Curry chicken salad combines the creamy, savoury flavours of traditional chicken salad with the aromatic warmth of curry spices. This dish is perfect for a flavourful lunch, a light dinner, or as a unique addition to your picnic basket. Packed with protein and bursting with a blend of sweet and spicy notes, this curry chicken salad is sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust to preference)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (adjust according to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional for color and health benefits)
- 1 apple, diced (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved (red or green)
- 1/4 cup almonds, slivered or chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lettuce leaves or croissants for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Use leftover roasted chicken, or poach chicken breasts until fully cooked, then cool and shred or dice into small pieces.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt (or sour cream), curry powder, turmeric (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- To the bowl with the dressing, add the shredded chicken, diced apple, halved grapes, chopped almonds, celery, and raisins or dried cranberries. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the curry dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavours to meld. This step is crucial for developing the depth of flavour in the salad.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or fill croissants for a hearty sandwich.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of colour and freshness.
Serving Suggestions: Curry chicken salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as a filling for sandwiches, atop a crisp salad, or as a dip with crackers or sliced vegetables for a lighter fare.
Nutritional Benefits: This salad is a great source of protein from the chicken, while the addition of fruits like apples and grapes introduces vitamins, antioxidants, and a natural sweetness. Almonds add a crunch, along with healthy fats and fibre. The curry spices not only offer a wealth of flavour but also contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Curry chicken salad is a delightful twist on a classic, bringing together the comfort of chicken salad with the exotic flavours of curry. Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch option or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this salad is a flavourful, satisfying choice.
Try making this curry chicken salad for your next meal or event, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste. Share your version or any additional tips you have for the perfect chicken salad in the comments below. Enjoy!
