This salad balances textures and tastes. The grilled chicken adds warmth and protein. The cashews and chow mein noodles give a great crunch. The dressing is simple and slightly sweet with soy and sesame. If you like easy chicken bowls with bold flavors, you might also enjoy a similar dish like Bang Bang Chicken Bowl.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. It mixes warm grilled chicken with crisp vegetables and roasted cashews. You get protein, crunch, and a bright dressing in one bowl. It cooks fast and works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
How to make Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
Follow these clear steps to build the salad and dressing. Use the dressing right after you make it so the flavors stay bright. For a simple chicken sauce idea you can learn from, see this easy 3-Ingredient Orange Chicken recipe which shows how small ingredient lists can make big flavor.
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)
Directions :
- Grill your chicken breasts until fully cooked. Allow them to cool slightly, then slice them into strips.
- Chop the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced green onions.
- Add Cashews: Toss in the roasted unsalted cashews for that delightful crunch.
- 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 to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine, ensuring all components are coated with the dressing.
- Add Chicken: Gently fold in the sliced grilled chicken until evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Top with Noodles: Just before serving, sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles on top for extra crunch.
- Garnish: If desired, add chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the salad and serve it fresh to enjoy all the textures and flavors.
Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
A fresh, crunchy salad featuring grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and roasted cashews with a flavorful dressing.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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)
Instructions
- Grill the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Allow them to cool slightly, then slice them into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced bell pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced green onions.
- Toss in the roasted unsalted cashews for that delightful crunch.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to combine, ensuring all components are coated with the dressing.
- Gently fold in the sliced grilled chicken until evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Just before serving, sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles on top for extra crunch.
- If desired, add chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Plate the salad and serve it fresh to enjoy all the textures and flavors.
Notes
Serve immediately for the best crunch. Keep the dressing and toppings separate if storing for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to serve Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
Serve this salad right after you toss the dressing so the noodles stay crunchy. Put it in a large bowl for a group or in individual bowls for a meal. You can add lime wedges on the side for extra brightness.
How to store Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
If you must store it, keep the dressing and salad separate. Store the salad (without noodles and dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing in a jar for up to 4 days. Add the chow mein noodles and cashews just before serving so they stay crisp.
Tips to make Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
- Grill the chicken with a little salt and pepper for best flavor.
- Let the chicken cool a bit before slicing to keep the juices.
- Add the noodles and cashews at the last moment to keep the crunch.
- Taste the dressing and add a bit more honey or vinegar if you want it sweeter or tangier.
- For a full meal, you can serve with a simple side like gluten-free cottage cheese pancakes if you want a blend of savory and soft sides.
Variations
- Swap romaine for mixed greens or spinach.
- Use almonds or peanuts instead of cashews.
- Add mandarin orange segments or sliced mango for a sweet twist.
- Make it spicy by adding a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Just shred or slice it and add to the salad.
Q: How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
A: Keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until right before serving.
Q: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Partly. Prep the chopped vegetables and cooked chicken, but store dressing and crunchy toppings separately and assemble when ready.
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store it in the fridge up to 4 days. Shake well before using.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is quick, fresh, and full of texture. It works for a weeknight meal or a light dinner with friends. Keep the dressing and crunch separate until serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
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