Curry Chicken Salad is a delicious dish that combines the creaminess of a traditional chicken salad with the bold, aromatic flavors of curry for a quick lunch, a picnic-friendly meal, or an appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The addition of curry powder, turmeric, and optional chutney gives the salad a unique, spicy-sweet taste that’s far from ordinary.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it as a sandwich, wrap, or salad topping—or enjoy it straight from the bowl.
- Healthy Options: Use Greek yogurt or a light mayo to make it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients for Curry Chicken Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
- Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or diced poached chicken breasts work perfectly.
- Curry powder: The star ingredient, adding a warm and earthy flavor.
- Mayo: The creamy base for the salad. Substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Chutney: Mango chutney adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
- Celery: For a refreshing crunch.
- Red onion: Adds sharpness and a slight sweetness.
- Golden raisins or dried cranberries: For a sweet, chewy contrast to the savory elements.
- Almonds or cashews: A bit of crunch and nutty flavor to round out the dish.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: For a pop of color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Curry Chicken Salad
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting almonds or cashews enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
- Balance the Flavors: Adjust the curry powder, chutney, and mayo to suit your taste preferences.
- Use Leftovers: Rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey makes this recipe even easier to assemble.
- Add a Kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Creative Variations
This dish is highly adaptable—here are some ideas to customize it:
- Low-Carb: Serve over lettuce wraps or mixed greens for a keto-friendly option.
- Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegan mayo.
- Fruity Twist: Add diced apples or grapes for extra sweetness.
- Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or dill for a unique flavor profile.
- Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil for a fusion twist.
How to Serve Curry Chicken Salad
- In a Sandwich: Pile the salad onto whole-grain bread or croissants for a satisfying lunch.
- As a Wrap: Spoon it into a tortilla or lettuce leaves for a portable option.
- With Crackers: Serve as a dip alongside your favorite crackers or pita chips.
- Over Greens: Transform it into a light salad by serving it over arugula, spinach, or kale.
- On a Platter: Add sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant appetizer.
How to Store Curry Chicken Salad
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as the dressing may separate slightly.
- Freezing: While not ideal due to the creamy base, you can freeze it for up to 2 months if needed. Thaw in the fridge and mix well before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a slightly smoky flavor to the salad.
What can I substitute for mango chutney?
If you don’t have mango chutney, apricot preserves or a touch of honey can work as a sweet alternative.
Is Curry Chicken Salad spicy?
It’s generally mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding more curry powder or cayenne pepper.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Curry Chicken Salad
Curry Chicken Salad is a delicious dish that combines the creaminess of a traditional chicken salad with the bold, aromatic flavors of curry for a quick lunch, a picnic-friendly meal, or an appetizer.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- ½ medium apple, diced (leave the peel on for extra crunch)
- 1–2 teaspoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (from ½ lime)
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup roasted, salted cashews, roughly chopped
- 1 celery rib, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
- 2–4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fine salt, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, curry powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Taste and tweak the curry and salt to suit your palate.
- Mix the Salad: Add diced chicken, apple, celery, and red onion to the bowl. Stir until coated.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Gently fold in raisins, cashews, and cilantro for a burst of sweetness and crunch.
- Serve & Enjoy: Scoop onto lettuce wraps, over greens, in a tortilla, or between slices of your favorite bread for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 453Total Fat 34gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 75mgSodium 439mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 5gSugar 10gProtein 19g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Curry Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is versatile. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday lunch or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to please. With its delightful mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, it’s a fresh take on a classic favorite.
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