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Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad Recipe

4.7 from 129 reviews

A vibrant and crunchy Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad featuring tender shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh Napa cabbage, and a tangy, nutty tahini-based dressing. This quick and easy salad combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, making it a perfect light lunch or dinner option that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for later.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup tahini (well-stirred)
  • 2 Tbsp. lower-sodium tamari
  • 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced

Salad

  • 5 heaping cups chopped Napa cabbage (substitute green cabbage or kale if desired)
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 cup shredded (matchstick) carrots
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped green onions (from 1 bunch)
  • 3/4 cup roasted, salted cashews
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Pinches of salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a glass jar or large liquid measuring cup, combine tahini, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and the grated garlic clove. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well emulsified.
  2. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add chopped Napa cabbage (or substitute kale or green cabbage), shredded rotisserie chicken, shredded carrots, finely chopped green onions, roasted salted cashews, and chopped fresh cilantro. Sprinkle a few pinches of salt over the salad ingredients to enhance flavor.
  3. Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch and flavors, or refrigerate it for up to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld. If chilling, give the salad a quick toss before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute Napa cabbage with green cabbage or kale depending on your preference.
  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • To make it nut-free, omit the cashews and toasted sesame seeds.
  • Adjust the salt in the salad according to your taste, especially considering the tamari is already salty.
  • For a spicier kick, add some thinly sliced fresh chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Keywords: Chicken salad, Cashew salad, Tahini dressing, Napa cabbage salad, Healthy chicken recipes, Crunchy salad