This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is the perfect recipe for busy weeknight wins or weekend lunches that sparkle with flavor. It’s one of those magical meals that feels both energizing and comforting—light enough to keep you going, yet hearty enough to leave you truly satisfied. With just the right mix of crunchy veggies, juicy chicken, and a rich, nutty dressing, it delivers big on taste with minimal effort. Quick, fresh, and full of texture, this dish will become your go-to when you want something healthy without the hassle. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been on your regular rotation all along!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
As busy women juggling work, family, and life’s everyday surprises, we crave meals that are flavorful yet fast. This salad tucks into all those boxes: it’s crunchy, creamy, and sweet-salty, combining textures and tastes that delight from the first bite. Rotisserie chicken cuts prep time, while hearty greens and toasted cashews hold up beautifully—even if you meal prep ahead. Perfect for your lunchbox or dinner table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad
- Chicken: 2 cups shredded rotisserie (or cook/shred your own chicken breasts or thighs)
- Greens: 5 heaping cups chopped Napa cabbage, kale, green cabbage, or a mix
- Carrots: 1 cup shredded matchsticks (bagged is perfect)
- Green Onion: ~¾ cup finely chopped (both white & green parts from ~1 bunch)
- Cashews: ¾ cup roasted (salted or unsalted based on your preference)
- Cilantro: ¼ cup finely chopped
- Sesame Seeds: 2 Tbsp toasted, for garnish
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup tahini (Soom or good‑quality brand recommended)
- 2 Tbsp low‑sodium tamari (gluten‑free, thicker than soy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 large garlic clove, grated or minced
How To Make Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
- Whisk the dressing
In a jar or liquid measuring cup, whisk together tahini, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and garlic until smooth and creamy. - Toss the salad
In a big mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, greens, carrots, scallions, cashews, and cilantro. Add a few pinches of salt to enhance the flavors. - Dress and serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly so everything gets coated. Garnish with sesame seeds right before serving. - Enjoy or save
Best eaten immediately for crunch, but will keep beautifully in the fridge (covered) for up to two days. Great for make‑ahead lunches or dinners.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Greens survival tip: Use green cabbage or kale if you’re making it in advance—they stay crisp longer than Napa.
- Texture upgrade: Toast cashews in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until golden to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Tahini twist: If your tahini seems thick or clumpy, add a splash of warm water to loosen it—easy fix!
- Life-saver shortcut: No rotisserie chicken? Poach chicken breasts in broth (or water with aromatics), then chill and shred. Perfectly tender!
A Little Story from My Kitchen
When I first shared this with my picky nephew, he was skeptical—what’s this kale-crunch business, Aunt Aneta?! But one forkful later, he gobbled it down and asked for seconds. That moment sparked the journey of Chicken Magic Recipes: finding easy, crowd-pleasing dishes that even the fussiest eaters love. (And yes, he now requests this salad at every family gathering!)
FAQs About Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
Can I swap the greens?
Absolutely! Use Napa, kale, green cabbage, or a mix that suits your taste—just know Napa wilts fastest, so keep that in mind if making ahead.
Is there a substitute for tamari?
Sure! Use soy sauce instead, though it isn’t gluten-free and is a bit thinner. If that’s okay, go ahead—and add a tiny bit more sesame oil for body.
How should I store the leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, dressing mixed in. It stays great for up to 2 days. Cashews soften a bit, which is still tasty and mess-free for lunch!
Worried about calories?
This salad is hearty thanks to tahini and cashews, both healthy fats. You can reduce tahini to 3 Tbsp or use slightly fewer cashews to lighten it up while keeping all the crunch.
Bringing It All Home
Picture this: a bowl of vibrant Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad, full of bright veggies, savory chicken, crunchy nuts, and that bold, creamy-tangy dressing. It’s fast, fuss-free, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding family, packing lunch, or just treating yourself after a long day, this salad delivers flavor—and satisfaction.
Give it a try today, and let me know how it becomes one of your favorite quick meals. Here’s to making everyday magic in your kitchen—happy cooking!
Explore More Flavor-Packed Chicken Favorites
If you loved this Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad, don’t stop here—your taste buds deserve even more magic! Here are some deliciously relevant recipes you can explore next. They’re packed with bold flavors, healthy twists, and that satisfying crunch or creaminess you’re craving:
- Try another healthy bowl meal with a Mediterranean flair in these Healthy and Delicious Chicken Gyro Bowls—fresh, zesty, and perfect for meal prepping.
- Craving something warm and savory? Dive into the comfort of Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken for a creamy, baked dinner that’s still light.
- For a nutty twist with Asian flair, check out this one-pan wonder: Easy Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken—perfect if you love the crunch and crave a hot version.
- And if wraps are your thing, these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps bring gooey, garlicky comfort to your lunch break in just five minutes.
Each of these recipes continues the theme of quick, nutritious, and irresistibly tasty meals—all featuring the magic of chicken. Don’t forget to save your favorites and share the love!
Print
Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal made with rotisserie chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or light meal prepping!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
5 heaping cups chopped Napa cabbage (or green cabbage/kale)
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup shredded (matchstick) carrots
¾ cup finely chopped green onions (about 1 bunch)
¾ cup roasted, salted cashews
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
¼ cup tahini (high quality, like Soom)
2 Tbsp low-sodium tamari
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 large garlic clove, grated or finely minced
Instructions
Make the Dressing: In a jar or measuring cup, whisk together tahini, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and garlic until smooth.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together cabbage (or kale), chicken, carrots, green onions, cashews, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
For meal prep, use heartier greens like green cabbage or kale—they stay crunchy longer than Napa.
Toast cashews lightly in a pan for extra flavor.
Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Salad , Lunch
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg