Description
A vibrant and crunchy Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad featuring a tangy tahini-tamari dressing, tender shredded rotisserie chicken, and a delightful mix of fresh vegetables and roasted cashews. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner with a satisfying texture and bold flavors.
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 (or substitute with green cabbage or kale)
- 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)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a glass jar or large liquid measuring cup, combine tahini, lower-sodium tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and grated garlic. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped Napa cabbage (or your chosen substitute), shredded rotisserie chicken, shredded carrots, finely chopped green onions, roasted cashews, and chopped cilantro. Season the mixture with a few pinches of salt to taste.
- Toss and serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to evenly coat everything with the dressing. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate for up to 2 days for later enjoyment.
Notes
- You can substitute Napa cabbage with green cabbage or kale depending on your preference or availability.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the dressing.
- Using roasted, salted cashews adds both texture and a savory flavor; adjust salt accordingly if using unsalted nuts.
- The salad can be prepared in advance but is best served fresh to maintain crispness.
- This recipe is versatile—feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Tossed
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chicken, Cashew, Salad, Tahini Dressing, Crunchy, Healthy Lunch, Quick Dinner
