Oven Cashew Chicken Salad
Oven-baked cashew chicken salad combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh vegetables, topped with crispy onion rings and paprika for a flavorful, satisfying dish perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cooked chicken, diced celery, salted cashews, lemon juice, chopped green pepper, salt, mayonnaise, milk or broth, and pimento in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with remaining onion rings and paprika.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until onion rings are crispy and paprika is fragrant.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. If you want additional crunch, consider adding some diced apples or grapes. To enhance flavor, try adding a teaspoon of curry powder or a splash of hot sauce for a kick. This dish is versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite nuts if cashews aren't available.
Serving Suggestions
This Oven Cashew Chicken Salad is perfect served warm but can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing salad. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mixed greens. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Cheese Hash Brown Potato Casserole or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Be mindful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Cashew Chicken Salad contains roughly 619 calories, with 18g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), and iron (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1137mg per serving (49% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, transfer it to the casserole dish, cover with foil, and follow the baking instructions. This will save time on busy days and allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
What can I substitute for cashews?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different nut, you can substitute almonds or pecans for the cashews. For a nut-free option, try adding sunflower seeds or crispy chickpeas for a delightful crunch without nuts.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be portioned for meal prep. Divide the casserole into individual servings and freeze for up to a month. Just reheat as needed for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.
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).