Every bite of Cashew Chicken Salad is filled with tender chunks of chicken, sweet grapes, salted cashews which add just the right amount of crunch! Coated in a creamy cool dressing this recipe is perfect for those hot summer days.
With only 10 minutes to prepare this deli style Cashew Chicken Salad is ideal for serving as a finger food at your next party or shower. Light and fresh it also makes for a great dinner option on those hot summer days, when you don’t want to turn the oven on.
And talk about a great way to repurpose leftovers! Easily turn leftover chicken breast or rotisserie chicken into a yummy lunch or dinner option for busy weeknights.
Cashew Chicken Salad is the perfect recipe for feeding a crowd quickly and easily. In fact, if looking for other easy recipes to feed a large group you've got to check out our other crowd favorites Honey Garlic Meatballs, Ham and Cheese Sliders, and Buffalo Chicken Dip.
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🥫 Ingredients
Good Chicken Salad all about the right balance of moisture and the proper kind of seasonings. We can't be having any bland sandwiches here!
With just a handful of ingredients our Cashew Chicken Salad has the perfect balance of nuttiness, pops of sweetness and just the right amount of crunch!
- Shredded Chicken Breast
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet Relish
- Chicken Bouillon Powder
- Cashew Pieces
- Grapes
- Salt and Pepper
(Jump down to the recipe card to find exact measurements and full printable instructions.)
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Firstly, decide if using raw chicken or previously prepared chicken like canned or rotisserie. If using raw chicken you will need to cook and shred it then allow it to cool completely.
My personal preferred method is to grab a rotisserie chicken (or if in a real pinch canned chicken, which works great for making another favorite our Canned Chicken Salad version).
Secondly, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, bouillon, sweet relish, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl with a spatula. Then mix all of the ingredients together till the chicken is well coated.
Afterwards slice or quarter the grapes and then add them to the mixing bowl with the Cashew Chicken Salad mixture. Red or green grapes work just fine. I personally like red grapes for the pop of color they add making for a prettier sandwich presentation but that is up to you.
Chicken Salad is best if given time to chill. If you are able to prepare ahead of time cover your mixture and place in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. Just before serving gently add in the cashew pieces, then stir the mixture to combine.
If serving your Cashew Chicken Salad immediately go ahead and add in the cashews, then stir to combine. Once completed serve your chicken salad as desired and enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Make it Your Own
There are so many variations of Chicken Salad out there. Firstly, you have sweet and fruity chicken salad, spicy variations, or nutty and savory options. You can even find quick and simple options like our Canned Chicken Salad that comes together in just 5 minutes!
If looking to make this dish your own try adding chopped apples, cranberries or pineapple tidbits for an extra burst of sweetness. Celery or water chestnuts for extra freshness and a good bite.
Chives, green onion or bacon can add a touch of savory. Or try swapping out the cashews for pecans or slivered almonds if preferred.
💭 Top Tips
Regardless of what you choose to mix-in to your Cashew Chicken Salad you may want to consider using unsalted nuts if looking to control the amount of salt in the salad.
For optimal flavor and texture you really should consider refrigerating your salad mixture for at least two hours. This not only gives it an opportunity to chill but also allows the flavors to fully meld together for the best yumminess.
🍽 Serve and Store
There are many great ways to enjoy Cashew Chicken Salad. Our personal favorite way is spread over a split croissants, sandwich style. It is equally delicious however on sliced bread, served with crackers or with celery stalks as a hearty dip.
Also try wrapping up a scoop of chicken salad in a fresh tortilla or large piece of lettuce for a delicious wrap. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days.
📋 FAQ's
What is the best way to serve Chicken Salad?
There are many great ways to enjoy Cashew Chicken Salad. Our personal favorite way is spread over a split croissants, sandwich style.
It is equally delicious though on sliced bread, served with crackers or with celery stalks as a hearty dip. Also try wrapping up a scoop of chicken salad in a fresh tortilla or large piece of lettuce for a delicious wrap.
Why is my Chicken Salad bland?
Any good Chicken Salad is made or broken by the adding of the proper kind of seasonings. We can't be having any bland sandwiches here.
With just a handful of ingredients our Cashew Chicken Salad has the perfect balance of nuttiness, pops of sweetness and just the right amount of crunch!
📖 Recipe
Cashew Chicken Salad
With tender chicken, sweet grapes, and crunchy cashews coated in a creamy dressing this salad is the perfect blend of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shredded chicken
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1 cup cashew pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup quartered grapes
- 15-18 small croissants
Instructions
- Cook and shred chicken breasts. Allow chicken to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl combine chicken, mayonnaise, bouillon, sweet relish, salt and pepper. Mix together till chicken is well coated.
- Slice or quarter grapes and add to the chicken salad.
- If serving immediately fold in cashews and stir to combine. If chilling cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Add cashew pieces and stir to combine just before serving and enjoy.
Notes
Don't miss other helpful tips, recipe variations and storage information found in the full article above.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 492Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 642mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 2gSugar: 11gProtein: 17g
Nutritional information provided is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products used and any changes made to the recipe. If these calculations are important to you, I recommend calculating them for yourself.