Easy Curried Chicken Salad

When I first stumbled upon the idea of making Easy Curried Chicken Salad, I was on the hunt for a dish that was as refreshing as it was satisfying. The busy weekdays often leave little room for elaborate meals, and that’s when this delightful salad took center stage in my kitchen. One warm afternoon, I found myself with some leftover chicken and a craving for something zesty. That’s when I decided to blend the rich flavors of curry with the creamy texture of Greek yogurt, and let me tell you, the result was beyond delicious! The vibrant colors of the grapes and celery added a beautiful pop, making it not just a meal, but a visual feast as well. This salad became my go-to for picnics and quick lunches, delighting friends and family alike with its unique flavor profile and ease of preparation.

What to Buy for Easy Curried Chicken Salad

Creating a delicious Easy Curried Chicken Salad starts with the right ingredients. The unique blend of flavors comes together beautifully, and each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance. The key players in this salad are chicken, Greek yogurt, and curry powder. These ingredients not only provide flavor but also offer a satisfying texture that makes this dish enjoyable.

• 3 chicken breasts cooked and diced (about 3 cups) – The star protein of the dish, providing a hearty base that complements the other flavors well.
• 1 cup Greek yogurt – A creamy and tangy alternative to mayonnaise, adding richness without the extra calories.
• 1 tablespoon honey mustard – This adds a sweet and tangy twist that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon curry powder – The defining spice in the salad, offering warmth and depth that will tantalize your taste buds.
• 1/2 cup grapes sliced – Their sweetness and juiciness provide a lovely contrast to the savory ingredients.
• 2 celery stalks diced – For a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of the yogurt.
• 1/2 cup cashews – Adding a delightful crunch, they also bring a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish.
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste – Essential seasonings that help to elevate the flavors of all the ingredients.

Making This Easy Curried Chicken Salad

Creating the Easy Curried Chicken Salad is as simple as it is satisfying. Follow these steps to whip up this delicious dish that you’ll want to make time and time again.

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, honey mustard, and curry powder. Whisk these together until they form a smooth, creamy dressing. Look for a vibrant yellow color—this is a sign that the curry powder is well mixed in.

2. Next, season your mixture with Kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as you go.

3. Now, take your cooked and diced chicken and add it to the bowl. Gently fold it into the dressing, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. The chicken should be evenly distributed throughout the salad.

4. Add in the sliced grapes, diced celery, and cashews. These ingredients not only add flavor but also texture. As you fold them in, you’ll want to keep the grapes whole, so be gentle to maintain their shape.

5. Once everything is mixed together, take a moment to taste your creation. This is the perfect time to adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary. The flavors should be balanced and the dressing creamy without being overpowering.

6. Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delightful.

7. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with additional cashews or grapes if you like. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are numerous ways to make the Easy Curried Chicken Salad your own. Whether you want to spice things up or modify it to suit your dietary needs, here are some ideas:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will develop even more, making it taste just as good the next day.
• Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze this salad without the cashews. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the cashews fresh.
• Pairing: Serve the salad over a bed of greens for an easy lunch. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
• Adding Fruits: Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Chopped apples or dried cranberries can add a sweet crunch!
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version that retains the protein punch.

What Complements This Easy Curried Chicken Salad

• Serve with Fresh Greens: This salad pairs exceptionally well with a fresh garden salad or a simple arugula mix.
• Great for Lunchtime: It’s perfect as a light lunch option, especially on warm days.
• Picnic Delight: Pack it for picnics or outings; it travels well and is sure to be a hit!
• Flavorful Wraps: Use this salad as a filling in whole grain wraps for a hearty meal.
• Chilled Soup Pairing: Consider serving it alongside a chilled soup for a refreshing meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Curried Chicken Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings joy to the table. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly seasoned chicken, it’s hard to resist this delightful salad. I encourage you to give it a try; it might just become your new favorite go-to meal!

Easy Curried Chicken Salad

The ultimate refreshing dish, Easy Curried Chicken Salad is a creamy delight filled with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a hint of spice. Perfect for quick lunches or picnics, it's a flavorful way to satisfy your cravings. Try making it tonight for a delicious, easy weeknight dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 breasts chicken cooked and diced (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey mustard
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup grapes sliced
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1/2 cup cashews
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add Greek yogurt, honey mustard, and curry powder. Whisk these together until they form a smooth, creamy dressing.
2. Next, season your mixture with Kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as you go.
3. Now, take your cooked and diced chicken and add it to the bowl. Gently fold it into the dressing, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated.
4. Add in the sliced grapes, diced celery, and cashews. These ingredients not only add flavor but also texture.
5. Once everything is mixed together, take a moment to taste your creation. This is the perfect time to adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
6. Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
7. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with additional cashews or grapes if you like. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience!

Notes

• Tip 1: For a quick meal use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Tip 2: To bake chicken - season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, place in a baking dish and cook at 375°F for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Tip 3: To make your own honey mustard, whisk together 1 teaspoon each of dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey with 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar.

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Meet Brooke Davis

I’m all about cozy, comforting food made with fresh, local ingredients. I develop most of our weeknight dinners and heartier main dishes. My specialty is taking a classic comfort food and giving it a bright, California twist. We all cook and test together, but I’m usually the one in charge of the main event and making sure every recipe is perfect.