If you love bold flavors combined with creamy textures and a touch of sweetness, this Curry Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become one of your new favorite go-to dishes. It’s a delightful twist on a classic chicken salad, featuring fragrant curry powder mingled perfectly with crunchy veggies and golden raisins, all tossed in a luscious mayo and Greek yogurt dressing. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a picnic, or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Curry Chicken Salad Recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring balance, flavor, and texture. From tender chicken and crunchy nuts to sweet raisins and bright herbs, every element works together to create a salad that feels fresh and satisfying.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Use chopped or shredded chicken for tender, meaty bites.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Balances the mayo with a tangy, light touch.
- 1 tablespoon curry powder: The star spice mix that provides warm, aromatic flavors.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Brings a gentle sweetness to mellow the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances every other flavor in the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- 1/4 cup diced celery: Offers a refreshing crunch to contrast the creamy dressing.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: Gives a mild sharpness that cuts through richness.
- 1/4 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries: Introduces bursts of sweet, chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews or almonds: Provides a satisfying nutty crunch.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional): A bright herbal note to finish.
How to Make Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing that’s fragrant with that inviting curry scent. This base is what brings all your ingredients together in delicious harmony.
Step 2: Combine the Chicken and Veggies
Next, add the cooked chicken, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, golden raisins (or dried cranberries), and chopped nuts right into the bowl with your dressing. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. The mixture should be colorful and inviting, bursting with different textures and flavors.
Step 3: Chill and meld flavors
For the best taste, cover the bowl and let your chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully, enhancing the curry’s warmth, the sweetness of the raisins, and the crunchiness of the nuts, making every bite a delight.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs a bit more salt, pepper, or even a splash more honey for sweetness. This final step ensures the salad perfectly suits your palate.
How to Serve Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like finely chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top lift the salad with a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor, perfect for adding that last touch of love before serving.
Side Dishes
This Curry Chicken Salad pairs wonderfully with crisp, leafy greens, pita bread, or crackers for scooping. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or on a sandwich for a flavorful lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant appetizer or light lunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, use it as a filling for wraps or stuff it into avocado halves for an irresistible, creamy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Curry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious the next day, but the nuts may soften slightly, so consider adding fresh nuts before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing because the mayonnaise and yogurt dressing can separate and the texture will change significantly after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Serve directly from the fridge for the freshest and most enjoyable experience.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Curry Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds flavorful, tender meat to your salad.
Is it possible to make a lighter version of this salad?
Yes, simply increase the amount of Greek yogurt while reducing mayonnaise to make your salad lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
What nuts work best in the salad?
Cashews and almonds are excellent choices because they offer a satisfying crunch that complements the soft chicken and chewy raisins, but feel free to use walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding diced apples or grapes is a wonderful way to introduce a sweet, fresh pop of flavor and a bit of extra crunch to your Curry Chicken Salad Recipe.
How long should I chill the salad to get the best flavor?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes is ideal to allow all the ingredients to meld together, but if you have time, longer resting enhances the flavor even more.
Final Thoughts
This Curry Chicken Salad Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together in spectacular ways to create a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and sure to impress everyone at your table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it with you — bon appétit!
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Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Curry Chicken Salad is a flavorful and easy-to-make recipe perfect for a quick lunch or meal prep. It combines tender cooked chicken with a creamy curry-spiced dressing, accented by crunchy nuts, sweet raisins, and fresh herbs. Serve it chilled in sandwiches, wraps, or over a bed of greens for a refreshing, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped cashews or almonds
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the main ingredients: Add the chopped or shredded cooked chicken, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, golden raisins or dried cranberries, and chopped nuts into the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss the salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the chicken mixture is evenly coated with the creamy curry dressing.
- Adjust seasoning and chill: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the chilled curry chicken salad on sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of fresh greens as desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut.
- For a lighter version, increase the amount of Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise.
- Add diced apples or grapes for a sweet, crunchy twist.
