Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

Curry chicken salad is a vibrant twist on the classic, blending tender chicken with creamy dressing and warm spices. The subtle heat of curry powder pairs beautifully with sweet fruits and crunchy veggies. It’s a flavorful, refreshing dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or light meals.

This recipe is easy to prepare and works well for meal prep, potlucks, or quick lunches. With minimal effort, you’ll have a protein-packed dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Whether served on greens, croissants, or crackers, curry chicken salad adds an exotic touch to your everyday meals.

Ingredients List

– 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
– 2 tablespoons curry powder (mild or medium, to taste)
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– ½ cup diced celery
– ½ cup diced red onion
– ½ cup diced apples or grapes
– ⅓ cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
– ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
– ¼ cup chopped cashews or almonds (optional)
– Juice of ½ lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Place the cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl. Make sure it is cooled and drained if poached or roasted. Shredded rotisserie chicken also works perfectly.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Pour the curry dressing over the chicken and mix until evenly coated.

Step 4: Stir in celery, red onion, apples (or grapes), raisins, and fresh herbs. Mix gently to maintain texture.

Step 5: Add lemon juice and nuts if using. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more curry powder or salt as desired.

Step 6: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Step 7: Serve chilled in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with crackers and greens.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings

Serves 4–6

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

Calories: 310
Carbs: 14g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g

Storage Instructions

Store curry chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir well before serving as the dressing may separate slightly. For food safety, do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This recipe is not recommended for freezing due to the mayonnaise and yogurt base.

Pairings/Suggestions

Serve curry chicken salad in a sandwich on soft croissants or hearty whole-grain bread. For a lighter option, spoon it over a bed of mixed greens or stuff into lettuce wraps. Pair with pita bread, naan, or crackers for a snack-friendly version. Fresh fruit like melon or pineapple makes a refreshing side, while roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa can turn it into a fuller meal.

Seasonal Relevance

This dish is especially refreshing in spring and summer, served chilled at picnics or potlucks. It also works well in fall, using crisp apples and dried cranberries to give a seasonal touch. Its versatility makes it a year-round favorite, suitable for holidays, lunchboxes, or weekend gatherings.

Health Benefits

Curry chicken salad provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle repair and energy. Curry powder and turmeric contain compounds like curcumin, known for anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. Using Greek yogurt instead of all mayonnaise reduces saturated fat while adding probiotics for gut health. Adding apples, grapes, or raisins boosts fiber and natural sweetness, making it a nutrient-rich and satisfying meal option. Nuts contribute healthy fats and crunch for satiety.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to prepare in under an hour	Needs chilling for best flavor
Packed with protein and nutrients	Not freezer-friendly
Customizable with fruits, nuts, or veggies	Curry flavor may not suit all palates
Perfect for meal prep and gatherings	Contains mayonnaise, which some avoid

Conclusion

This curry chicken salad recipe is a refreshing and flavorful spin on the traditional chicken salad. With its creamy curry dressing, crunchy veggies, sweet fruit, and tender chicken, it’s a versatile dish that fits into sandwiches, wraps, or salads with ease.

Quick to prepare yet impressive in flavor, it’s a great option for make-ahead lunches, potlucks, or healthy meals throughout the week. Balanced with protein and wholesome ingredients, this recipe proves that nutritious food can also be delicious and exciting.

Once you try it, curry chicken salad may quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Replace Greek yogurt with extra mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a creamy texture.

Q2: What’s the best chicken to use?
Cooked chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover rotisserie chicken works well. Shredded or diced, both blend beautifully with the curry dressing.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, chilling for a few hours enhances the flavor. Just keep it refrigerated and stir before serving.

Q4: Can I reduce the fat content?
Yes. Use light mayonnaise and fat-free Greek yogurt to lower calories while still keeping it creamy.

Q5: What fruits pair best with curry chicken salad?
Crisp apples, seedless grapes, mango, or even pineapple chunks pair wonderfully with the warm spices of curry.