Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad

I created this Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad to strike the perfect balance between protein-packed chicken, crisp vegetables, and toasted nuts—topped with a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s satisfying, refreshing, and loaded with texture in every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad combines savory chicken, crunchy cashews, and crisp greens wrapped in a creamy-sweet dressing. It’s light yet filling, easy to assemble, and makes a beautiful weeknight dinner or potluck dish that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded or diced

• Romaine, mixed greens, or napa cabbage, chopped finely

• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• Carrot, julienned or shredded

• Cucumber, sliced or julienned

• Green onions or scallions, sliced

• Fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chopped

• Dry-roasted cashews, roughly chopped

• Crunchy toppings: crispy chow mein noodles, sesame sticks, or wonton strips

Dressing

• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

• Lime or lemon juice

• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• Honey or agave syrup

• Soy sauce or tamari

• Sesame oil

• Optional: grated ginger, minced garlic, sriracha or chili paste

Directions

1. I cook and dice or shred chicken—grilled, poached, or pan-seared with light seasoning—and let it cool.

2. I prepare the vegetables: I finely chop greens, slice bell pepper and cucumber, and shred or julienne carrots.

3. I whisk the dressing ingredients—mayo or yogurt with citrus juice, vinegar, a sweetener, soy sauce, sesame oil, and any aromatics like garlic or ginger—until smooth. I taste and adjust for acidity, sweetness, or heat.

4. I combine greens, chicken, and sliced vegetables in a large bowl. I toss everything gently, then drizzle in most of the dressing and mix until well coated.

5. I stir in half the cashews and crunchy toppings, reserving the rest for garnish.

6. I portion the salad into bowls and top each with the remaining cashews and crunchy mix for extra texture. I drizzle any leftover dressing if desired.

Servings And Timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a main course salad, or 6 as a side dish.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time (if needed): 10–15 minutes

• Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

• I substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for different protein options.

• I swap cashews for almonds, peanuts, or toasted pumpkin seeds depending on preference.

• I add tropical fruit like mango or pineapple for a fruity twist.

• I increase heat with jalapeño, chili flakes, or more sriracha in the dressing.

• I turn it into a grain bowl by adding cooked quinoa, farro, or rice beneath the salad.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad crisp, I store dressing separately and only add crunchy toppings before serving. No reheating is needed—just toss cold or at room temperature before eating.

FAQs

What Kind Of Chicken Works Best?

I like using grilled or poached chicken breast or thigh—either works well; I ensure it’s seasoned lightly and cooled before combining with salad ingredients.

Can I Prep This Salad Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely. I prepare the chicken and dressing ahead, chop the veggies, and store each component separately. I assemble everything fresh when I’m ready to eat to preserve the crunch.

How Can I Keep The Salad From Getting Soggy?

I keep the dressing and crunchy toppings separate until ready to serve. I add them at the last minute and toss just before eating.

Are There Nut-Free Options?

Yes. I omit cashews and replace them with extra crunchy elements like crispy noodles, seeds, or toasted chickpeas for texture without nuts.

Will This Salad Work As Meal Prep Lunch?

Definitely. It holds up well if components are stored separately. When I pack the dressing on the side and keep greens and toppings separate, the salad stays fresh until lunchtime.

Conclusion

I love making this Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad when I want something vibrant, flavorful, and easy to throw together. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and crunchy nuts makes it satisfying and refreshing. Whether served as a light dinner or packed for lunch, it’s always a winner.

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