Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary masterpiece that will transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary dining experience! Mama B's Chicken Cashew Salad is not just another recipe – it's a symphony of flavors that combines tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy cashews, and a dreamy honey-mayo dressing that will make your mouth water from the first bite. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a refreshing summer meal, 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, diced
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup grapes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled to room temperature. If using leftover chicken, remove any bones and dice into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Wash and halve the grapes, cutting them into neat, bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and honey, whisking them together until they form a smooth, well-integrated dressing.
- Roughly chop the cashews into smaller pieces, ensuring some texture remains for a pleasant crunch in the salad.
- Add the diced chicken to the bowl with the mayonnaise-honey dressing, gently folding to coat the chicken evenly.
- Incorporate the halved grapes and chopped cashews into the chicken mixture, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning gradually and tasting as you go.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled, optionally on a bed of lettuce or with crackers as a side dish or light lunch.
Tips
- Chicken Selection: For the best results, use freshly cooked or high-quality leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves preparation time.
- Cashew Crunch: Lightly toasting the cashews before chopping can enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the salad.
- Grape Freshness: Choose firm, ripe grapes and cut them evenly to ensure a consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Chilling is Key: Don't skip the 30-minute refrigeration time – this allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more delicious final dish.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add diced celery for extra crunch or swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or advance preparation.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on a bed of mixed greens, as a sandwich filling, or with crisp crackers for multiple delicious serving options.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
