Zesty Lemon Cashew Chicken Delight
Enjoy this refreshing Zesty Lemon Cashew Chicken Delight, a vibrant salad that combines the succulent flavors of rotisserie chicken with a zesty yogurt-mayo dressing. Enhanced with fresh ginger, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for warmth, this salad is not only a healthier alternative but also bursting with flavor. Serve it over crisp lettuce leaves for a light meal or pile it into sandwiches for a hearty lunch option. Perfect for picnics or casual gatherings, it’s sure to impress your guests while being easy to prepare!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cumin seed
1 teaspoon (toasted and ground)
coriander seed
1 teaspoon (toasted and ground)
lemons
3 medium (zested and juiced)
butter
1 1/2 tablespoons (melted)
minced fresh ginger
3 tablespoons (raw)
jalapeño chile
1-3 tablespoons finely chopped (fresh)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
mayonnaise
1/3 cup (raw)
low-fat yogurt or whole milk Greek strained yogurt
1/3 cup (raw)
chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (raw)
chopped green onion
1/2 cup (raw)
shredded white and dark chicken meat
4 cups (from one 2 1/2- to 3-lb. rotisserie chicken)
chopped cashews
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a dry skillet, toast the cumin and coriander seeds over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from heat, then grind the toasted spices in a spice grinder until finely ground.
2
Zest all three lemons into a small bowl and set the zest aside. Juice one lemon and reserve 3 tablespoons of the juice for the dressing.
3
Melt the butter in the same frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced ginger, finely chopped jalapeño, and salt. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jalapeño softens. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon zest, reserved lemon juice, ginger-jalapeño mixture, and the freshly ground spices. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
5
Add the chopped cilantro, green onions, and shredded chicken to the dressing in the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if desired.
6
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped cashews on top for a delightful crunch. Serve chilled over lettuce leaves or as a filling in your favorite sandwich bread.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
10g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Cashew Chicken Delight?
It is a vibrant chicken salad featuring rotisserie chicken, toasted spices, and a zesty yogurt-mayo dressing.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main components include shredded chicken, toasted cumin and coriander, fresh ginger, jalapeo, cilantro, green onions, and cashews.
How do I prepare the spices?
Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry skillet over low heat until fragrant, then grind them in a spice grinder until finely ground.
How many lemons are required for this recipe?
You need three medium lemons for zesting and juicing.
How much lemon juice goes into the dressing?
You should reserve and use 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for the dressing.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of shredded white and dark meat, typically obtained from one 2 1/2- to 3-lb. rotisserie chicken.
Is there a spicy element in this recipe?
Yes, it contains 1 to 3 tablespoons of finely chopped jalapeo for warmth and flavor.
How is the ginger prepared for the salad?
Three tablespoons of fresh ginger are minced and sauted in butter before being incorporated into the dressing.
What consists of the creamy dressing base?
The dressing is made from a blend of mayonnaise and either low-fat yogurt or whole milk Greek strained yogurt.
What is the purpose of the butter in this recipe?
The butter is used to saut the minced ginger and jalapeo until they soften.
When should I add the cashews?
Sprinkle the chopped cashews on top just before serving to ensure they provide a delightful crunch.
Can I serve this as a sandwich?
Yes, it is excellent when piled into your favorite sandwich bread or served over crisp lettuce leaves.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it works well for meal prepping as it is intended to be served chilled.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken salad?
This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 20 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 16.7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the salad?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Are there any fresh herbs used in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for a refreshing flavor.
How long do I toast the seeds?
Toast the cumin and coriander seeds for 3 to 5 minutes over low heat until they become fragrant.
Do I need to cook the chicken from scratch?
No, the recipe utilizes pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to make preparation easy and fast.
Can I use whole milk Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use either low-fat yogurt or whole milk Greek strained yogurt depending on your preference.
What gives the salad its zesty flavor?
The combination of lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, ginger, and freshly toasted spices provides the signature zest.
Is this recipe good for outdoor events?
Yes, it is perfect for picnics or casual gatherings.
How do I soften the jalapeo?
Saut the finely chopped jalapeo in melted butter for 3 to 5 minutes.
What type of onions are included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped green onions.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad should be served chilled.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Is the lemon zest used in the dressing?
Yes, the zest from all three lemons is stirred directly into the dressing mixture.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
Yes, you can use anywhere from 1 to 3 tablespoons of jalapeo depending on your spice tolerance.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this chicken salad recipe.