Jan 16, 2024

Why You’ll Love This Curried Chicken Salad Recipe

I love the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy in this flavor-packed Chicken Curry Salad.  What makes this recipe so special?

Simple Dressing: the curry salad dressing is a simple combination of curry powder, tangy mayo and Greek yogurt with a bit of lemon. It hits all the spots. One Bowl: Mix the entire salad up in the same bowl and you don’t even need a whisk. Stir in some sweet grapes and toasted almonds or cashews for a flavor and texture combination that is so more-ish and delicious. Perfect for Leftover Chicken. It’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, but I like to make it for meal prep using my instant pot to batch cook frozen chicken breasts.  Versatile: I’ve served this chicken salad at countless baby showers and birthday parties, but it’s just as perfect as a quick lunch as pita or lettuce wraps, or a potluck addition with cooked penne as a pasta salad. 

Here’s What You Need for Curry Chicken Salad with Grapes

Curried Chicken Salad with Grapes Ingredients

Cooked and Shredded Chicken: The protein base of your salad, offering a hearty texture. I used frozen chicken breasts cooked in the instant pot but you could easily use a rotisserie chicken. Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together. Plain Greek Yogurt: Provides a tangy flavor and a healthier alternative to using only mayonnaise. Celery: Brings a crisp texture and a fresh taste. Grapes: Adds a juicy, sweet element to balance the savory flavors. I like red grapes for the sweetness and color, but green grapes are fine too. Red Onion: Offers a slight sharpness and color contrast. Lemon Juice: Introduces a zesty note to brighten up the flavors. Curry Powder: This blend of Indian spices like cumin, turmeric and fenugreek gives the salad its distinct, warm, and aromatic curry flavor. Use something like this. Kosher Salt: For seasoning and enhancing the overall taste. Almond Slivers or Cashews: Adds a nutty crunch. Toast them on a baking sheet in the oven for extra flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Switch Up the Nuts: Try walnuts or pecans for a different nutty texture. Add Fruit: Apples, golden raisins or dried cranberries can add a different sweet note. I add fresh or canned mandarin oranges sometimes as well. Change the Protein: Swap chicken for turkey. Try my Indian salad with chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and black pepper for some heat. Lime juice: Swap the lemon for lime if you prefer. Swap the red onion: I use whatever onion-y bits I have on hand. Green onions (scallions), shallots or chives work perfectly in place of red onion.

Grab these Tools

Large Bowl: For mixing all your ingredients. Chopping Board and Knife: Essential for chopping celery, grapes, and onions. Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure your curry powder, lemon juice, and salt. Spatula or Spoon: For stirring and combining the ingredients well. Serving Dish: To present your salad beautifully.

How to Make Curried Chicken Salad with Grapes: An Easy Guide

Preparing this curried chicken salad with grapes is a breeze. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, ready in just a few steps.

Combine Chicken with Creamy Base

Start by mixing your cooked chicken with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in a large bowl. This step creates the creamy base for your salad.

Add Crunch and Sweetness

Stir in chopped celery and grapes, along with minced red onion. This adds a lovely crunch and a burst of sweetness to the salad.

Season for Flavor

Enhance the salad by adding lemon juice, curry powder, and salt. These ingredients will bring out the rich and aromatic flavors of the salad.

Finish with a Nutty Touch

Lastly, mix in or sprinkle toasted almond slivers or cashews on top. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also a nutty flavor that complements the curry perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Maximize the flavor and longevity of your curried chicken salad with these easy storage tips.

Make Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully when left to sit in the fridge overnight. Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture and consistency of the mayonnaise and yogurt base. Refreshing Leftovers: If the salad seems a bit dry the next day, stir in a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt to refresh it.

How to Serve This Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

Serving this flavorful salad can be as creative or as simple as you like.

On Greens: Serve over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light and healthy lunch. As a Sandwich: Scoop it onto your favorite bread or croissant for a delicious chicken salad sandwich. I love to add some mango chutney and mozzarella and grill it. With Crackers: It pairs wonderfully with crackers for a quick snack or appetizer. In a Wrap: Wrap it up in a fresh flour tortilla or roti with some veggies for a tasty and convenient lunch option. For a low-carb or gluten-free version, wrap it up in leaves of crisp iceberg lettuce as a lettuce wrap. Picnic Perfect: It’s an excellent choice for picnics or potlucks, as it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser. Double the dressing and add 1/2 lb of cooked penne to make it a pasta salad. Scoop and Enjoy: Simply enjoy it spooned onto fluffy naan or turkish bread as a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Just skimming through? Here are some quick answers to the commonly-asked questions about Curried Chicken Salad: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?Absolutely! Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. How can I make this salad healthier?You can use low-fat Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, or increase the ratio of yogurt to mayonnaise. Is this salad suitable for meal-prepping?Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Can I freeze Curried Chicken Salad?Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the mayonnaise and yogurt. What are some alternative nuts I can use?Walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds can be great alternatives to almonds or cashews. Can I make this salad vegetarian?Certainly! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.

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