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    Home » Holiday Inspired Recipes

    Published: Sep 9, 2020 · Modified: Jan 27, 2023 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 28 Comments

    Orange Cashew Chicken Salad

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    A vertical photo collage of colorful orange cashew chicken salad with cranberries and fresh oranges with a title text overlay graphic

    Orange Cashew Chicken Salad uses rotisserie chicken, roasted cashews, and pecans, along with a touch of orange zest and juice. It's simply the best chicken salad, ever!

    A closeup vertical image of a colorful orange cashew chicken salad with pecans on a white plate.

    My recipe for Orange Cashew Chicken Salad was inspired by a cashew chicken salad I'd had while out to lunch.

    I loved it so much that I had to come home and try and recreate it just as soon as I possibly could!

    Jump to:
    • The ingredient list:
    • Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
    • How long does this chicken salad take from start to finish?
    • Delicious options for serving chicken salad:
    • How long will this chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?
    • Can the nuts be left out of this chicken salad?
    • How long can this chicken salad sit out at room temperature?
    • A little about what feeds my soul:
    • Can leftover chicken be used in this recipe?
    • Can leftover turkey be used in this recipe instead of chicken?
    • Additional recipes using rotisserie chicken:
    • Printable Recipe Card

    For delicious nuts, candy, chocolate, dried fruits, baking supplies, and gifts, Oh! Nuts is a store not to be missed!!

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. See you there!!

    This recipe was originally shared in 2015. This post has been updated with additional information, including a printable recipe card along with nutritional information, but the recipe itself has remained unchanged.

    Orange Cashew Chicken Salad with orange slices and chopped pecans.

    The ingredient list:

    **Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

    • rotisserie chicken (about 4 cups, boned and chopped)
    • oranges
    • shallots
    • celery
    • roasted and lightly salted cashews, chopped
    • pecans, chopped
    • mayonnaise
    • honey
    • dried cranberries
    • fresh tarragon, chopped
    • garlic powder
    • salt and pepper

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • large mixing bowl
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • citrus zester
    • citrus juicer
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • nut chopper (optional)
    • air-tight containers (for storage)
    • plastic wrap

    How long does this chicken salad take from start to finish?

    By using rotisserie chicken and prepared chopped nuts, this chicken salad will be ready to eat in under 15 minutes.

    However, for better flavor and for the ingredients to marry, I like to refrigerate this cashew chicken salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

    Delicious options for serving chicken salad:

    • wrapped in butter lettuce leaves like a chicken salad taco
    • scooped onto a salad
    • wrapped in flour tortillas
    • spread on crackers
    • spread on croissants
    • scooped onto baked potatoes
    • served in mini phyllo cups as an appetizer
    • spread on toasted garlic bread
    • straight off the spoon 😉

    How long will this chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?

    If kept in an air-tight container, this cashew chicken salad will last for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

    Can the nuts be left out of this chicken salad?

    Yes! By all means.

    If you're not a fan of nuts, then you can totally leave them out of the ingredient list and you'll still have a great tasting salad.

    How long can this chicken salad sit out at room temperature?

    Never longer than 3 hours, and if you're serving outside and it's hot, never longer than 2 hours without refrigeration.

    A little about what feeds my soul:

    Sometimes there is nothing better than taking the afternoon off to be with friends and family.

    Since I work from home, I find that I occasionally have to force myself to leave the house to do things other than going to the grocery store.

    We spent this particular afternoon (the day I had the original chicken salad) going to a pottery store, a flea market/craft show, and lunch.

    It was a wonderful way to reconnect and feed my soul, as well as my tummy.

    And as a much-needed reminder that there's a whole world outside of my own four walls, and beyond the windows of my computer screen.

    It doesn't mean, however, that once I'm out and about that I don't think about, talk about, and dream about food.

    I always do, and I probably always will.

    The inspiration for new recipes is everywhere, and to me, that is extremely exciting!

    Can leftover chicken be used in this recipe?

    Yep! As long as you have approximately 4 cups of cut-up chicken, you're good to go!

    Can leftover turkey be used in this recipe instead of chicken?

    Yes!! I think that would be a great way to use turkey leftovers, and the same applies (see above) for the amount needed.

    Additional recipes using rotisserie chicken:

    *Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Portobellos (pictured below)

    This original recipe for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Portobellos is my fast and speedy riff on a traditional chicken Parmesan…with a twist!

    Speedy Chicken Parmesan Portobello Stuffed Mushroom on a plate with lettuce and tomatoes

    *Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes (pictured below)

    What do you get when you combine a baked potato with all the comfort and goodness of a chicken pot pie, but without all the work? Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes, that’s what!

    A chicken pot potato in a small skillet with parsley and a slat and pepper shaker in the background.

    *French Spaghetti (pictured below)

    Fast Friendly French Spaghetti has a rich, slow-cooked flavor but only takes minutes to prepare thanks to store-bought rotisserie chicken.

    A bowlful of French spaghetti with parsley and a red and white checked napkin on the side with a fork.

    *Orange Cashew Chicken Salad with Pecans (pictured below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!

    A vertical photo collage of colorful orange cashew chicken salad with cranberries and fresh oranges with a title text overlay graphic

    ⭐If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating on the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. Thank you. 🙂

    Printable Recipe Card

    Orange Cashew Chicken Salad with Pecans

    Renee Goerger
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Sandwich or Salad
    Cuisine Chicken
    Calories 482 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 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 tablespoons 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
     

    • In a large bowl, stir together the chicken, nuts, shallots, celery, tarragon, orange zest and juice, mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard. If needed, season with additional salt and pepper.
    • Cover and allow to chill in the fridge at least 1 hour for the flavors to develop and marry.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 482kcalCarbohydrates: 3.25gProtein: 63gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15.5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 220mgSodium: 908mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2.25g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
     

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's sweet and savory chicken salad recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you'll come back and visit me often. There is always room for you around my table!

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen here on my blog, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to respond to you just as soon as I possibly can.

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    More Holiday Inspired Recipes

    • Crispy Almond Meringue Cookies
    • Salsa Soup with Chicken and Rice
    • Rice Krispies Christmas Wreath
    • Kringle Kuchen

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. J. Lawhorn says

      December 22, 2022 at 8:53 pm

      5 stars
      Wow. This is so delicious! Such a perfect combination of flavors and textures. I didn't have a shallot or fresh tarragon on hand, so used 1T minced onion and 1/2 the recipe amount of dried tarragon as substitutes. I usually make an apple cranberry chicken salad, so this is a refreshing change of flavors I will definitely be making again. Thank you for sharing it!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        December 23, 2022 at 7:27 am

        Hi, J!
        I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe! I LOVE chicken salad in all forms and flavors.
        I agree with you, though, that this one is a nice change of pace and a little unusual.
        Thanks for the 5-star rating. I really appreciate it!
        Take good care, and thanks again!
        Renee

        Reply
    2. Lauren Kleiman says

      September 16, 2020 at 9:29 am

      I'm loving this twist on traditional chicken salad. The combination of flavors is seriously out of this world.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 16, 2020 at 9:41 am

        That's wonderful to hear, Lauren.
        Thank you, and enjoy!!
        Renee

        Reply
    3. Wayne says

      September 16, 2020 at 8:44 am

      Yummy! My wife made this for my lunch the other day and it was so delicious! I love this recipe!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 16, 2020 at 9:09 am

        Awesome, Wayne! You're a lucky man! 😉
        Thanks for letting me know!!
        Take good care,
        Renee

        Reply
    4. Beth says

      September 10, 2020 at 9:10 am

      My husband is going to love this recipe! I can't wait to make this! Looks so yummy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 10, 2020 at 10:54 am

        It's both. Yummy, AND delicious!
        Enjoy, Beth!

        Reply
    5. Sydnie says

      September 10, 2020 at 8:34 am

      I love fresh salads like this! They are fun and delicious!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 10, 2020 at 10:53 am

        Thanks, Sydnie!

        Reply
    6. amanda @ fake ginger says

      November 19, 2015 at 12:33 am

      Yes! The thighs are the best part of the chicken! This looks fabulous - totally making it next time I get a chicken salad craving!

      Reply
    7. Nutmeg Nanny says

      November 18, 2015 at 8:00 pm

      Chicken salad is my go-to "OMG I'm so hungry I need to make lunch now!" dish. I love the addition of orange and cashews. I normally add nuts but never thought of cashews!

      Reply
    8. Nikki says

      November 18, 2015 at 7:01 pm

      I love the way you piled the salad on the bread! It certainly makes me want to get some!

      Reply
    9. Blackberry Babe says

      November 18, 2015 at 2:24 am

      This sounds fantastic! Love creative variations on chicken salad!

      Reply
    10. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says

      November 17, 2015 at 9:18 pm

      Meeting friends for lunch is a necessary thing! Especially when you work from home and don't talk to anyone else all day. Love this chicken salad though, for days when I am home!

      Reply
    11. Kim Bee says

      November 17, 2015 at 8:25 pm

      I'm with you, working from home tends to make some of us a bit reclusive. I forget there's real life out there. My only problem is I don't have any foodie friends locally so I never get to do foodie adventures. Usually I'm dragging my daughter with me on those. Luckily she digs it. I try to force myself to have lunch with a girlfriend or two at least once a month. That way I stay in touch with the real world a bit. Otherwise it's just me hanging around the house in my jammies 24/7. Ha.

      There is nothing quite like chicken salad. My mom used to love to make versions of it for lunch when my gramma and aunts visited. This one looks amazing. Deliciousness in every bite.

      Reply
    12. Carrie R says

      November 17, 2015 at 4:05 pm

      I just love this delicious twist on traditional chicken salad. 🙂 The addition of the cashews and orange sounds amazing!

      Reply
    13. Erin Dee says

      November 17, 2015 at 11:34 am

      It's embarrassing how often I leave home for something other than grocery store (or doctor's appointments). It's so cozy here. And I can wear pajamas!

      That's so nice that you live near family. And this looks great!

      Reply
    14. Lauren says

      November 17, 2015 at 3:02 am

      I love all of the flavors in this! I've been using shallots like they're going out of style lately, so I'm especially happy to see those in there.

      Reply
    15. Sheena @ Tea and Biscuits says

      November 17, 2015 at 2:17 am

      That's a super looking salad, and I LOVE tarragon, it goes so well with chicken!

      Reply
    16. Kimberly Killebrew says

      November 17, 2015 at 12:39 am

      Loooove all the flavors in this, YUMMY! The orange, tarragon and pecans are especially calling my name!

      Reply
    17. The Food Hunter says

      November 16, 2015 at 7:09 pm

      This sounds amazing. Perfect for holiday brunch.

      Reply
    18. Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.com says

      November 17, 2015 at 12:56 am

      Oh my goodness, I know what you mean, sometimes I have to force myself to just step outside; working from home can be tough like that! This chicken salad is a great reason to stay home, it looks so good!

      Reply
    19. Amanda-The Kitcheneer says

      November 16, 2015 at 9:24 pm

      I LOVE this chicken salad! I'm not just saying I am going to try this I AM GOING TO TRY THIS! I think it would be great on top of a bed of greens! and yes, the best recipe inspiration comes from our favorite foodie places!

      Reply
    20. Back for Seconds says

      November 16, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      Mmmm I am loving all of the different flavors and textures going on here. Looks so yummy!

      Reply
    21. Tonia Larson says

      November 16, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      I'll have to try making this for my friends! It sounds delicious!

      Reply
    22. Ginny McMeans says

      November 16, 2015 at 2:10 pm

      You did a great job here. Sandwiches are my favorite thing and especially when there are nut in them.

      Reply
    23. Katrina says

      November 16, 2015 at 6:04 am

      Yum! I love everything about this! How cute is the name Pemberley. And I totallly agree about the ladies' day out--totally a NEED now and then.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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