This creamy cashew chicken salad with Napa cabbage is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy red grapes, crunchy cashews, and tender rotisserie chicken. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even as a party dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Only 15 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required.
- Nutritious and flavorful: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and a mix of sweet and savory ingredients.
- Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich filling, on lettuce wraps, or with crackers.
- Gluten-free: A naturally gluten-free recipe that’s great for those with dietary restrictions.
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 Napa cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- ¼ cup celery, diced
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped
- ½ cup cashews, roughly chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients: Shred the rotisserie chicken, chop the Napa cabbage, grapes, celery, green onion, and cashews.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Combine: Add the shredded chicken, cabbage, grapes, celery, green onion, and cashews to the bowl with the dressing. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavor. Enjoy as a salad, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Low-calorie option: Use Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Add fruit: Try adding diced apple or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dressing for a hint of heat.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise.
- Swap the nuts: Use almonds, pecans, or walnuts in place of cashews for a different nutty flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute Napa cabbage with green or purple cabbage for a similar crunch.
2. What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can use cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat as an alternative.
3. How can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is already dairy-free since mayonnaise does not contain dairy. Just double-check the brand of mayonnaise you’re using.
4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Add the cashews just before serving to keep them crunchy.
5. What’s a good substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a vegan or alternative sweetener.
6. Can I freeze this chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended as mayonnaise does not freeze well, and the texture may change upon thawing.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber for added crunch and nutrition.
8. How do I keep the cashews crunchy?
Add the cashews just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
9. What can I serve this with?
Serve it on sandwich bread, in wraps, over a bed of lettuce, or with crackers for dipping.
10. How can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Use a sugar-free sweetener instead of honey, and ensure the mayonnaise is keto-approved. Skip the grapes or replace them with a lower-carb fruit like berries.
Conclusion
Creamy cashew chicken salad with Napa cabbage is a quick, satisfying, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping a light lunch, feeding a crowd, or looking for a healthy snack, this recipe delivers flavor and texture in every bite. Make it your own with variations, and enjoy this easy classic!
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Creamy Cashew Chicken Salad with Napa Cabbage
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy cashew chicken salad with Napa cabbage is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Made with rotisserie chicken, juicy red grapes, and crisp veggies, this gluten-free recipe is a quick and delicious lunch or light dinner idea.
Ingredients
- Protein:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Produce:
- 1 cup Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Condiments:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- Nuts:
- 1/2 cup cashews
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the Napa cabbage, halve the grapes, chop the celery, and slice the green onions.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, Napa cabbage, grapes, celery, green onions, and cashews.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for a refreshing, cool salad. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to swap cashews with almonds or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American