Cashew-Chicken Salad

Cashew-Chicken Salad Recipe with Apple and Lettuce

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 2 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cashew-Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken salad with crunchy cashews and sweet apple for a flavorful and nutritious meal.

History

The combination of chicken salad with cashews and apples is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for many years. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic chicken salad by adding cashews for extra crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

2 Pillsbury® microwave frozen soft white dinner rolls (from a 12.4 oz (352 g) bag)
0.67 cup of plain chicken salad for sandwiches (from the deli)
0.25 cup of finely chopped red apple
2 tbsp of chopped cashews
lettuce, if desired

How to prepare

Prepare rolls according to the instructions on the packaging.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
Serve the chicken mixture on beds of lettuce on two individual serving plates, with the rolls on the side. Alternatively, you can split the warm rolls horizontally and fill them with the chicken mixture.

Variations

Add diced celery or grapes for extra crunch and sweetness.
Use rotisserie chicken instead of deli chicken salad for a homemade touch.
Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a high-quality chicken salad from the deli for the best flavor.

- Toasting the cashews before adding them to the salad can enhance their nutty flavor.

- Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce for a refreshing and light presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cashew-Chicken Salad with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires minimal cooking, making it a quick and easy meal to prepare. Simply assemble the ingredients and serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can substitute the chicken salad with tuna salad or egg salad for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Cashew-Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply assemble the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cashew-Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Garnish with additional cashews or apple slices for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of Cashew-Chicken Salad contains about 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

With around 10 grams of protein per serving, this dish is a good source of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Cashew-Chicken Salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the apple and various minerals from the chicken and cashews.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (cashews) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Cashew-Chicken Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Cashew-Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light meal. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a precious gem. It was a hot summer day, and I had just returned from a bustling farmer's market with a basket full of fresh vegetables and fruits. As I was unpacking my haul, a neighbor popped by to say hello and handed me a handwritten recipe card for Cashew-Chicken Salad.

I remember the look of excitement in her eyes as she spoke about how she had recently discovered this recipe while attending a cooking class at the local community center. She raved about the perfect balance of flavors and textures, the crunch of the cashews, the tenderness of the chicken, and the freshness of the vegetables. I could tell that she was genuinely in love with this salad, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions on the recipe card, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. The combination of juicy chicken breast, crisp vegetables, creamy dressing, and crunchy cashews sounded like a match made in culinary heaven. I could already imagine the burst of flavors that would explode in my mouth with every bite.

I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work in the kitchen. I diced the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and marinated them in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. While the chicken was soaking up all the delicious flavors, I chopped up a colorful array of bell peppers, celery, and scallions, adding a rainbow of hues to the salad.

The dressing was a simple yet flavorful blend of mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and a hint of honey for sweetness. I whisked it all together until it was smooth and creamy, ready to coat the salad in a blanket of tangy goodness. And of course, let's not forget the star of the show - the cashews. I toasted them in a dry skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant, adding a nutty crunch to the dish.

As I tossed everything together in a large bowl, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the finished salad. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the glistening pieces of chicken, and the scattered cashews all came together in a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I took my first bite of the Cashew-Chicken Salad. The crunch of the cashews mingled with the tender chicken, the crisp vegetables, and the creamy dressing, creating a truly delectable experience for my taste buds. Each mouthful was a burst of savory, nutty, and sweet flavors that danced on my palate, leaving me craving for more.

I couldn't wait to share this newfound recipe with my family and friends, knowing that they would love it just as much as I did. And true enough, the Cashew-Chicken Salad became an instant hit at gatherings and potlucks, with everyone asking for the recipe and praising its deliciousness.

To this day, whenever I make this salad, I am transported back to that fateful summer day when I first discovered the recipe. It has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that never fails to bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it.

And so, I am forever grateful to my neighbor for introducing me to this gem of a recipe, a culinary treasure that I will cherish and pass down to future generations. The Cashew-Chicken Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that good food can bring to our lives.