Curried Chicken Salad is a flavorful and vibrant dish that blends tender chicken with a creamy, spiced curry dressing. The dish typically includes a mix of sweet and savory ingredients like raisins, apples, and toasted nuts, which complement the rich and mildly spicy curry flavor. It’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or as a light dinner.
I first made this salad when I was craving something with a little more spice and depth than the usual chicken salad. The combination of curry with the sweetness of the raisins and apples created a wonderfully balanced flavor profile, and the creamy dressing tied everything together. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add chopped celery for crunch, use Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing, or serve it in a wrap for a portable meal. Whether served on a bed of greens or stuffed into a sandwich, Curried Chicken Salad is a delicious, flavorful option!
Perfect for:
- Light lunches
- Picnics and gatherings
- Summer meals
- Potlucks
- Spice lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Curried Chicken Salad will become a favorite:
- Exotic Flavor Profile: The combination of curry powder, sweet raisins, and tangy yogurt creates a unique and flavorful dish.
- Creamy and Tangy: A rich mixture of mayonnaise and yogurt provides the perfect creamy texture.
- Easy to Make: It comes together in just 30 minutes and requires minimal ingredients.
- Healthy Protein Source: Chicken breast offers a lean and filling protein base.
- Sweet and Savory Combination: The raisins bring a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory curry.
- Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the level of spice or add more vegetables to suit your tastes.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge and can be made ahead for a quick meal.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it on greens, in a sandwich, or as a filling for wraps.
- Ideal for Summer: A refreshing and light dish that’s perfect for hot weather.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it a hit at parties and gatherings.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 22g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced apple
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein, perfect for creating a filling salad.
- Curry Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Greek Yogurt: Gives the dressing a creamy texture and a slight tang, balancing out the richness of mayo.
- Raisins: Provide a burst of sweetness to contrast with the savory elements of the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Salad:
- Shred the Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast (either leftover or freshly cooked) and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop Vegetables and Fruits: Dice the celery, apple, and onion, and chop the almonds and raisins.
- Mix the Chicken and Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, apple, onion, raisins, and almonds.
Make the Dressing:
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, and lemon juice.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to the dressing to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Combine Chicken and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Curried Chicken Salad:
- On a Bed of Greens: Serve the salad on top of mixed greens or spinach for a light and healthy meal.
- In a Sandwich: Spread the salad on whole-grain bread or a croissant for a satisfying sandwich.
- In a Wrap: Wrap it in a soft tortilla with lettuce for an easy, handheld meal.
- With Crackers: Serve it with your favorite crackers for a quick snack or appetizer.
- As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats for a delicious, balanced meal.
- In a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb option, serve the salad in large lettuce leaves as wraps.
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair it with fresh fruit, like grapes or sliced apples, for a refreshing side.
- On a Croissant: The buttery, flaky texture of a croissant pairs beautifully with the creamy salad.
- As a Potluck Dish: Bring it to your next gathering for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
- With Yogurt Dip: Serve with a side of tangy Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of curry powder or use a mild variety.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like carrots or peas for added texture and flavor.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great recipe for using up leftover roasted or grilled chicken.
- Serve Chilled: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Apple and Walnut Chicken Salad: Swap the raisins for chopped apples and walnuts for a nuttier flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based version.
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Add diced avocado for a creamy, rich twist.
- Tropical Chicken Salad: Add pineapple chunks and a squeeze of lime juice for a tropical flair.
- Low-Fat Version: Substitute the mayo with low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt.
- Curry with Cilantro: Add fresh cilantro to enhance the curry flavor with a fresh herb note.
- Crunchy Chicken Salad: Add crushed crackers or tortilla chips for added crunch.
Special Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife – To chop chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
- Cutting Board – For safely chopping ingredients.
- Measuring Cups – For accurate measurements of spices, dressing, and ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons – To measure small quantities of seasonings like curry powder.
- Whisk – For blending the dressing ingredients smoothly.
- Colander – To rinse the cooked chicken or vegetables.
- Serving Platter – For displaying the finished salad.
- Salad Tongs – For tossing and serving the salad.
- Food Processor – For finely chopping or shredding ingredients, if desired.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor. - How long does the chicken salad last in the fridge?
The salad will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 days. - Can I make this salad spicy?
Absolutely! You can increase the curry powder or add chili flakes to adjust the spice level. - What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or regular yogurt if you prefer, but Greek yogurt adds a thicker consistency. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. - Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?
Yes, dried cranberries will add a tart sweetness that works well in this salad. - What kind of curry powder should I use?
Use mild curry powder for a balanced flavor or choose a spicier variety if you prefer more heat. - Can I freeze this chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and yogurt, as it may change the texture when thawed. - What should I serve with curried chicken salad?
Serve with a light salad, some fresh bread, or on a bed of leafy greens for a complete meal. - Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, cashews or pecans would also work wonderfully in this salad.
Conclusion
Curried Chicken Salad is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with a creamy, spiced dressing made from curry powder, mayonnaise, and a hint of sweetness. This salad is refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or as a light dinner. The curry adds a warm, earthy flavor, while ingredients like grapes, apples, or toasted almonds provide a delightful contrast of sweetness and crunch.
This recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in advance for a quick meal later. You can customize it by adding extra ingredients like raisins, celery, or a squeeze of lemon juice to suit your taste. Whether served on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap, Curried Chicken Salad is a unique and delicious twist on a classic.
I can’t wait to see how your Curried Chicken Salad turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your creative and tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!