Hot Cashew Chicken Salad
A savory hot chicken salad topped with melted cheese and crunchy potato chips, combining tender chicken, celery, water chestnuts, and cashews for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together cooked diced chicken, celery, salt, mayonnaise, water chestnuts, cashew halves, minced onion, and lemon juice; place in casserole.
- Place grated Cheddar cheese over the top as desired.
- Crush potato chips on top.
- Bake until cheese melts, approximately 20 minutes at 350°F.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a dash of curry powder or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. For extra crunch, try using chopped almonds instead of cashews. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a great option for meal prep or potlucks.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Cashew Chicken Salad over a bed of greens or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of potato chips for extra crunch or a light soup like Potato Onion Cheddar Soup for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent drying out, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. This salad can also be enjoyed cold, making it a convenient option for quick lunches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Cashew Chicken Salad contains roughly 924 calories, with 28g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (68% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1772mg per serving (77% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the salad. Just make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the cheese and potato chips right before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
What can I substitute if I don't have cashew halves?
If you don't have cashew halves, you can use other nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts for a different flavor. Alternatively, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can provide a nice crunch without the nutty taste.
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).