Asian Chicken Cashew Salad
A vibrant Asian Chicken Cashew Salad combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and bold flavors of soy and rice vinegar for a quick, flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine peanut oil, salt and pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and chopped garlic. Refrigerate overnight.
- Just before serving, prepare the vegetable mix and set aside.
- Add the remaining ingredients—rice vinegar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, dry mustard, and ginger—to the marinated mixture.
- Toss the mixture with the vegetable base and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or omit them completely. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper. Make sure to chop your vegetables uniformly for even mixing and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad over a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled chicken for a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with Cucumber Salad I for a refreshing combination. You can also top it with additional cashews or sesame seeds for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a pan over low heat, but avoid cooking it, as the fresh vegetables should remain crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asian Chicken Cashew Salad contains roughly 152 calories, with 2g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1370mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time. However, it's best to combine the salad just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crunchy.
What vegetables work well in this salad?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. For a twist, consider adding shredded cabbage or sliced radishes for extra texture and flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).