein noodles tossed in a flavorful Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side, this salad balances crunchy textures with savory and sweet notes, making it an irresistible, crowd-pleasing option.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 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

  • 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 your chicken breasts until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow them to cool slightly, then slice them into thin strips for easy mixing.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced green onions to create a fresh and colorful base.
  3. Add Cashews: Toss in the roasted unsalted cashews to introduce a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
  4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance and balance the flavors.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  6. Add Chicken: Gently fold in the sliced grilled chicken to distribute it evenly throughout the salad without breaking the ingredients.
  7. Top with Noodles: Just before serving, sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles over the salad for an added crunchy texture contrast.
  8. Garnish: Optionally, add chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness and vibrant color.
  9. Serve Immediately: Plate the salad and enjoy it fresh to fully appreciate the combination of textures and flavors at their peak.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
  • For crunch variations, try substituting cashews with almonds or peanuts.
  • Store leftover dressing refrigerated and use within a week for other dishes or as a marinade.
  • Prepare vegetables and chicken ahead of time to save on meal prep when ready to serve.
  • Adjust vegetables seasonally; try adding fresh corn, zucchini, or seasonal greens.
  • For gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free chow mein noodles or substitutes.
  • Add crunchy elements like cashews and noodles just before serving to maintain texture.
  • This salad is best eaten fresh and does not freeze well due to vegetable texture loss.

Keywords: Chicken Salad, Cashew Salad, Crunchy Salad, Asian Salad, Healthy Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Cashew Crunch, Summer Salad

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/chicken-cashew-crunch-salad-recipe/