Cashew Chicken Salad
A vibrant and crunchy chicken salad featuring fresh vegetables, toasted cashews, and creamy cheese, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal for gatherings or casual lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use 4 large bowls.
- Divide the ingredients: 1/2 large head lettuce, 1/2 medium red onion, 8 baby carrots cut in 4ths lengthwise, 8 sliced fresh mushrooms, shredded red cabbage, 1 large tomato chopped, 1 ripe avocado chopped, 1 can sliced black olives, 2 lb. chicken tenders cooked and shredded, 12 oz. Co-Jack cheese shredded, and 1 1/3 cups cashews evenly into the bowls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using grilled or baked chicken instead of fried. You can substitute mixed greens for lettuce or add other veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch. If you're out of Co-Jack cheese, cheddar or Monterey Jack work well too. Toasting the cashews enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to your salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Cashew Chicken Salad makes a hearty meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light soup like Joan'S Crappie Chowder. For a complete dinner, consider serving with a refreshing fruit salad or a side of roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for lunch or as a picnic option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness of the salad, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. Gently toss the salad before serving, and if reheating chicken, do so in the microwave until warmed through, but avoid reheating the entire salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Chicken Salad contains roughly 1987 calories, with 75g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (263% of the Daily Value), protein (149% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1325mg per serving (58% 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 use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and mix it in with the other ingredients. It will add a wonderful flavor and keep the salad easy to prepare.
What can I do if I don't have cashews?
If cashews are unavailable, you can substitute with almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a different crunch. Each nut will bring its unique flavor, so choose based on your preference. Just be aware that the overall taste will slightly change.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra beans, like chickpeas or black beans, for protein. You can also include more vegetables or even quinoa for added texture and nutrition, keeping it hearty and satisfying.
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).