Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe
Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, crunchy cashews, and crispy chow mein noodles, all tossed in a savory-sweet Asian-inspired dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it offers a satisfying mix of textures and fresh flavors.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
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
- 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Grill your chicken breasts over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are fully cooked. Remove from the grill and allow them to cool slightly, then slice into strips.
- Chop the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced green onions, mixing them evenly.
- Add Cashews: Toss in the roasted unsalted cashews to introduce a crunchy texture to the salad base.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, then toss well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Add Chicken: Gently fold in the sliced grilled chicken breast strips until evenly distributed through the salad.
- Top with Noodles: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy chow mein noodles on top to add extra crunch and texture.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh touch and added flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the salad and serve it promptly to enjoy the contrast of textures and freshness at their best.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a nut-free version, omit cashews and replace chow mein noodles with crunchy toasted seeds.
- Dressing can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- This salad is best served immediately to keep the noodles crunchy.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness if desired.
Keywords: Chicken salad, cashew salad, crunchy salad, grilled chicken, Asian dressing, healthy salad, chow mein noodles, easy lunch