Why You’ll Love This Cashew Chicken Salad Recipe
Discover a truly exceptional salad that brings together wonderful flavors. This dish is inspired by a memorable restaurant meal. It combines shredded chicken with crunchy cashews and juicy oranges.
A creamy, tangy dressing ties all the ingredients together perfectly. The simple process makes this cashew chicken salad recipe a joy to prepare for any occasion. This article shows you how to make it perfectly every time.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
This simple guide provides all the key details for the recipe. You can see how quick and easy it is to prepare this delicious and refreshing salad at home.
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level | Spice Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 0 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 4-6 Servings | Easy | Mild |
Why is a Cashew Chicken Salad Recipe a Must-Try for Lunch?
This cashew chicken salad recipe is a fantastic choice for a midday meal. It is refreshing, satisfying, and very easy to put together, making it a perfect lunchtime option.
A Perfect Blend of Flavors and Textures
This salad offers a wonderful mix of tastes and feelings. The soft chicken pairs nicely with the crunchy cashews and crisp celery.
The sweet taste of orange and honey balances the savory chicken. Fresh tarragon adds a unique and pleasant flavor. This makes every bite exciting and delicious.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
You can make this salad very quickly, which is great for a busy day. Using rotisserie chicken saves a lot of time since it is already cooked. The “dump recipe” style means you just mix everything in a bowl. It is a simple meal without a lot of steps.
A Healthy and Satisfying Meal
This dish is a great way to eat healthy without feeling hungry. Chicken provides a good amount of protein to keep you full and energized.
The fresh oranges and celery add vitamins. You can easily change the ingredients to make it even healthier, suiting your personal dietary needs perfectly.
How to Prepare the Cashew Chicken Salad
Creating this delicious salad at home is simple with these easy-to-follow instructions. First, gather all your fresh ingredients and then follow the steps for a perfect result.
| Ingredients | Amount | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Shredded Rotisserie Chicken | 3-4 cups | Baked or grilled chicken breast |
| Roasted Salted Cashews | ½ cup | Raw cashews, pecans, or almonds |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Greek yogurt or any preferred mayonnaise |
| Oranges (for zest and juice) | 1-2 | Store-bought orange juice |
| Celery | 3 ribs | Cucumbers or jicama |
| Shallot | 1 large | 2 tbsp minced red onion or chives |
| Honey | 2 tbsp | Maple syrup |
| Stone Ground Mustard | ½ tbsp | Dijon mustard |
| Fresh Tarragon | 1 tsp | Dried tarragon (use less) or parsley |
| Salt | ½ tsp | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste | To taste |
Step 01: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by getting your main components ready for the salad. Shred the cooked rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
Next, wash the celery ribs thoroughly. You can use a vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer strings. Then, finely chop the celery and the shallot.
Step 02: Zest the Orange and Chop the Nuts
Next, you will prepare the flavor-packed additions for your salad. Carefully zest one orange, making sure to only get the orange part of the peel.
The white pith underneath can be bitter. After that, roughly chop the roasted cashews. You can use a knife or a nut chopper for this step.
Step 03: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Now it is time to bring everything together in one place. Add the chopped celery, minced shallots, and chopped cashews to the large bowl with the shredded chicken.
Also, add the freshly chopped tarragon leaves. Gently toss these ingredients together so they are evenly mixed before you add any dressing.
Step 04: Make the Creamy Dressing
You will now create the delicious dressing that makes this salad special. In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, and mustard.
Squeeze the juice from half of the zested orange into the bowl. Add the orange zest as well. Whisk all these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 05: Mix and Chill the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least three to four hours. This chilling time lets the flavors blend beautifully.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Result
These helpful hints will make your cashew chicken salad recipe taste even more amazing. Following these simple suggestions ensures your dish turns out perfectly every single time.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in the final taste. Fresh tarragon provides a much brighter flavor than dried tarragon.
Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest are also more flavorful than bottled juice. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the quality of your salad, so choose the best you can.
Don’t Skip the Chilling Time
Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator is a very important step. This allows all the individual flavors to come together and create a more delicious taste.
A few hours of chilling time will make your salad taste much better. Patience will be rewarded with a truly delightful and well-balanced dish.
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut for this recipe. It saves you the time and effort of cooking the chicken from scratch.
Rotisserie chicken is also very moist and flavorful. This adds a delicious depth to your salad that is hard to match with home-cooked chicken.
How to Store and Serve Your Cashew Chicken Salad
Proper storage keeps your salad fresh and tasty. There are also many wonderful ways to serve this dish, making it perfect for any meal or gathering.
The Storing Method
To keep your chicken salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the refrigerator. The salad can be stored this way for up to four days. It is a great option for meal prepping your lunches for the week.
If you plan to store it, consider adding the cashews just before serving. This will help them stay crunchy and not become soft. Keeping the cashews separate ensures the best texture when you are ready to eat. This little step makes a big difference in the overall enjoyment of the salad.
The Serving Method
This salad is delicious served on a slice of toasted bread. The warmth of the toast contrasts nicely with the cool, creamy salad. It creates a simple yet satisfying open-faced sandwich. Garnish with a little extra orange zest or fresh tarragon for a beautiful presentation.
For a lighter option, serve the chicken salad on a bed of fresh lettuce. The crisp lettuce leaves provide a refreshing base for the rich salad. You can also use large lettuce leaves as wraps. This is a great low-carb alternative to bread and is equally delicious and satisfying.
Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. A few simple changes can give your salad a whole new personality. Trying different ingredients is a fun way to find your perfect combination.
Add Different Nuts and Fruits
You can easily swap the cashews for other nuts. Toasted pecans or slivered almonds would also be delicious in this salad. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding some dried fruit.
Dried cranberries or chopped apricots pair wonderfully with the orange and chicken, adding a chewy texture and sweet flavor.
Experiment with Fresh Herbs
While tarragon gives this salad its unique taste, you can try other herbs. Fresh dill would provide a different but equally refreshing flavor.
Finely chopped parsley or chives would also work well. Experimenting with different herbs is a great way to customize the recipe to your personal preference.
Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention
Even simple recipes can have challenges. Here are a few common issues you might face when making this chicken salad and how you can easily fix or avoid them.
Mistake #01: The Salad is Too Dry
- Solution: Add more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired creaminess. A little extra orange juice can also add moisture and flavor.
- Prevention: Make sure to use enough mayonnaise in the initial dressing. Some chicken can be drier than others, so be prepared to adjust the amount of dressing accordingly.
Mistake #02: The Flavors are Bland
- Solution: Taste the salad and add more seasoning. A pinch more salt, a little extra orange zest, or another squeeze of orange juice can brighten the flavors.
- Prevention: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients from the start. Don’t be shy with the seasonings, and always taste your food before you decide it is finished.
Mistake #03: The Cashews are Soggy
- Solution: If your cashews have become soft, you can add some freshly toasted ones on top for crunch.
- Prevention: To keep the cashews crunchy, wait to mix them into the salad until just before you are ready to serve it. Storing them separately is the best way to maintain their texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use baked or grilled chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled before shredding it. Rotisserie chicken is simply a convenient and flavorful option.
How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, the salad stays fresh for about three to four days. It is a perfect dish to make ahead for easy meals during the week.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Absolutely. If you have a nut allergy or simply do not like them, you can leave the cashews out. The salad will still be delicious without the nutty crunch.
Cashew Chicken Salad Recipe
A creamy, crunchy salad with chicken, cashews, and bright orange flavor.
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
- ½ cup Roasted Salted Cashews
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 1-2 Oranges (for zest and juice)
- 3 ribs Celery
- 1 large Shallot
- 2 tbsp Honey
- ½ tbsp Stone Ground Mustard
- 1 tsp Fresh Tarragon
- ½ tsp Salt
- Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shred the rotisserie chicken into a large bowl.
- Finely chop the celery ribs and the shallot.
- Zest one orange and roughly chop the cashews.
- Combine chicken, celery, shallot, cashews, and tarragon.
- Whisk mayonnaise, honey, mustard, orange juice, and zest.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix until combined.
- Cover the salad and chill for 3-4 hours.
Notes
- Use fresh tarragon for the best flavor.
- Add cashews just before serving to keep crunch.
- Chilling allows all the flavors to develop.
Let’s Make This Delicious Salad!
Now you have everything you need to create this amazing meal. We hope you enjoy making this tasty cashew chicken salad recipe for your friends and family. It is a wonderful dish that is perfect for so many occasions.
Please share your experience in the comments below. We would be delighted to hear from you and see how your salad turned out. Enjoy every bite
