Mediterranean Basil Chicken Salad with Cashews
This Mediterranean-inspired Basil Chicken Salad combines tender chunks of chicken or turkey with nutty roasted cashews and the sweet, juicy flavor of red grapes. Tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing infused with fresh basil and a hint of black pepper, this salad is a delicious and nutritious option for lunch or snacks. It's versatile enough to be enjoyed in a flaky croissant, a warm pita, or even on a bed of leafy greens. Perfect for meal prep or a quick bite, this salad will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
4
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked chicken breasts or turkey breast
1 cup (cut into chunks)
Cooked white rice or brown rice
1 cup
Red seedless grapes
1/2 cup (sliced in half)
Mayonnaise (Best Foods, Helmann's, or Vegenaise)
1/2 cup
Fresh sweet basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
Dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Chopped roasted cashews
1/4 cup
Crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken or turkey, rice, sliced grapes, mayonnaise, fresh basil, dried onion flakes, black pepper, roasted cashews, and crumbled feta cheese.
2
Gently stir until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
3
For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
When ready to serve, give the salad another gentle stir and adjust seasoning with more black pepper if desired.
5
Serve immediately on croissants, in pita pockets, or over a bed of mixed greens.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
22g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Basil Chicken Salad with Cashews?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring tender chunks of chicken or turkey, roasted cashews, red grapes, rice, and fresh basil in a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use one cup of cooked turkey breast cut into chunks as a substitute for chicken.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What type of rice is recommended for this salad?
You can use either cooked white rice or brown rice.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or snacks?
Yes, it is categorized as a lunch and snacks recipe and is ideal for meal prep.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 22 grams of protein in each serving.
Which mayonnaise brands are suggested?
The recipe recommends using Best Foods, Hellmann's, or Vegenaise.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, one cup of cooked brown rice works well in this recipe.
What kind of cheese is included in the salad?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese.
How should the red grapes be prepared?
The red seedless grapes should be sliced in half before being added to the mixture.
What type of basil should I use?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped fresh sweet basil.
Are the cashews used in this recipe roasted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of chopped roasted cashews.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
The salad provides 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What type of onion flavor is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried onion flakes for seasoning.
What are some serving suggestions for this chicken salad?
It can be served on flaky croissants, in warm pita pockets, or over a bed of mixed leafy greens.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
While it can be served immediately, chilling it for 30 minutes is recommended for optimal flavor.
How much chicken is required for the recipe?
You will need 1 cup of cooked chicken breasts cut into chunks.
How much rice is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice.
What amount of grapes should I add?
You should use 1/2 cup of red seedless grapes.
How much mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
What seasoning is used for the salad?
The salad is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, or more to taste.
Is this dish considered a Mediterranean recipe?
Yes, it is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring ingredients like feta, basil, and cashews.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I adjust the amount of black pepper?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning with additional black pepper when ready to serve.
Is this salad good for pita fillings?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a great option for filling pita pockets.
What is the preparation for the fresh basil?
The fresh sweet basil should be chopped before being measured and added to the bowl.