Can I make Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. For best texture, enjoy it within 1–2 days. After that, the crunch softens a bit—but the flavor stays delicious.

What’s the best cabbage to use?

Napa cabbage is light and tender, but if prepping ahead, green cabbage or kale works better since they stay crisp longer.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely. This Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad works great with grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or even leftover turkey.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know the cashews will soften over time—but the flavor will still be spot on.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and you’re good to go.

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad: 4 Irresistible Steps

Name: Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 5 heaping cups chopped Napa cabbage (or green cabbage or kale); 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 cup shredded carrots (matchstick); 3/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 3/4 cup roasted, salted cashews; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro; 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Description

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal made with crisp cabbage, tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a creamy sesame-teriyaki dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Sesame-Teriyaki 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

Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad

5 heaping cups chopped Napa cabbage (or green cabbage or kale)
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup shredded carrots (matchstick)
3/4 cup finely chopped green onions
3/4 cup roasted, salted cashews
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing by combining tahini, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, and garlic in a bowl or jar. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, add cabbage, shredded chicken, carrots, green onions, cashews, and cilantro.
Lightly season with a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch or refrigerate and enjoy within 2 days.

Notes

For meal prep, use green cabbage or kale instead of Napa cabbage to keep the salad crisp longer.

The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days, but texture is best within the first 1–2 days.

Add mandarin oranges, broccoli, or edamame for extra flavor, crunch, and nutrition.

Substitute parsley if cilantro is unavailable.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad / Main Course
Method: No-cook / Tossed
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 390
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 65mg