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- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine) - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced - 1/2 cup toasted cashews - 1/4 cup crunchy chow mein noodles (for topping) - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Salt and pepper, to taste Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is colorful and packed with flavor. You start with shredded chicken and fresh greens that form the base. I like mixed salad greens for their crispness and taste. Next, add fresh vegetables for crunch. The red bell pepper gives sweetness, while the cucumber adds coolness. Thin slices of red onion offer a zesty bite. Each ingredient brings a unique flavor and texture. Nuts take this salad to a new level. Toasted cashews add richness and crunch. I also sprinkle crunchy chow mein noodles on top for extra texture. The cilantro gives a fresh touch and bright green color. The dressing is simple yet tasty. Sesame oil is nutty and smooth. Soy sauce (or tamari) brings saltiness. Honey or maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness. Rice vinegar gives a tangy note, while salt and pepper balance the flavors. You can find the full recipe in the article for the exact amounts. Enjoy making this delicious and nutritious Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad! - Combine shredded chicken and salad greens in a large mixing bowl. - Add sliced vegetables and toss gently. To start, take your cooked chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, mix the chicken with the salad greens. I love using a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine for a fresh taste. Then, slice your red bell pepper and cucumber. Finely slice the red onion. Toss these veggies gently in the bowl. This step helps the flavors blend. - Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Next, let's make the dressing. In a small bowl, add sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey or maple syrup. I like the sweetness from honey. Then, pour in rice vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This dressing adds a nice zing to your salad. - Drizzle dressing over the salad mixture and toss. - Let the salad sit for 5 minutes before serving. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Drizzle your dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and makes each bite taste amazing. - Sprinkle toasted cashews and chow mein noodles on top just before serving. Right before serving, sprinkle toasted cashews on top. These nuts add a delightful crunch. Next, add the crunchy chow mein noodles. They give a fun texture contrast to the salad. Serve it right away to enjoy the best flavors and crunch. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy! - Use rotisserie chicken for time-saving convenience. - Season chicken with herbs for extra flavor. This simple step adds taste without much work. You can use thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of garlic powder. - Substitute honey with agave syrup for a vegan option. Agave syrup has a similar sweetness and works well here. - Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or balsamic for unique taste. Each vinegar brings a new twist to the dressing. Try adding one that you love! - Serve with lime wedges for added freshness. A squeeze of lime brightens the whole dish. - Garnish with additional cilantro for color. This small touch makes the salad look pretty and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad. {{image_2}} You can make this salad vegetarian by swapping chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and texture. Chickpeas offer a nutty flavor, while tofu takes on the taste of the dressing. For added creaminess, slice and mix in ripe avocado. The avocado brings a smooth touch that balances the crunch. To really amp up the crunch factor, try adding other nuts like almonds or peanuts. These nuts bring their own unique flavors and textures. You can also toss in sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They add extra crunch and are packed with nutrients. A variety of textures makes each bite exciting. For a little kick, add a splash of sriracha to the dressing. This gives the salad a spicy twist. You can also sweeten the mix by adding diced mango or pineapple. Their natural sugars contrast nicely with the savory elements. These additions will elevate your salad, making it more vibrant and flavorful. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the details on how to make this Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad! You should store Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to 3 days. To keep the crunch, always keep the dressing separate. This way, your salad will stay crispy and tasty. Freezing this salad is not recommended. The fresh vegetables do not freeze well. If you must freeze, you can freeze the chicken separately. Then, thaw it before you mix the salad. If your salad is stored with the dressing, eat it cold. If you have leftover chicken, you can reheat it. Use a microwave or skillet before you add it to fresh greens. This keeps everything tasting great. - Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This simple swap keeps your meal tasty and safe. - Yes, prepare salad ingredients and store separately from dressing for best results. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy until serving. - This salad pairs well with rice or quinoa for a complete meal. - Consider serving with a light soup as a starter. This adds warmth and balance to your meal. - The recipe serves approximately 4 people. Perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. Enjoy this vibrant dish with friends! This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a tasty dressing. By following these steps, you create a healthy, satisfying meal. Remember, you can customize it with nuts or make it vegetarian. Lastly, store leftovers correctly to keep their crunch and flavor. Enjoy your salad with a side or as a meal on its own. Happy cooking!

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad

Looking for a fresh and delicious meal? Try this Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad! With shredded chicken, vibrant veggies, and a creamy dressing, it's packed with flavor and only takes 20 minutes to prepare. Topped with crunchy cashews and chow mein noodles, it's perfect for lunch or dinner. Explore the recipe now for detailed instructions and presentation tips that will impress your guests! Dive into healthy eating today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 cup mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)

1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced

1/2 cup toasted cashews

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup crunchy chow mein noodles (for topping)

3 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed salad greens, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, salt, and pepper until well blended.

      Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

        Allow the salad to sit for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

          Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted cashews and crunchy chow mein noodles on top for added texture and crunch.

            Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

              Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with a few extra cashews and cilantro leaves on top. A lime wedge on the side adds a pop of color and a splash of freshness!