Curry Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad you might already know. It combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy dressing spiced with curry powder, bringing a warm and mildly exotic taste to your meal. The addition of sweet raisins and crunchy almonds gives this dish a pleasant contrast in texture and flavor, making it a satisfying choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Why We Love This Curry Chicken Salad
This salad stands out because it balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes all in one bowl. The curry powder adds a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of raisins. Crunchy almonds offer a delightful texture that complements the softness of the chicken and the crispness of celery. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you want something tasty and nutritious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Curry Chicken Salad
Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Salad:
- 2½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 whole green onions, sliced
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- ½ cup raisins
How to Make Curry Chicken Salad Directions
Start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, lemon juice, honey, curry powder, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir everything until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning or curry powder to suit your preference.
Next, season your chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Cook them thoroughly either on a grill or in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to cool before chopping it into small, bite-sized pieces.
While the chicken cools, prepare the vegetables and mix-ins. Dice the celery finely and slice the green onions. In a large bowl, combine the celery, green onions, sliced almonds, and raisins.
Add the chopped chicken to the bowl with the veggies and nuts. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a spoon to stir everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly with the dressing.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. This salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve Curry Chicken Salad
This salad is wonderfully versatile and easy to serve. You can spoon it onto a bed of fresh lettuce or baby spinach for a light, refreshing meal. It also works great as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, making it a perfect option for packed lunches or picnics.
For a satisfying meal, pair the salad with some crusty whole-grain bread or pita. Adding a side of fresh fruit or a simple vegetable soup will round out your plate beautifully. This dish is also a hit at gatherings — serve it in a pretty bowl with some crackers or sliced cucumbers for dipping.
Expert Tips: Curry Chicken Salad
To get the best flavor balance, taste your dressing before mixing it with the salad. Curry powders vary in strength and spice, so start with a small amount and add more if you want a bolder taste.
Using both mayonnaise and yogurt creates a creamy texture that is smooth without being too heavy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the mayo or substitute it with more yogurt.
Make sure to chop your chicken evenly so that every bite has a consistent texture. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves cooking effort.
For extra freshness and crunch, try adding diced cucumber or shredded carrots to the salad. Toast the almonds lightly before adding them for a deeper nutty flavor.
How to Store Curry Chicken Salad
Store your leftover salad in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Before serving again, give it a good stir and check the seasoning — sometimes it needs a little extra pepper or lemon juice after sitting.
Avoid freezing this salad as the texture of the dressing and fresh ingredients may change once thawed.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to keep the nuts and vegetables crisp.
Variation of Curry Chicken Salad
Feel free to customize this salad to fit your tastes or what you have in your kitchen. Swap out the chicken for cooked turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option that still offers plenty of protein.
Instead of raisins, try dried cranberries or chopped apricots to add a different kind of sweetness. For a crunchier salad, substitute sliced almonds with walnuts or pecans.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also experiment with different curry powders — a madras or garam masala blend will give your salad a unique twist.
Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can brighten the flavors and give the salad a fresh, vibrant touch.
FAQ about Curry Chicken Salad
What type of curry powder should I use for this salad?
You can use any curry powder you like, but a mild curry powder is often preferred to keep the flavors balanced. Feel free to adjust based on your taste.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance. Keep the dressing separate until just before serving for the best texture.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a convenient way to save time without sacrificing flavor.
How long will Curry Chicken Salad stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad will keep fresh for up to three days.
Can I freeze Curry Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the dressing and ingredients.
Is Curry Chicken Salad healthy?
This salad offers a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and some carbohydrates, making it a nutritious choice for a light meal.
Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
Yes, adding crunchy vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or carrots can enhance texture and nutrition.
Curry Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
- 3 whole green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, honey, curry powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, then set aside to cool and chop.
- In a large bowl, combine diced celery, sliced green onions, sliced almonds, and raisins.
- Add the chopped chicken to the bowl and pour the dressing over the ingredients. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.