Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad: A Fresh, Crunchy, and Flavor-Packed Favorite

Refreshingly bright, satisfyingly crunchy, and layered with sweet-spicy flavor, Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad is a dish that effortlessly brings together nutritious ingredients and bold Asian-inspired elements. The combination of tender marinated chicken, vibrant vegetables, sweet mandarin oranges, toasted cashews, and a molasses-ginger dressing creates a salad that is both elegant enough for gatherings and simple enough for everyday meals.

This recipe is adapted from a classic Asian-style chicken salad and enhanced with fresh ginger, cider vinegar, and the rich sweetness of molasses. What makes this salad especially delightful is the contrast in textures: juicy chicken, crisp cabbage, soft spinach, crunchy chow mein noodles, and toasted sesame seeds tie the entire dish together. It’s a salad that feels complete—balanced, nutritious, and deeply flavorful.

Because this dish is served cold and assembled just before eating, it is perfect for luncheons, meal prep, potlucks, or warm-weather dinners. The marinade doubles as the dressing, making the recipe efficient while still achieving depth and complexity in every bite.

Below, you’ll find a full guide to creating this standout dish, along with tips, variations, and a helpful FAQ section. Whether you’re preparing it for guests or simply craving a refreshing, hearty salad, this Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad is sure to impress.

Ingredients

This recipe yields 8 servings and uses simple, fresh ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.

For the Marinade and Dressing

• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
• 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

For the Salad

• 8 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 10 cups)
• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups chow mein noodles
• 3/4 cup salted cashews, toasted
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

How to Make Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad

This salad comes together in three main parts: creating the marinade/dressing, broiling the chicken, and assembling the salad. The steps below explain how to ensure the chicken absorbs maximum flavor and how to keep the vegetables crisp and vibrant.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the following:

• cider vinegar
• molasses
• canola oil
• minced gingerroot
• soy sauce
• salt
• cayenne pepper

Mix until fully combined. This mixture serves two purposes:
✔ ¾ cup is used for marinating the chicken
✔ The remaining portion becomes the dressing

Because the marinade is thickened with molasses and brightened with ginger and vinegar, it infuses the chicken with a sweet-tangy flavor while remaining light enough to work perfectly as a salad dressing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Pour 3/4 cup of the marinade into a shallow dish.
2. Add the chicken breast halves and turn them to coat evenly.
3. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Marinating is essential here—ginger and vinegar help tenderize the chicken while the molasses imparts deep sweetness.
Pro tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. Overnight marinating works wonderfully.

Step 3: Broil the Chicken

1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Drain the chicken, discarding the used marinade from the dish.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a 15×10×1-inch baking pan.
4. Broil the chicken 4–6 inches from the heat for 4–6 minutes on each side.
5. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Once cooked, slice the chicken into thin strips.

Broiling is ideal because it cooks the chicken quickly while creating a deliciously caramelized surface from the molasses marinade.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

On a large serving platter or in a wide salad bowl:

1. Place a generous layer of baby spinach as the base.
2. Arrange the sliced chicken neatly on top.
3. Add the mandarin oranges for sweetness and color.
4. Scatter the shredded red cabbage and shredded carrots for crunch.
5. Sprinkle sliced green onions for sharpness and freshness.

This creates a colorful, layered presentation that shows off every ingredient beautifully.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Toppings

Right before serving, finish the salad with:

• chow mein noodles for crisp texture
• toasted cashews for rich nuttiness
• toasted sesame seeds for aroma and added crunch

These toppings elevate the salad beyond typical leafy dishes. Each adds structure, flavor, and depth.

Step 6: Drizzle with Dressing and Serve

Stir the reserved marinade (not the used chicken marinade) and drizzle it evenly over the entire salad.

Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors at their best.

Texture and Flavor Breakdown

Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad has one of the most balanced profiles among salads:

✔ Sweetness

The mandarin oranges and molasses give natural sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

✔ Tanginess

Cider vinegar brightens each bite, balancing the sweetness perfectly.

✔ Heat

A touch of cayenne pepper adds subtle warmth, making the flavors more dynamic.

✔ Crunch

Cabbage, toasted cashews, chow mein noodles, and sesame seeds add multiple layers of crunch.

✔ Freshness

Spinach, carrots, and green onions keep the salad vibrant and healthy.

✔ Protein

Broiled chicken adds satisfying substance, making the salad a complete meal.

This combination makes the recipe refreshing yet hearty enough to work as a main dish.

Tips for the Best Results

1. Don’t rush the marinade

Three hours is the minimum. If possible, marinate overnight to maximize flavor absorption.

2. Toast nuts and seeds

Toasting cashews and sesame seeds intensifies their flavor and crispness. A quick 3–5 minutes in a dry skillet works perfectly.

3. Dry the mandarin oranges

Excess liquid can dilute the dressing. Pat the oranges gently with a paper towel before adding them.

4. Add crunchy toppings last

Chow mein noodles and cashews stay crisp only when added right before eating.

5. Slice chicken thinly

This ensures every bite gets chicken and helps the warm chicken soften the spinach slightly without wilting it.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect for:

🥗 Ladies luncheons or brunch gatherings

Its elegant appearance and refreshing flavor make it especially popular at daytime events.

🥗 Light yet filling lunches

It’s high in protein and vegetables but not heavy or greasy.

🥗 Meal prep

Prepare the chicken and dressing in advance, then assemble the salad just before eating.

🥗 Potlucks and family dinners

It feeds 8 people and can be served on a large platter for beautiful presentation.

Variations (Optional but Helpful)

You must keep the ingredients the same, but you can adjust proportions or technique:

1. More spice

Increase cayenne slightly for a hotter, more vibrant dressing.

2. More sweetness

Add a little extra molasses to the dressing for a deeper caramel flavor.

3. Extra crunch

If serving immediately, increase chow mein noodles for more texture.

4. Softer greens

Replace some spinach with mixed spring greens if you prefer milder greens.

All variations still use the exact ingredients you provided.

Nutrition Information (Per 1½ Cups)

• 379 calories
• 18g fat (3g saturated)
• 47mg cholesterol
• 533mg sodium
• 33g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber)
• 23g protein

This salad is a protein-rich, nutrient-packed meal with a balanced distribution of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken, dressing, and vegetables ahead, but do not assemble until right before serving. This keeps everything crisp.

2. Can I grill the chicken instead of broiling it?

Yes. Grilling adds a smoky depth that works beautifully with ginger and molasses.

3. Is there a substitute for molasses?

For this specific version, no. The recipe must use the molasses you provided, as it creates the dish’s signature flavor.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately. Once assembled, the chow mein noodles lose crunch after a few hours.

5. Can I use different greens?

Spinach is required for this recipe, but you may mix it with other greens if desired, as long as spinach remains part of the base.

6. What can I serve alongside this salad?

It pairs well with simple dishes such as fresh fruit, soup, or bread. However, it is filling enough to stand alone.

Conclusion

Ginger-Cashew Chicken Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and flavorful dish that beautifully blends tender broiled chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, crunchy vegetables, and a rich ginger-molasses dressing. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, it stands out as a crowd-pleasing favorite at luncheons, dinner tables, and casual gatherings.

Whether you’re serving it to guests or preparing it for yourself, this salad offers both nourishment and elegance. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and wonderfully versatile. Its unique dressing, fresh produce, and satisfying crunch make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Print