Cashew Chicken Toss

Name: Cashew Chicken Toss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cans (8 ounces each) pineapple chunks; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 2 teaspoons grated orange zest; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Dash pepper; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces); 4 cups ready-to-serve salad greens; 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained; 1/3 cup cashews

As a home economics teacher, I gave presentations on cooking with microwave ovens when they first became popular. Back then, I shared this pretty salad and warm citrus dressing with my students. It remains one of my favorites today. -Pamela Martin, Huntsville, Texas

Ingredients

2 cans (8 ounces each) pineapple chunks
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Dash pepper
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces)
4 cups ready-to-serve salad greens
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
1/3 cup cashews

Directions

Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set pineapple aside. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, basil and pepper. Gradually whisk in pineapple juice until blended.
Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until boils and is thickened, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside, stir occasionally.
Place chicken in a greased 8-in. square microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3-5 minutes or until juices run clear, turning every 2 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Cut into thin strips.
Arrange the salad greens, chicken, oranges and reserved pineapple on individual plates. Drizzle with warm dressing. Sprinkle with cashews.