Chicken Cashew Crunch Salad (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chicken, roasted cashews, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a tangy dressing for a fresh, crunchy salad.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Main Salad

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 - 1/2 cup crispy chow mein noodles
08 - 1/4 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest, then slice into strips.
02 - Chop romaine lettuce, dice bell pepper, julienne carrot, and slice green onions. Place all prepared vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add roasted unsalted cashews to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
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 to taste.
05 - Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Fold in sliced grilled chicken, ensuring it is distributed evenly throughout the salad.
07 - Just before serving, sprinkle crispy chow mein noodles on top for additional texture.
08 - Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness.
09 - Serve the salad immediately to maintain crispness and optimal flavor.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - To maintain the ideal crunch, add cashews and noodles just before serving.
02 - For a gluten-free variation, substitute regular soy sauce and chow mein noodles with gluten-free alternatives.
03 - Prepared ingredients, except for noodles, can be stored separately up to one day in the refrigerator for advance preparation.
04 - Substitute chicken for tofu or shrimp for protein variation or adapt to dietary needs.
05 - For extra vibrancy, add mandarins, apple slices, or seasonal vegetables.

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