Rating: 3.56
(128)

Cashew Chicken Salad with Soy-Ginger Dressing

August 9, 2023

If you’re craving a refreshing yet satisfying meal, a Cashew Chicken Salad with Soy-Ginger Dressing is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with crunchy cashews and a mix of fresh vegetables, all brought together with a flavorful soy-ginger dressing. It’s a vibrant and well-balanced salad that offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes, making it ideal for lunch or dinner.

The chicken is the star of this dish. Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil, it becomes tender and flavorful. Grilled or pan-seared until golden and juicy, the chicken is sliced into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to enjoy in every bite. The addition of cashews brings a satisfying crunch and a slight sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly.

The fresh vegetables in the salad add brightness and color. Crisp greens like spinach or mixed lettuce form the base, while shredded carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers bring in both texture and flavor. These vegetables not only enhance the salad’s visual appeal but also provide essential nutrients, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.

The soy-ginger dressing is the key to bringing all the elements together. Made from soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar, this dressing has a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. It’s the perfect complement to the savory chicken and the sweetness of the cashews, giving the entire salad an irresistible depth of flavor.

For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the salad just before serving. They provide a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the cashews and further enhances the overall experience.

This Cashew Chicken Salad with Soy-Ginger Dressing is not only delicious but also a healthy meal choice. The chicken offers protein, while the cashews provide healthy fats, and the vegetables deliver vitamins and fiber. The light dressing adds flavor without being heavy, making this salad a refreshing, satisfying dish.

Cashew Chicken Salad with Soy-Ginger Dressing
Cashew Chicken Salad with Soy-Ginger Dressing
3.56 from 128 votes
A refreshing and delicious salad made with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a tangy soy-ginger dressing.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/2 cup carrots shredded
  • 1/4 cup Green onions chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped fresh
  • 1/4 cup cashews chopped
  • For the Soy-Ginger Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp ginger fresh, grated
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil to make the dressing. Set aside.
  • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before slicing into strips.
  • In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and chopped fresh cilantro.
  • Add the sliced chicken to the salad bowl, then drizzle with the soy-ginger dressing. Toss well to combine.
  • Sprinkle the chopped cashews over the top of the salad.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 24gFat: 18gFiber: 3g
Calories: 300kcal
Meal Type: Salad
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: chicken recipes, chicken salad
Cooking Method: Grilled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 2 stars
    Kinda bland honestly. Needs more flavor or something. Maybe add cheese?

  2. 5 stars
    Delish! I switched out cashews for peanuts. Still just as good. Nutty goodness!

    1. User avatar Damon Durgan says:

      5 stars
      I love that you switched to peanuts! That’s a great idea! I might try that next time too. Thanks for sharing 🙂

    1. User avatar jessia.dubuque1961 says:

      5 stars
      I think it’s delicious! The dressing really brings everything together. 😋

    2. User avatar oscar.murray45 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know, it just seems like a lot of ingredients for a salad. Can’t a salad just be lettuce?

  3. User avatar luann.mante77 says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! My whole family loved it! Easy to make and fresh flavors. Will make again!

  4. User avatar alexis.schneider says:

    2 stars
    Too many greens. I’m more of a meat guy. Need steak next time!

    1. User avatar Chaurus Hunter says:

      4 stars
      I get it! Sometimes you just crave that big juicy steak, right? This salad sounds good but definitely needs some meat on it!

    2. User avatar asia.bailey says:

      3 stars
      Nah, man! Salad’s all about the crunch and freshness. You can put meat but Cashew Chicken is already a flavor bomb!

  5. 3 stars
    Is soy sauce really healthy? I read somewhere too much isn’t good. Just saying.

    1. User avatar Margrett Wolff says:

      5 stars
      You’re right to be cautious! Too much soy sauce can be high in sodium, so moderation is key. But a little in a healthy dish like this can be okay!

  6. 1 star
    Like, why would you add honey to a savory dish? That doesn’t sound right. Just saying!!!

  7. 3 stars
    Tastes great but way too many greens. I like my salad with some meat!

  8. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    3 stars
    Salad??? Just give me more meat. Haha!

  9. User avatar isaiah.moore says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about the soy-ginger combo but wow! This is so good. Even my kids loved it!

  10. 2 stars
    I don’t know about this recipe, seems like too many ingredients for a salad. But hey, to each their own I guess.

  11. User avatar janet.legros47 says:

    5 stars
    I make this for my family a lot. they just love it! very fresh and healthy! 😍

    1. User avatar sandy.prosacco says:

      5 stars
      I agree! It’s such a refreshing dish. Perfect for summer! ☀️

    2. User avatar maris.kshlerin89 says:

      3 stars
      Looks good but are cashews really healthy? I thought they were high in calories…

  12. User avatar deshawn.heidenreich96 says:

    3 stars
    I made this for my family dinner, but my kids didn’t like the ginger. They said it was too spicy. 🤷‍♂️

  13. User avatar kala.howell says:

    2 stars
    Meh. Just another salad. Nothing special. Seemed a bit bland. Will not make again.

  14. User avatar eliseo.bayer says:

    5 stars
    Love this recipe, but can we replace the chicken with chickpeas for a veggie version? 🤔

  15. User avatar forrest.feil76 says:

    3 stars
    I dont like cashews, can I use peanuts instead? Also, took too long to cook chicken for me.

  16. User avatar spencer.terry97 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! The dressing is so tasty! Totally adding it to my weekly meals.

  17. User avatar deloise.conn43 says:

    4 stars
    I added some hot sauce to the dressing for a kick. Gotta say, it was better that way! 🌶️

  18. 2 stars
    I didn’t like it much. The dressing was too strong and the cashews didn’t fit in the salad. 2/5.

  19. User avatar martin.hamill22 says:

    3 stars
    It was okay but I feel like something was missing? Maybe some fruit or something. Just not my fave.

  20. User avatar alden.rosenbaum says:

    4 stars
    Such a quick and easy recipe! Perfect for a summer lunch.

  21. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    4 stars
    Didn’t have some ingredients, but used what I had. Still turned out pretty tasty!

  22. 1 star
    What’s soy sauce? Can I just use ketchup instead?

    1. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

      4 stars
      Soy sauce is a flavorful seasoning made from fermented soybeans. Ketchup would change the taste a lot! You might want to give it a try as it is.

    2. User avatar rory.hilpert says:

      2 stars
      Ketchup? Really? That’s just weird! Why would you mess it all up when you can get soy sauce easily?

  23. User avatar clarence.kunze2000 says:

    3 stars
    Is it really healthy if you put cashews? Aren’t those fatty?

  24. User avatar Stockwell says:

    4 stars
    Honestly, I didn’t think it would taste so good. But wow, it was amazing! Perfect for summer!

  25. 4 stars
    I tried this with leftover chicken, turned out great! My kids loved it.

    1. User avatar Sonny Rath says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! Using leftover chicken is a great idea. I’m glad your kids loved it!

  26. User avatar Ilban Richese says:

    5 stars
    This salad is delish! The soy-ginger dressing really brings it to life. Will make again!

  27. 5 stars
    This salad is AMAZING! The dressing is so flavorful! Will make again!

  28. 1 star
    Just tried this recipe, not that great. My sister makes hers different and it’s better. 🤷‍♂️

  29. User avatar latricia.legros says:

    3 stars
    I found the chicken too dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? 🤔

  30. User avatar Noble Block says:

    2 stars
    Not enough chicken!! I used one whole rotisserie, and it was still kinda light, u know? 😒

  31. 1 star
    Chicken salad? Not my thing. I guess some folks like it tho. What’s with the cashews??

  32. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    This salad was so refreshing! The dressing is absolutely delicious. Will be making again!

  33. User avatar Adam Sapple says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I added some avocado and it was perfect.

    1. User avatar devorah.grady says:

      5 stars
      Avocado? That’s a great idea! I never thought to add that, but it sounds yum! Can’t wait to try it! 🥑

  34. User avatar jesse.lindgren1956 says:

    4 stars
    Cilantro? Not for me. Can I substitute with something else?

  35. User avatar terrence.roob8 says:

    1 star
    The chicken was dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not gonna try again.

  36. User avatar titus.kub says:

    4 stars
    I don’t like salads. But my wife loved it. So I guess it’s good.

    1. 3 stars
      Salads are just a bunch of leaves, in my opinion. But if she loved it, then that’s good enough! 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar ferdinand.buckridge53 says:

      4 stars
      Happy your wife liked it! Maybe give it another shot, you might be surprised! 😊

  37. User avatar booker.king says:

    4 stars
    Super easy and quick! I added some avocado and it was even better! 😊 4 stars!

    1. 5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! Avocado sounds like a tasty twist! 😋

  38. User avatar robbie.johnston says:

    5 stars
    This is a real winner! So easy to make, and it tastes just like the one I had at a restaurant! I’m loving it!

  39. User avatar hee.jones says:

    4 stars
    My partner loved this! I don’t usually cook but this was easy.

  40. User avatar rosana.pouros56 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know, it seems a bit complicated. Why not just use a store-bought dressing?

    1. 4 stars
      Yeah but that’s just lazy! This dressing ain’t hard to make and tastes way better than the bottled stuff.

    2. User avatar tracey.predovic says:

      5 stars
      Store-bought dressings can be easier, but making your own really takes the flavor up a notch! Trust me, it’s worth it.

  41. User avatar rupert.wilderman says:

    4 stars
    I forgot to add ginger and it still tasted alright. Will try it again with ginger next time.

  42. User avatar amy.ryan2023 says:

    3 stars
    I thought it needed more chicken. I like my salad hearty!

    1. User avatar edgar.ebert40 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, isn’t cashew salad supposed to be light? More chicken kinda defeats the purpose, no?

    2. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! More chicken would make it so filling. I usually add an extra breast myself.

  43. User avatar amira.labadie68 says:

    3 stars
    I messed up and used the wrong vinegar. Tasted fine but not what I expected! LOL.

  44. User avatar elizbeth.corwin says:

    3 stars
    Where’s the recipe for fried rice? Chicken salad is nice but rice is better!

  45. 4 stars
    Tasty! I used peanut butter instead of honey, didn’t have any, still good!

  46. User avatar Dwarven Centurion says:

    4 stars
    I left out the cashews because I’m allergic, but it was still good.

  47. 5 stars
    Quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight! Thank you!

    1. User avatar colby.volkman2011 says:

      3 stars
      Looks simple enough, but I’m not sure about the cashews. Aren’t they kinda unhealthy? Would roasted peanuts work instead?

    2. User avatar numbers.damore53 says:

      5 stars
      I tried this last night and it was great! So flavorful and easy to make. My kids even loved it! Thanks for sharing!

  48. 2 stars
    Never use cashews! I prefer almonds, tastes better. Just sayin’

  49. 2 stars
    I tried this recipe and it came out super bland! Maybe I missed something?

    1. User avatar Wispmother says:

      3 stars
      I didn’t think it was bland at all! Maybe you just need to use fresh ingredients?

    2. User avatar fredric.balistreri1997 says:

      4 stars
      I found it bland too! You could try adding more spices or some chili flakes for a kick.

  50. User avatar chad.mosciski1993 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t like cashews, can I use peanuts instead? Not sure if it will be as good.

    1. User avatar jordon.collins1998 says:

      4 stars
      Peanuts might work, but they will definitely change the flavor a lot. Cashews are creamier. Try it if you like! 😋

  51. User avatar pamula.hagenes58 says:

    2 stars
    Wasn’t that great. My kids didn’t eat it! 😞

  52. User avatar kris.green20 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! The ginger in the dressing is so good. My kids loved it! 🍴

  53. User avatar Super Saiyan 2 Goku says:

    4 stars
    Yummy! I added some avocado and it was fabulous! Thanks for sharing!

  54. User avatar Wally Mayer DVM says:

    2 stars
    Meh, just another chicken salad. Nothing special here. The dressing was okay I guess?

    1. User avatar omer.wolff2010 says:

      5 stars
      I disagree! This salad sounds delicious with all those fresh ingredients and that dressing! Can’t wait to try it!

    2. User avatar ignacia.mitchell1955 says:

      2 stars
      Sounds kinda bland to me. I mean, I like chicken, but what’s so special about cashews in a salad? Just seems like a lot of effort for a salad.

  55. User avatar Leto II Atreides says:

    3 stars
    Tasted okay, but I would add more honey. It was too salty for my taste.

    1. 4 stars
      I hear you! I think a touch more honey could really balance the saltiness. I’ll definitely try that next time!

    2. 2 stars
      Nah, I think it’s fine as is. Maybe you just used too much salt or something?

  56. User avatar Dremora Lord says:

    5 stars
    This is the best recipe ever!! I can’t wait to make it again.

  57. User avatar Alia Atreides says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! The dressing is so flavorful. Can’t get enough!

    1. User avatar leigha.bahringer1959 says:

      5 stars
      I tried it too, and I agree! That dressing is on another level! Yum!

  58. User avatar Madelene Borer says:

    2 stars
    Meh. It was okay but I’ve had better salads. Maybe I’m just not a fan of ginger?

  59. User avatar chance.grant44 says:

    2 stars
    Uh, I don’t know about this one. Chicken salad should be creamy, not so… crunchy?

  60. 2 stars
    Too many greens! I felt like a rabbit. More chicken would be nice.

  61. User avatar fawn.marvin1977 says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to make, but why raw cabbage? A little cooked would be better!

    1. 4 stars
      I actually love the crunch of raw cabbage! But I get what you mean, a little sautéed might taste nice too. Maybe I’ll try both next time!

    2. User avatar dominga.wilkinson79 says:

      3 stars
      Cabbage is crunchy and good for you! Don’t cook it, ruin it! Just gotta trust the recipe.

  62. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    3 stars
    Took me longer than expected. My chicken was a bit dry. 😕

  63. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! The dressing really brings everything together. My family loved it!

  64. 5 stars
    This salad was fantastic! The dressing is delish! 😍

  65. 3 stars
    I don’t like ginger, can I replace it with something else?

  66. User avatar avery.kris92 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is incredible! The dressing is perfect, and the crunch from the cashews really brings it all together. Will definitely make again!

  67. User avatar Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz says:

    4 stars
    So yummy! I used leftover grilled chicken and it worked great.

  68. 5 stars
    Y’all, this was the bomb! Quick dinner and my kids ate all their veggies!!

  69. User avatar Dan Streetmentioner says:

    1 star
    Why would you put honey in a salad dressing? Sounds weird. Never tried it and not gonna.

  70. User avatar barton.ruecker11 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy salad! Just had it for lunch. Will make again, but no green onions for me!

  71. User avatar Edwardo Spinka says:

    3 stars
    I think it needs more chicken. I’m a protein person!! 😮

  72. 5 stars
    Chicken salad? Love it! The best part was the dressing.

  73. User avatar curt.sanford82 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is AMAZING! The dressing is the star of the show. Will definitely make it again!

  74. User avatar jewel.langosh says:

    2 stars
    Not a fan. The dressing was too strong for my taste.

    1. User avatar newton.block54 says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! The dressing can be really overpowering if you’re not into those flavors. Maybe try less dressing next time?

    2. User avatar valeria.halvorson23 says:

      3 stars
      I liked it! The dressing gave it a nice kick, but I get that taste is personal. You could always adjust it for your palate.

  75. User avatar Stephane Maggio MD says:

    3 stars
    Uhm, I think ginger is actually bad for you in large amounts? Not sure if I should’ve put so much.

  76. 3 stars
    Pretty good, but I think it could use more flavor. Maybe adding a bit of lime juice could help?

  77. User avatar frederick.yost86 says:

    5 stars
    OMG yasss! This is the best chicken salad ever! I added avocado and it was a game changer. Love it!

  78. 1 star
    Salad? More like plant food! I’ll stick to burgers. 😂

  79. 4 stars
    I don’t really like ginger that much, so I cut it out. Now its just a chicken salad with dressing. 🤷

    1. User avatar lindsey.gutkowski says:

      4 stars
      I get it! Ginger can be pretty strong. But the dressing adds a nice flavor, you know? Maybe try a different dressing next time?

    2. User avatar Spider Worker says:

      2 stars
      Why would u cut the ginger? It’s super important for flavor! Taste gonna be blah without it. Just my opinion tho.

  80. 5 stars
    This salad is incredible! The dressing is everything. My family loved it!

  81. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    5 stars
    Super easy to make and my kids loved it! I left out the cilantro tho, they don’t like it. 😂

  82. User avatar tien.vonrueden says:

    5 stars
    This salad is amazing! I love the crunch from the cashews and the flavor of the dressing. A total keeper!

  83. User avatar eustolia.donnelly99 says:

    2 stars
    I think chicken salad is better with mayo. Not a fan of this dressing.

  84. 4 stars
    I don’t really like cashews, so I swapped them for almonds. Was still good, but not the same. 😅

    1. 2 stars
      But like, aren’t cashews supposed to be the main part of the salad? I don’t know how it can be good without them. 🤔

    2. User avatar cyndi.satterfield1956 says:

      4 stars
      Almonds are a great alternative! I love how you made it work for your taste. 👍

  85. User avatar fernando.hessel says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! I could eat this every day. Also, easy to make, which I appreciate. 🥗

    1. User avatar hassan.marquardt92 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This salad is very tasty and not complicated at all! 🥗

    2. User avatar milford.jacobi70 says:

      3 stars
      Looks good but I don’t like cashews. Can I use something else?

  86. User avatar eleonora.parker says:

    5 stars
    Made this for my lunch prep! Grabbed it random recipe online. Totally worth it!

    1. User avatar hollie.harber says:

      2 stars
      Looks yummy, but like, how can you trust a random recipe? Anyone can post anything online…

    2. User avatar elwood.streich5 says:

      5 stars
      Glad to hear you enjoyed it! It’s such a great recipe for meal prep. I’ll definitely try it too!

3.56 from 128 votes
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