Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe

ByThomas Greene
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Introduction

This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The crunchy Napa cabbage and roasted cashews pair beautifully with a tangy tahini dressing, making each bite a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

A large wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad, starting with a base layer of shredded light green and white cabbage mixed with thin orange carrot strips, topped with scattered bright green cilantro leaves and fresh herbs. On top, there are crunchy chopped nuts in light brown and beige tones. The salad is drizzled with a creamy, light tan dressing that pools slightly on the vegetables. Around the bowl, a white marbled surface holds a small white bowl with creamy sauce and a clear amber glass, alongside some scattered green herb leaves and a white cloth with gold trimming. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup tahini (well-stirred)
  • 2 Tbsp. lower-sodium tamari
  • 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced
  • 5 heaping cups chopped Napa cabbage (substitute green cabbage or kale if desired)
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup shredded (matchstick) carrots
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped green onions (from 1 bunch)
  • 3/4 cup roasted, salted cashews
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the dressing by combining tahini, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and grated garlic in a glass jar or large liquid measuring cup. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the chopped Napa cabbage (or chosen substitute), shredded chicken, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, cashews, and cilantro. Season with a few pinches of salt.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Serve the salad immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap Napa cabbage with green cabbage or kale to change the texture and flavor.
  • Add a splash of lime juice to brighten the dressing.
  • For extra protein, include edamame or sliced grilled chicken instead of rotisserie.
  • Omit the maple syrup for a less sweet dressing or substitute with honey.
  • Top with additional toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the salad’s crunch. When ready to eat, toss the salad again to evenly distribute the dressing. Reheating is not recommended, as the fresh ingredients are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a colorful salad showing about five layers. The bottom layer is a mix of light green cabbage and dark green kale leaves with a rough texture. On top of that are orange shredded carrots scattered throughout, adding a thin, stringy texture. Mixed in are pieces of shredded pale chicken meat that look tender. Golden brown cashew nuts are sprinkled evenly across the salad, showing a shiny and smooth texture. A creamy light brown dressing is drizzled over everything, flowing gently around the ingredients. In the background, a glass with a golden liquid and a small white bowl with some sauce are partly visible, while a white cloth is folded on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews?

Yes, you can substitute roasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for cashews. Just make sure they are roasted and salted for the best flavor and crunch.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the cabbage from becoming soggy. This salad makes a great make-ahead lunch or light dinner option.

Print
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Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 125 reviews
  • Author: Thomas
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with crisp Napa cabbage, crunchy roasted cashews, and a flavorful tahini-based dressing. It’s a refreshing, quick-to-make salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner, offering a satisfying mix of textures and Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup tahini (well-stirred)
  • 2 Tbsp. lower-sodium tamari
  • 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced

Salad

  • 5 heaping cups chopped Napa cabbage (substitute green cabbage or kale if desired)
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup shredded (matchstick) carrots
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped green onions (from 1 bunch)
  • 3/4 cup roasted, salted cashews
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a glass jar or large liquid measuring cup, combine tahini, lower-sodium tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and grated garlic. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
  2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped Napa cabbage or your choice of green cabbage or kale, shredded rotisserie chicken, shredded carrots, finely chopped green onions, roasted cashews, and chopped fresh cilantro. Season the mixture with a few pinches of salt to enhance the flavors.
  3. Toss and serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute Napa cabbage with green cabbage or kale, depending on availability or preference.
  • Adjust the level of salt based on the saltiness of your cashews and tamari for balanced seasoning.
  • For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving.
  • This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; however, salad components may soften over time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: Chicken Cashew Salad, Tahini Dressing, Rotisserie Chicken Salad, Crunchy Chicken Salad, Asian-Inspired Salad, Healthy Salad, No-Cook Salad, Quick Lunch

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