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Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe

4.6 from 137 reviews

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.

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

  • 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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced green onions, mixing them evenly.
  3. Add Cashews: Toss in the roasted unsalted cashews to introduce a crunchy texture to the salad base.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, then toss well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  6. Add Chicken: Gently fold in the sliced grilled chicken breast strips until evenly distributed through the salad.
  7. Top with Noodles: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy chow mein noodles on top to add extra crunch and texture.
  8. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh touch and added flavor.
  9. 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