Name: Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
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); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Introduction

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and crunchy cashews. This easy-to-make salad offers a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner.

A white plate holds a fresh salad layered with chopped green leafy vegetables and shredded orange carrots as the base. Scattered on top are whole cashew nuts, adding a light beige color and smooth texture. On the upper part of the salad are five slices of grilled chicken breast, showing a white inside with a lightly browned and seasoned outside. The plate is on a wooden surface with a fork to the right and a small light brown container in the background, all set against a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce and garlic before grilling.
Substitute cashews with toasted almonds or peanuts if preferred.
Add shredded cabbage or snap peas for more crunch and color.
Use lime juice instead of rice vinegar for a tangier dressing.

Storage

Store leftover salad without the crispy chow mein noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the noodles separate and add them just before serving to maintain their crunch. Reheat the chicken gently if desired, but this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A large wooden bowl filled with a fresh salad containing layers of shredded pale green cabbage and white chicken pieces at the base, topped with thin orange carrot sticks and chopped green herbs like cilantro and scallions. The salad is sprinkled with light brown chopped nuts and drizzled with a creamy beige dressing that pools in some spots. The setting shows a small white bowl with more creamy dressing on the left and a glass of light golden drink on the right, all on a white marbled surface with a cream cloth partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling fresh chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and can save time. Just shred or slice it and add it to the salad as directed.

What can I use as a substitute for chow mein noodles?

If chow mein noodles are unavailable, crispy wonton strips or fried thin rice noodles are great alternatives to add that desired crunch.