This Cashew Chicken Salad combines tender rotisserie chicken, crunchy cashews, crisp napa cabbage, and sweet red grapes for a perfectly balanced dish. With a touch of honey for sweetness and mayonnaise for creaminess, this salad is perfect for lunch, picnics, or as a light main dish for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes with minimal prep.
Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich, wrap, or over a bed of greens.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet, nutty, and savory in every bite.
Crowd-Pleaser: A great dish for parties, potlucks, or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup napa cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:
- Shred the rotisserie chicken, halve the grapes, and chop the celery, green onion, and napa cabbage.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, honey, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
Combine the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, grapes, celery, green onion, napa cabbage, and cashews.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add Fruit: Include diced apples or dried cranberries for an extra touch of sweetness.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dressing for a hint of heat.
Vegan Option: Use shredded jackfruit instead of chicken and a plant-based mayonnaise.
Nut-Free: Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold; no reheating is needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, but fresh rotisserie chicken adds better texture and flavor.

2. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of both for a lighter option.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add the cashews just before serving to retain their crunch.

4. How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Ensure the grapes, celery, and cabbage are well-dried before mixing.

5. Can I use roasted cashews?

Yes, roasted cashews add a deeper flavor to the salad.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your mayonnaise is certified gluten-free.

7. What’s the best way to shred napa cabbage?

Slice it thinly with a sharp knife or use a mandoline for even shreds.

8. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, crumbled feta or blue cheese pairs wonderfully with the flavors.

9. What’s the best way to serve this salad?

Serve it on its own, in a sandwich, wrap, or over mixed greens for a lighter meal.

10. Can I freeze this salad?

No, freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables may lose their texture.

Conclusion

This Cashew Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s easy to make and versatile to serve. Perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or entertaining guests, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again. Try it today and savor the balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness!