Best 8 Creamy Cashew Chicken Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our Creamy Cashew Chicken Salad, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish combines succulent chicken, crunchy cashews, and a creamy, tangy dressing, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Our curated collection of recipes provides a step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible salad, ensuring a perfect outcome every time.

In the Classic Creamy Cashew Chicken Salad recipe, tender chicken breasts take center stage, cooked to perfection and shredded to create a juicy, protein-packed base. Crisp celery, sweet red grapes, and crunchy cashews add contrasting textures, while a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, seasoned with a hint of curry powder, brings it all together.

For a lighter variation, the Greek Yogurt Cashew Chicken Salad swaps out mayonnaise for tangy Greek yogurt, creating a healthier alternative without compromising on flavor. The addition of fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese adds a Mediterranean twist, elevating this salad to a gourmet delight.

If you're craving a spicy kick, the Spicy Cashew Chicken Salad is sure to satisfy. A combination of cayenne pepper, chili powder, and Sriracha sauce infuses the dressing with a fiery heat, balanced by the creamy cashew and chicken.

For those with dietary restrictions, the Gluten-Free Cashew Chicken Salad provides a delicious option. Made with gluten-free mayonnaise and tamari sauce, this variation ensures that everyone can enjoy this flavorful salad.

And for a vegan twist, the Vegan Cashew Chicken Salad reimagines this classic dish using plant-based ingredients. Tofu, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, takes the place of chicken, while a creamy cashew-based dressing adds richness and texture.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CHICKEN CASHEW SALAD



Chicken Cashew Salad image

This is a great summer pasta salad for barbeques and more. It has a slightly sweet, creamy dressing, and is loaded with chicken, cashews, and crunchy veggies.

Provided by Mary

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups seashell pasta
¼ cup brown sugar
1 cup creamy salad dressing (e.g. Miracle Whip)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 pinch salt
2 cups chopped celery
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
1 onion, chopped
3 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup cashew halves

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
  • In large bowl, combine brown sugar, salad dressing, lemon juice, vinegar and salt. Toss dressing mixture with cooked pasta, celery, green pepper, onion and chicken. Chill until ready to serve. Mix in cashews just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499 calories, Carbohydrate 53 g, Cholesterol 44.7 mg, Fat 23.6 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 20.6 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 545.1 mg, Sugar 18.5 g

EASY CHICKEN CASHEW SALAD



Easy Chicken Cashew Salad image

Make and share this Easy Chicken Cashew Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Ceezie

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cold rotisserie chicken
3/4 cup coarsely chopped cashews
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup minced red onion
3/4 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon dry tarragon
1/4 teaspoon pepper
salt

Steps:

  • Remove and discard skin and bones from rotisserie chicken. Tear meat into bite- size pieces and place in a large bowl with cashews, celery and onion. Mix together remaining ingredients in a small bowl and stir into chicken mixture. Chill for 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Serve over salad greens or spoon into tomato cups, croissants or pita bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.1, Fat 25.7, SaturatedFat 7.2, Cholesterol 69.3, Sodium 263.4, Carbohydrate 12.1, Fiber 1, Sugar 2.5, Protein 18.1

CASHEW CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES



Cashew Chicken Salad Sandwiches image

I think this is the best cashew chicken salad sandwich recipe around. It's good for you and quick to make, and it has wonderful flavor. -Peggi Kelly, Fairbury, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup chopped salted cashews
1/2 cup chopped red apple
1/2 cup chopped peeled cucumber
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
6 kaiser rolls or croissants, split
6 lettuce leaves, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine chicken, cashews, apple and cucumber. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir into chicken mixture. Serve on rolls, with lettuce if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 463 calories, Fat 26g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 48mg cholesterol, Sodium 720mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

CREAMY CASHEW SALAD DRESSING



Creamy Cashew Salad Dressing image

I created this for my cousin who cannot eat (drum roll) dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts, or yeast. She wanted a creamy salad dressing, and after looking at others for inspiration, this is what we came up with. It is really nice, reminiscent of hummus, and pretty darn healthy! Please send notes and improvements!

Provided by Chelsea Wagner

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Salad Dressing Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ cup unsalted raw cashews
½ cup water, or more as needed
¼ onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lime, juiced
2 cloves garlic, peeled
½ teaspoon dried basil
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine cashews, water, onion, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Add a little more water for a runnier dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80 calories, Carbohydrate 3.3 g, Fat 7.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 21.2 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

CREAMY CASHEW CHICKEN CURRY



Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry image

Mooove over, real cream - this curry is made rich and creamy with (cow-free) cashew cream, which is remarkably similar to heavy cream in appearance, taste, and in-sauce behavior. In fact, cashew cream actually thickens up faster. You won't need anything too exotic, besides maybe garam masala, to make this straightforward recipe. Garnish with whole cashews, lime wedges, and cilantro. Serve with rice, garlic naan, or both!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Indian

Time 4h50m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 teaspoons kosher salt, or more to taste
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons garam masala
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups cold water
¾ cup whole roasted cashews
⅓ cup sliced green onions
⅓ cup freshly chopped cilantro
1 lime, juiced

Steps:

  • Mix salt, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, turmeric, and garam masala together in a small bowl.
  • Cut a chicken thigh in half lengthwise along the crease. Halve the thicker portion to end up with three 2-inch pieces. Repeat with remaining chicken thighs.
  • Transfer chicken to a bowl. Add oil and about 1/2 of the spice blend; mix thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for 4 to 12 hours.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over high heat until melted and golden brown. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook until browned, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Return chicken and accumulated juices to the bowl.
  • Heat remaining butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add onion, remaining spice blend, tomato paste, garlic, and ginger. Cook and stir until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices.
  • Combine water and cashews in a blender; blend on high speed until very smooth. Stir cashew cream into the pan. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until flavors blend, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in green onions and cilantro; taste for seasoning. Squeeze in lime juice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 287.4 calories, Carbohydrate 9.4 g, Cholesterol 76.8 mg, Fat 18.5 g, Fiber 1.9 g, Protein 22 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 823.9 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

CASHEW CHICKEN SALAD



Cashew Chicken Salad image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     main-dish

Time 5m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/4-pound cooked chicken strips
1 (12-ounce) container cole slaw
1 (8.5-ounce) can mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained
1/3 cup cashews, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil, optional

Steps:

  • Slice chicken strips diagonally. In a bowl, toss together all ingredients. Reserve some cashews for garnish and serve.

CASHEW-CHICKEN ROTINI SALAD



Cashew-Chicken Rotini Salad image

I've tried many chicken salad recipes over the years, but this is my very favorite. It's fresh, fruity and refreshing, and the cashews add wonderful crunch. Every time I serve it at a potluck or picnic, I get rave reviews-and ( always come home with an empty bowl! -Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 package (16 ounces) spiral or rotini pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple tidbits, drained
1-1/2 cups sliced celery
3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 cup seedless red grapes
1 cup seedless green grapes
1 package (5 ounces) dried cranberries
1 cup ranch salad dressing
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cups salted cashews

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the chicken, pineapple, celery, onions, grapes and cranberries. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stir into chicken mixture., In a small bowl, whisk the ranch dressing and mayonnaise. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, stir in cashews.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 661 calories, Fat 37g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 44mg cholesterol, Sodium 451mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

CASHEW CHICKEN SALAD



Cashew Chicken Salad image

A nice lunch on a bed of greens or in a pita or bun. This is one of my favorite chicken salad recipes.

Provided by Parsley

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 15m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked, cooled and chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped (include the leaves!)
1 cup chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3/4 cup chopped cashews
1 tablespoon tarragon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 1/4-2 cups mayonnaise (start on the low side)
2 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce (sometimes I use a bit more)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt (or more)

Steps:

  • Mix everything together in a large bowl.
  • Chill until ready to serve.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients. Fresh cashews, chicken, and vegetables will give your salad the best flavor.
  • Don't overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it is just cooked through.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your salad a more interesting flavor and texture.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. You can add different herbs, spices, or nuts to your salad to create a unique flavor profile.
  • Make sure your salad is well chilled before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

Creamy cashew chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. It is packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, and it is also gluten-free and low-carb. With a few simple tips, you can make a creamy cashew chicken salad that is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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