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Orange Cashew Chicken Salad

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4.3 from 72 reviews

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.

Ingredients

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Chicken Salad

  • 45 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.