cashew chicken salad and rice on a plate with fork

I can’t remember the last time I loved a salad this munch! This Asian-inspired salad has all the flavor, crunch, nutrients, and simplicity I could want in a big salad. I am obsessed!

This salad is gluten free, soy free, and dairy free. It’s a super healthy meal that tastes like you ordered out. Salads at restaurants are always better at home it seems like…until now. This salad truly tastes like something I would order at a restaurant! It’s heavenly.

cashew chicken salad and rice on a platter

The simple vinaigrette is out of this world. SO much flavor! I haven’t made it with any subs, so I recommend leaving as is for best results!

You can easily make a double or triple batch of the dressing for the week! Such a good meal prep staple, or for feeding a crowd/big family!

asian vinaigrette in a jar with gold spoon
cashew chicken salad and rice on a platter with jar of salad dressing

This salad is seriously so good. The crunchy roasted cashews with the fresh crunchy veggies and rice is just the perfect combo. The vinaigrette really ties everything together.

If you’ve got some leftover chicken and rice on hand, this is the perfect way to use it! If that’s the case, then you’ve got yourself a no-cook dinner! Couldn’t be more simple.

I love to buy rotisserie chicken for this salad, but you can of course grill or shred your own! To keep this vegetarian, tofu would be delicious in this.

I can’t wait to hear when you make this one! Enjoy! xo

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Asian-Inspired Salad

  • Author: Mia Zarlengo
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner

Description

An Asian-inspired salad with the best healthy Asian vinaigrette. Gluten free, dairy free, and soy free!


Ingredients

Scale

For the dressing (for 2 servings):

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar 
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 of a green onion, diced
  • 1/2 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes, more for extra spice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the salad:

  • 1 cup rice, white or brown
  • 2 cups mixed greens
  • 1/4 cup roasted cashews
  • 12 carrots, julienne sliced
  • 12 baby cucumbers, julienne sliced
  • Leftover shredded chicken

Instructions

  1. If you don’t have leftover rice and/or chicken, cook that first.
  2. Whisk all ingredients for the dressing together (or shake up in a jar). Set aside to let flavors come together while preparing the salad.
  3. Layer the salad with rice, mixed greens, carrot and cucumber, chicken, and roasted cashews. Pour dressing over the top. Serve and enjoy!

Appetizers + Sides, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Lunch + Dinner, Recipes, Vegetarian

Category:

Aug 18, 2020

Asian-Inspired Crunchy Cashew Salad

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to tag @gatherednutrition on INstagram so I can see what you made! Leaving a rating and review on the site is a huge help too!

  1. Micaela says:

    Your recipes never fail me! I was just excited to find another simple GF/DF dinner option for 2 that used much of what I already had in the house. But my boyfriend, who is hard to impress, actually said this meal was one of his favorites! Next time I’ll probably double the dressing. Keep em comin!!

  2. Taylor says:

    Obsessed with this recipe! The sauce is the best I’ve been using it all week!

  3. Laurel says:

    In love!! Thank you for a healthy, yet delicious dinner. I wouldn’t change a thing!

  4. Caty says:

    This was amazing! Perfect for an easy date night!

  5. Hayley Daen says:

    Super quick to make and really delicious! Leftovers might even have been better the next day.

  6. Rachael R says:

    Absolutely delicious! Roasted cashews gave it a nice touch. The dressing will definitely be a new staple.

  7. Kelsey says:

    I LOVE this salad. It’s such an easy work from home lunch, and feels like I’m eating a restaurant salad!! The dressing is delicious.

  8. Andrea says:

    Loved this! It is light and refreshing but also so satisfying – everything you want in a salad! I’m not a huge cashew fan so I subbed peanuts…so good. When I made this for my boyfriend and he was convinced it was takeout!

  9. Gillian D says:

    We’ve been on a Gathered Nutrition recipe kick the past couple of weeks and this is definitely top of our list- never buying dressing again. This is AMAZING.

  10. Claire says:

    Made this with chickpeas instead of chicken and it was amazing! So quick and full of flavor ????

  11. Rosie says:

    So good!

  12. Amanda says:

    Now that it’s hot again in Chicago, I made this salad and am reminded this it is one of my most absolute favorite things to eat/make when it’s hot out. I cut all the veggies and wash the lettuce, then I make rice and chicken and the dressing and keep everything separate. Then I just assemble everything during the week whenever I need it! I LOVE a warm component (the chicken and rice) in a salad and the dressing is delicious. Def double it, if not more. And I use whatever nuts/seeds I have on hand! Love love love

  13. Amanda says:

    Forgot to leave a rating! 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating

join the club

Simple. Attainable. Gathered Nutrition.