If you’re searching for a delightful twist on a classic chicken salad that bursts with flavor and textures, then the Orange Cashew Chicken Salad is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant dish perfectly balances the juicy, tender rotisserie chicken with the sweet zing of fresh orange zest and juice, all tied together by crunchy cashews and pecans. It’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that feels both indulgent and light, making it ideal for a quick lunch, picnic, or even an elegant brunch. Once you try this Orange Cashew Chicken Salad, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed chicken salad without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a flavorful and textural masterpiece. Each component plays a crucial role—from the juicy rotisserie chicken adding hearty protein, to the crisp celery for crunch, and the bright citrus notes that keep everything lively and fresh.
- Rotisserie chicken (4-5 cups, white and dark meat): Using pre-cooked chicken keeps this salad quick and adds a rich, savory base.
- Large shallot, minced: Adds a subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor that brightens the salad.
- Celery (½ cup, finely chopped): Brings crunch and freshness for a perfect mouthfeel contrast.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creamy binder that melds the flavors and keeps the salad luscious.
- Fresh orange zest (1 teaspoon): Delivers a zesty, aromatic punch that elevates the salad’s brightness.
- Fresh orange juice (1½ tablespoons): Adds tang and subtle sweetness, amplifying the citrus theme.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances acidity with natural sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Introduces a gentle tang and depth to the dressing.
- Minced fresh tarragon (1 teaspoon): Offers a unique herbal note that complements chicken beautifully.
- Chopped roasted salted cashews (½ cup): Provides crunch with a buttery richness and slight saltiness.
- Chopped pecans (¼ cup): Adds texture and a warm, nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with cashews.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon, or to taste): Enhances all the salad’s flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon, or to taste): Adds just a hint of heat to balance sweetness.
How to Make Orange Cashew Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by shredding or chopping your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces so every forkful gets a good balance of meat. Mince the shallot finely and chop the celery into small pieces to add crispness that contrasts with the tender chicken. Don’t forget to zest your orange first before juicing it—that fresh zest is pure magic for boosting bright flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk them together until the dressing is smooth and glossy. This tangy-sweet dressing is what transforms the simple chicken salad into a lively, flavor-packed dish.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
Add the chicken, shallots, celery, chopped tarragon, orange zest, cashews, and pecans into the bowl with your dressing. Fold everything gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. The nuts will stay crunchy, and the herbs will distribute their subtle, fragrant hints throughout.
Step 4: Chill for Flavor Harmony
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This step is key because it allows all the flavors to meld and intensify, giving you an Orange Cashew Chicken Salad that tastes thoughtfully put together rather than rushed.
How to Serve Orange Cashew Chicken Salad
Garnishes
A few extra chopped cashews or pecans sprinkled on top just before serving add extra crunch and a nutty aroma that’s irresistible. A small sprig of fresh tarragon or even a few thin orange slices can brighten the presentation and hint at the vibrant flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This salad loves good company on your plate. Pair it with crusty artisan bread, warm pita, or even crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or a simple cucumber salad complements the citrus notes and keeps the meal feeling fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Make individual lettuce cups filled with the Orange Cashew Chicken Salad for a charming appetizer or serve it atop colorful mixed greens for a hearty salad bowl. You can also use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps to take those delightful flavors on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Orange Cashew Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, but the nuts might soften a bit, so consider adding a fresh sprinkle of cashews just before serving leftovers.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture and flavor of the dressing and veggies could be compromised, leaving you with a less vibrant dish after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. If you’d like a warm meal, try serving the chilled Orange Cashew Chicken Salad alongside warm bread or a hot soup for contrast.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Cook and shred your chicken breast beforehand, then use it just like the rotisserie chicken. The rotisserie does add a slightly smoky, savory note, but fresh chicken will still taste delicious.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter or dairy-free alternative, Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise can work well. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still tasty!
Can I omit the nuts if I have allergies?
You can leave out the cashews and pecans, but you’ll miss some of the salad’s signature crunch and richness. Try adding crunchy celery or crispy roasted chickpeas instead for texture.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least one hour in the fridge is recommended. This gives the flavors time to marry beautifully, making the Orange Cashew Chicken Salad taste even more fantastic.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It’s a great option for meal prep lunches. Just store it properly in the fridge and add extra nuts fresh on serving for maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you love vibrant flavors combined with satisfying textures, the Orange Cashew Chicken Salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s simple to make, wonderfully fresh, and just the right mix of sweet, tangy, and savory. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and enjoy this uplifting twist on classic chicken salad with friends and family!
PrintOrange Cashew Chicken Salad
This Orange Cashew Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic chicken salad, combining tender rotisserie chicken with the crunchy texture of cashews and pecans, accented with bright orange zest and juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for sandwiches or served over greens, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that comes together quickly and tastes even better after chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 4–5 cups cut-up rotisserie chicken (white and dark meat)
- 1 large shallot, minced
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1½ tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon
- ½ cup chopped roasted salted cashews
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the cut-up rotisserie chicken, chopped nuts (cashews and pecans), minced shallots, finely chopped celery, fresh tarragon, orange zest, and fresh orange juice, along with mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Season and Chill: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt and black pepper if needed. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but you can substitute with cooked shredded chicken breast.
- Adjust the amount of honey to control the sweetness according to your preference.
- Chilling is important for flavor development, so don’t skip the refrigeration step if possible.
- This salad pairs well with fresh bread, crackers, or leafy greens for a light meal.