This Curry Chicken Salad Recipe is a vibrant twist on a classic, combining juicy chicken with creamy, tangy dressing and a medley of crunchy, sweet, and savory mix-ins. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and just the right amount of spice from the curry powder. Whether you’re looking to transform leftovers, brighten up your lunch routine, or wow guests at a picnic, this salad is guaranteed to perk up your table and your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Curry Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Curry Chicken Salad Recipe is in its simplicity; every single ingredient adds a special touch, from the creaminess of the base to the crunch and sweetness of the mix-ins. Gather these fresh, flavorful components and you’re already halfway to creating a deliciously memorable dish.

Cooked chicken (2 cups): Use chopped or shredded chicken—rotisserie chicken makes this ultra-easy and tender every time.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): This gives the salad its luxurious creaminess and binds everything together.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (1 tbsp): Adds a light tanginess to balance the richness; swap for extra yogurt if you want it lighter.
Curry powder (1 tbsp): The star of the show, infusing every bite with warmth and subtle spice.
Honey (1 tsp): Just a touch of sweetness brings out the flavors of the curry and offsets any bitterness.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Essential for drawing out all the savory notes in your salad.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle kick and balances the flavors.
Celery (1/4 cup, diced): Crisp and refreshing, it delivers a fantastic crunch.
Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Brings color and a gentle onion flavor that pops.
Golden raisins or dried cranberries (1/4 cup): These little gems add chewy, sweet bursts that complement the curry perfectly.
Cashews or almonds (1/4 cup, chopped): For extra crunch and a touch of nuttiness—toast them for even more flavor!
Fresh cilantro or parsley (1 tbsp, chopped, optional): For a fresh, herby finish that makes the salad sing.

How to Make Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl (so you’ll have plenty of room to toss everything together). Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, curry powder, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and golden from the curry. This is where the flavor magic begins!

Step 2: Fold in the Chicken and Crunchy Mix-ins

Add the chopped chicken, celery, red onion, raisins (or cranberries), and nuts right into your bowl with the dressing. Give everything a good toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated and every piece of chicken is hugged by that luscious curry dressing.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Now’s your chance to customize. Sample a spoonful and tweak the seasoning if needed—a pinch more salt, an extra sprinkle of curry, or a dash of honey depending on your preference. If you’re a fan of herbs, this is the moment to fold in the cilantro or parsley.

Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor

Transfer the salad to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This brief rest gives all the flavors a chance to meld, the spices to bloom, and the salad to become even more irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Curry Chicken Salad Recipe onto sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or a bed of fresh greens—however you like! Enjoy the colorful, delicious blend you’ve just created.

How to Serve Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

For the prettiest bowl, top your Curry Chicken Salad Recipe with extra chopped cilantro or parsley, a handful of toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for a little contrast. Adding a few extra golden raisins always invites compliments too!

Side Dishes

Pair your salad with crisp pita chips, warm naan, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Fresh fruit—like apple slices or grapes—makes a juicy accompaniment, while a glass of iced tea or lemonade rounds out a perfect lunch or light dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop the Curry Chicken Salad Recipe into halved avocados for an elegant presentation, stuff it inside pita bread for an on-the-go meal, or serve it as little lettuce cup appetizers at a gathering. It’s even gorgeous layered in a jar for portable meal prep!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making day-two lunches especially delicious!

Freezing

While you can freeze plain cooked chicken, the creamy mayonnaise-based dressing in this Curry Chicken Salad Recipe doesn’t thaw as smoothly—so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge rather than the freezer.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a quick stir, check the seasoning, and maybe freshen it up with a sprinkle of herbs before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Curry Chicken Salad Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute a dairy-free yogurt for the Greek yogurt or sour cream, and double-check that your mayonnaise is dairy-free. The taste will still be creamy and delicious.

What kind of chicken works best?

Any cooked, shredded, or chopped chicken is perfect—including rotisserie, grilled, or leftover roasted chicken. Using rotisserie chicken makes it extra quick and flavorful!

How do I make this salad spicier?

If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the curry powder. Adjust to your personal taste!

What fruits can I add for extra flavor?

Chopped apples, halved grapes, or even diced mango make wonderful additions for a juicy, fruity burst in every bite. Stir them in with the mix-ins for added texture and sweetness.

Can I prepare this Curry Chicken Salad Recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! Make a big batch and portion it out for quick, grab-and-go lunches. It holds up well in the fridge for several days and travels beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a salad that’s anything but boring, this Curry Chicken Salad Recipe should be at the top of your must-try list. It’s a joyful, easy dish that’s ready to make your lunches and gatherings extra special—so gather your ingredients and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors in every bite!

Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chill time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and creamy Curry Chicken Salad recipe that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This salad features tender chicken combined with a blend of spices, crunchy nuts, and sweet raisins, all tossed in a creamy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped cashews or almonds
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, celery, red onion, raisins, and nuts. Toss to coat evenly.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add more seasoning if needed.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve: Enjoy on sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or over greens.