Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad (Ready-to-Print Version)

Fresh chicken pairs with crunchy cashews, crisp veggies, and zesty dressing for a delightfully satisfying meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Salad Base

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
02 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
03 - 1 medium bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
05 - 1 cup green onions, sliced
06 - 1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
07 - 0.5 cup crispy chow mein noodles
08 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
10 - 2 tablespoons honey
11 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
12 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest, then slice into strips.
02 - Chop romaine lettuce, dice bell pepper, julienne carrot, and slice green onions. Place prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add roasted unsalted cashews to the bowl with vegetables to provide crunch.
04 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season with salt and black pepper.
05 - Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
06 - Add sliced grilled chicken to the bowl and gently fold to distribute throughout the salad.
07 - Just before serving, sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles evenly over the top.
08 - If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Plate and serve immediately for optimal texture.

# Handy Tips:

01 - For optimal freshness, add cashews and chow mein noodles only before serving to preserve their crunch.
02 - To ensure tender, juicy chicken, rest the cooked breasts for several minutes before slicing.
03 - Vegetables and chicken may be prepped in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator.