Curry Chicken Salad
Cuisine: American Type: Salad

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Cooked Chicken Breast
2 cups (480)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (240)
Curry Powder
2 tablespoons (28)
Celery
1 cup (120)
Red Onion
1 cup (160)
Raisins
1 cup (145)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Lettuce Leaves
4 leaves (40)
Totals
43 oz
(1,223 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Chicken
250
Mayonnaise
90
Curry Powder
10
Celery
10
Red Onion
10
Raisins
50
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Lettuce
5
Totals
425 kcal
Steps
1. Start by cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can either grill, bake, or poach them until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Allow the chicken to cool completely.
2. Once the chicken is cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add diced celery, red onion, and red bell pepper to the bowl with the chicken. These vegetables will add crunch and flavor to the salad.
4. In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
5. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more curry powder, salt, or pepper according to your preference.
7. At this point, you can choose to add additional ingredients to enhance the flavors. Some common options include chopped almonds or cashews for added crunch, dried cranberries or raisins for sweetness, or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for freshness.
8. Once you are satisfied with the flavor and texture of the salad, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Before serving, give the salad a final toss to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. You can garnish it with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of curry powder for presentation.
10. Serve the curry chicken salad chilled as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or on a bed of lettuce as a salad. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Curry Chicken Salad:
1. Curry Powder:
- Garam Masala: Use the same quantity as curry powder.
- Turmeric Powder: Use half the quantity of curry powder and add a pinch of ground cumin and coriander for flavor.
2. Mayonnaise:
- Greek Yogurt: Use the same quantity as mayonnaise for a healthier option.
- Sour Cream: Use the same quantity as mayonnaise for a tangier taste.
3. Lemon Juice:
- Lime Juice: Use the same quantity as lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
4. Chicken Breast:
- Canned Chicken: Drain and use the same quantity as chicken breast, but adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Tofu: Use firm tofu and cut into small cubes for a vegetarian alternative.
5. Celery:
- Bell Pepper: Use the same quantity as celery, finely chopped, for a different crunch and flavor.
- Cucumber: Use the same quantity as celery, finely chopped, for a refreshing twist.
6. Green Onions:
- Red Onion: Use the same quantity as green onions, finely chopped, for a milder onion flavor.
7. Grapes:
- Dried Cranberries: Use the same quantity as grapes for a sweet and tart substitution.
- Apple: Use the same quantity as grapes, finely chopped, for a crisp and slightly sweet alternative.
8. Almonds:
- Cashews: Use the same quantity as almonds for a creamy and slightly sweet nut substitute.
- Sunflower Seeds: Use the same quantity as almonds for a nutty crunch.
Note: Adjust the seasoning and spices according to taste when substituting ingredients.
Pairings
- Naan bread
- Basmati rice
- Mango chutney
- Cucumber raita
- Papadums
- Pickled onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Coconut milk-based curry soup
- Spiced lentil soup
- Vegetable samosas
- Masala chai tea
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Use edible flowers or microgreens as a garnish to add color and visual appeal.
- Serve the curry chicken salad in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell for a tropical touch.
- Plate the salad on a bed of mixed greens or lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add toasted nuts like cashews or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Incorporate diced apples or grapes for a refreshing and sweet burst of flavor.
- Mix in shredded coconut or coconut flakes to enhance the tropical notes in the curry.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular chicken with poached or grilled chicken breast for a tender and juicy texture.
- Use high-quality curry powder or paste to intensify the flavor and aroma.
- Add a touch of truffle oil or truffle-infused mayonnaise for a luxurious and earthy twist.
Remember, these enhancements are suggestions to elevate your curry chicken salad, and you can mix and match them based on your personal preferences and desired level of fanciness.
Diet Restrictions
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier, lower-fat dressing option.
- Add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers to increase fiber and nutrient content.
- Use whole grain bread or lettuce wraps instead of regular bread for a gluten-free or low-carb option.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari and limiting added salt.
- Increase spice and flavor with herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, or ginger instead of excessive salt or high-sodium seasonings.
- Consider adding nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds for added texture and healthy fats.
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- If lactose intolerant, omit any dairy-based ingredients and use lactose-free yogurt or vegan alternatives.
- Adjust the level of spiciness according to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
Healthy Choices
- Use grilled or baked chicken breast instead of fried chicken to reduce the amount of unhealthy fats.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mixture of Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise to decrease the calorie and fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the salad, such as adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers, for added nutrients and fiber.
- Opt for whole grain bread or lettuce wraps instead of white bread for a healthier serving option.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to enhance the flavor without adding extra calories or sodium.
- Consider adding a small amount of chopped nuts or seeds, like almonds or sunflower seeds, to add healthy fats and crunch.
- Reduce the amount of added salt by using low-sodium curry powder or making your own spice blend with less salt.
- Include a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to add tanginess and brightness to the salad without adding extra calories or fat.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken instead of cooking it from scratch.
2. Opt for store-bought curry powder: Instead of making your own curry blend, use a good quality store-bought curry powder to save time and money.
3. Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt: Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier and cheaper alternative without compromising flavor.
4. Utilize frozen vegetables: Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and reduce costs.
5. Bulk up with affordable ingredients: Add inexpensive ingredients like diced apples, raisins, or chopped celery to stretch the salad and make it more filling without breaking the bank.
6. Make it a day ahead: Allow the flavors to meld by making the curry chicken salad a day in advance, saving you time on the day you plan to serve it.
7. Skip the fancy garnishes: While garnishes like fresh herbs or nuts add a nice touch, omitting them will save time and money without affecting the overall taste significantly.
8. Serve it creatively: Instead of using expensive bread or rolls, serve the curry chicken salad over a bed of lettuce or in a wrap to cut costs and preparation time.
9. Use a food processor: Speed up the chopping process by using a food processor to quickly dice onions, garlic, or any other ingredients that require fine chopping.
10. Double the recipe for leftovers: Prepare a larger batch of curry chicken salad to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week, saving you time on future meal preparations.