Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad with Sesame-Teriyaki Dressing is a vibrant, satisfying dish that balances savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. This colorful salad combines tender shredded chicken with crisp Napa cabbage and crunchy cashews, all tossed in a creamy tahini-based dressing enhanced with toasted sesame oil and tamari for an Asian-inspired flair.
Perfect for quick weekday lunches or meal prepping, this salad is ready in just 20 minutes and stays delicious for days. Its fresh herbs and crunchy texture make it a refreshing choice that’s both nutritious and full of zest.
- Ready in just 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Combines protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats for a balanced meal.
- The creamy sesame-teriyaki dressing ties all ingredients together with bold, satisfying flavors.
- Customizable with kale or green cabbage if Napa cabbage isn’t available.
Ingredients
- Tahini: A creamy sesame seed paste that adds richness and nutty depth to the dressing.
- Lower-sodium tamari: Provides umami and saltiness with less sodium than regular soy sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that brightens the dressing’s flavors.
- Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness balancing the savory and tangy elements.
- Toasted sesame oil: Imparts a fragrant, smoky sesame flavor enhancing the Asian-inspired profile.
- Garlic clove: Freshly grated, it gives a pungent kick to the dressing.
- Chopped Napa cabbage: Crisp, tender leaves providing a mild cabbage flavor and freshness. (Substitute with green cabbage or kale for heartier texture.)
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Cooked, tender chicken adding protein and convenience.
- Shredded matchstick carrots: Sweet and crunchy texture contributing vibrant color and nutrients.
- Finely chopped green onions: Delivers mild onion flavor and freshness.
- Roasted, salted cashews: Provide a satisfying crunch and buttery flavor contrast.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds bright, herbal notes that elevate the salad.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Instructions
- Prepare the Sesame-Teriyaki Dressing
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In a glass jar or large liquid measuring cup, combine tahini, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and freshly grated garlic. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and creamy, ensuring all flavors are well incorporated.
- Combine Salad Ingredients
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In a large mixing bowl, place the chopped Napa cabbage (or your chosen substitute), shredded rotisserie chicken, matchstick carrots, chopped green onions, roasted cashews, and fresh cilantro. This combination creates a balanced mix of textures and flavors.
- Season and Toss the Salad
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Lightly season the salad mixture with a few pinches of salt to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat each ingredient evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve or Store
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You can enjoy the salad immediately for optimal freshness and crunchiness. Alternatively, refrigerate it for up to two days to allow the flavors to meld, though the salad is best enjoyed within the first two days to maintain its texture.
- Using a mix of green cabbage and kale helps prevent wilting, especially if meal prepping in advance.
- The salad retains its best texture for up to two days; by day three, greens and cashews soften but flavors remain vibrant.
Storage Tips
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the dressing separate if possible for longer crispness, then toss before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a light lunch or a side dish with grilled proteins. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal.
- For extra crunch, toast cashews lightly before adding.
- Grate garlic finely to avoid large pungent bites and distribute flavor evenly.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
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Yes, cooked and shredded chicken breast works well and keeps the salad lean.
- What can I substitute for tahini in the dressing?
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You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.
- Is this salad gluten-free?
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Yes, using tamari ensures the dressing is gluten-free, just confirm your tamari brand to be sure.
- Can I make this salad vegan?
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Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or chickpeas, and ensure the dressing ingredients are vegan-friendly.
- How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
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Use heartier greens like kale and store the dressing separately until just before serving.
- Can I add other nuts or seeds?
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Yes, sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds make great alternatives or additions to cashews for crunch.
Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
Equipment
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 cutting board
- 2 Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup well-stirred tahini
- 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
- 5 heaping cups chopped Napa cabbage or 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
Instructions
- Combine tahini, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and garlic in a jar or measuring cup; whisk until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage (or kale), shredded chicken, carrots, green onions, cashews, and cilantro.
- Season the salad mixture with salt to taste.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss thoroughly to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 days before serving.
Notes
- Use green cabbage and kale if preparing ahead to prevent wilting.
- Best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal texture; lasts up to 3 days.
- Flavors remain strong though greens and cashews soften by day 3.
