Name: Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced; 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup shredded red cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup toasted cashews; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; 1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional); 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; 1/4 cup sesame soy vinaigrette

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This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is the kind of meal I keep coming back to whenever I want something light, colorful, and full of flavor. With juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, shredded veggies, and toasted cashews tossed in a sesame soy vinaigrette, it strikes that perfect balance of fresh, hearty, and satisfying.

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how versatile this salad is. I can keep it simple for a quick lunch, or I can dress it up with extras like crispy wonton strips, snap peas, or mandarin oranges when I’m in the mood for more layers of flavor. The crunch from the cashews and veggies makes every bite exciting, and the dressing ties everything together beautifully. Whether I’m meal-prepping for the week or serving it at a casual dinner, this salad always feels like a treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups grilled chicken breast, sliced
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup toasted cashews
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup crispy wonton strips (optional)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup sesame soy vinaigrette

Directions

Grill or pan-cook the chicken breast, let it cool, and slice it thinly.
Chop the romaine lettuce, cabbage, and carrots.
Toast cashews in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes until golden.
Whisk together a sesame soy vinaigrette or use your favorite store-bought version.
In a large bowl, combine lettuce, cabbage, carrots, chicken, and green onions.
Toss with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
Top with toasted cashews, sesame seeds, and crispy wonton strips if using.
Serve right away, or store components separately for later.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for crispy tofu or shredded rotisserie chicken when I want something quick. For extra crunch, I like adding snap peas, bell peppers, or even radishes. When I’m craving a little sweetness, I toss in mandarin slices or julienned apples. Switching up the dressing also keeps things interesting—creamy peanut, lime-ginger, or honey-miso vinaigrettes all work beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

When I meal-prep this salad, I always store the components separately. The chicken, chopped veggies, cashews, and dressing each go in their own containers. This keeps the textures fresh and prevents sogginess. The salad stays good in the fridge for about 3–4 days. For packed lunches, I like layering it in jars with dressing at the bottom and cashews kept aside to sprinkle just before eating.

FAQs

What dressing goes best with chicken cashew crunch salad?

My favorite is a sesame soy vinaigrette because it’s light, tangy, and lets the ingredients shine. For a richer version, I go with creamy peanut dressing, and for something refreshing, I like citrus-ginger or honey-lime.

Can I make chicken cashew crunch salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep it ahead. The key is storing chicken, veggies, dressing, and cashews separately. When I’m ready to eat, I just toss everything together so the salad stays crunchy and fresh.

How do I keep cashews crunchy in the salad?

I always toast my cashews first and only add them right before serving. If I’m packing lunch, I keep them in a small bag or container and mix them in when I’m ready to eat.

Is chicken cashew crunch salad healthy?

Yes, it’s a balanced meal with lean protein, fresh veggies, and healthy fats from cashews. When I use a light homemade dressing, it feels indulgent but still nourishing.

What can I add to make this salad more filling?

I like adding quinoa, edamame, or chickpeas for extra protein. Noodles or avocado also make it more satisfying while keeping the flavors bright.

Conclusion

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad has earned a regular spot in my kitchen because it’s quick, customizable, and always delivers on flavor and crunch. I love that I can keep it light for lunch or bulk it up for dinner. Whether I’m making it for myself or sharing it at a gathering, it’s a dish that feels fresh, colorful, and satisfying every single time.