Are you ready to transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Apple Cashew Chicken Salad is not just another recipe—it's a symphony of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender shredded chicken, crisp apple chunks, and crunchy cashews harmoniously blended with a tangy, creamy dressing that will have you craving more with every forkful. Whether you're looking for a quick, nutritious meal or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, place the shredded cooked chicken, ensuring it is cooled to room temperature.
- Wash and dice the fresh apple into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size, removing the core and seeds beforehand.
- Finely dice the celery into small, crisp pieces to provide a fresh crunch to the salad.
- Roughly chop the cashews into smaller pieces, keeping some larger fragments for added texture.
- Add the diced apple, chopped cashews, and diced celery to the chicken in the mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the mayonnaise-lemon dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Choose a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for maximum crunch and slight tartness.
- Toast the cashews lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the salad.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- For added nutrition, consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Serve on a bed of mixed greens or as a sandwich filling for versatile meal options.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 297kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
