Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. This salad is perfect for lunch or a light dinner!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1 cup roasted cashews
• Optional: 1/2 cup mandarin oranges or sliced avocado for added flavor

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Timing

Making Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
2. Set Aside: If using, stir in sesame seeds and set the dressing aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cooked chicken, red bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, green onions, and mandarin oranges or avocado (if using).
2. Add Cashews: Gently fold in the roasted cashews for crunch.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

1. Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra cashews or sesame seeds if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	15g
Sugar	6g

Tips for Customization

• Protein Variations: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or beef for different flavors.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the dressing for some heat.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a delicious and nutritious option that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy this delightful salad as a meal or side dish!

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.