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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
