Curry Chicken Salad

As I sat down one warm summer afternoon, I couldn’t help but crave a dish that was both refreshing and satisfying. That’s when the thought of Curry Chicken Salad popped into my mind. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy apples, and the unique twist of curry always brings a smile to my face. It’s a recipe that I often whip up when I have friends over or when I want a light yet filling meal. The vibrant colors and bold flavors instantly transport me to a sunny picnic, and I just know it’s going to be a hit at any gathering.

Recipe Ingredients for Curry Chicken Salad

When it comes to the ingredients for Curry Chicken Salad, each component plays a unique role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Fresh, crisp ingredients paired with a creamy dressing make this dish irresistible. Here are the key players:

• ½ cup Paleo Mayonnaise – If you’re short on time, you can always buy ready-made options like Primal Kitchen Mayo for a creamy base.
• ¾ teaspoon Indian curry powder – This spice adds warmth and depth, taking the salad to another level.
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
• Freshly ground black pepper – A dash of this adds a hint of spice to the mix.
• 1 small Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apple – Sweet and crunchy, adding a refreshing touch.
• Juice from ½ medium lime – This gives a zesty brightness that complements the other flavors.
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thighs – The star protein of the dish that makes it hearty.
• ½ cup packed fresh cilantro – This herb brings a fresh and vibrant flavor, making each bite exciting.
• 2 scallions – Their mild onion flavor adds a nice crunch and color.
• ¼ cup almond slivers – Toasted for added crunch and a nutty finish.

Instructions for Curry Chicken Salad

Preparing Curry Chicken Salad is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! Follow along as we create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

1. First, make the curried mayonnaise. In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup Paleo mayonnaise, ¾ teaspoon Indian curry powder, 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Always remember to taste your food to adjust the seasoning if needed. You want a creamy texture that’s well-seasoned.
2. In a separate bowl, toss the diced 1 small Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apple with the juice from ½ medium lime. This step is crucial! It prevents the apples from turning brown and adds a zesty flavor that brightens the salad.
3. Next, shred the 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thighs by hand. You can use your fingers or two forks to get the right texture, making sure it’s bite-sized for easy eating.
4. Now, combine the shredded chicken with the acidulated apples in the bowl. The lime juice-coated apples give a sweet contrast to the savory chicken, creating a delightful flavor profile.
5. Add in the ½ cup packed fresh cilantro and 2 scallions that have been trimmed and thinly sliced. Toss everything together gently until well combined. The herbs will bring freshness and color to your salad.
6. Finally, fold in the curried mayonnaise mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. You want to see the beautiful colors of the ingredients shining through the dressing.
7. Top the salad with ¼ cup almond slivers that you’ve toasted lightly. This adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite more enjoyable.
8. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, but I doubt it will last that long!

Make It Your Own

There are countless ways to personalize your Curry Chicken Salad. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Storage: Leftover Curry Chicken Salad can be stored in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the dressing will become watery when thawed.
• Variations: Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
• Serving Styles: Try serving it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Spice Adjustment: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mayonnaise.

Serving Options for Curry Chicken Salad

When it comes to serving Curry Chicken Salad, there are so many delicious options to explore. Here are some ideas:

• On a Bed of Greens: Serve it over a mix of fresh greens for a refreshing lunch.
• Sandwich Filling: Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It’s perfect for a picnic!
• Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.
• Appetizer for Gatherings: This salad can be served in individual cups as an elegant appetizer at parties.
• Seasonal Pairings: It complements summer BBQs or casual gatherings with friends.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Curry Chicken Salad stands out for its unique blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful dish you can enjoy any time of year. I encourage you to whip up this salad for your next gathering or for a quick, satisfying lunch. It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress and become a favorite in your home.

Curry Chicken Salad

The ultimate comfort food for summer gatherings! This Curry Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, crunchy apples, and a creamy curry dressing for a refreshing dish. Perfect for picnics or quick lunches, it’s not just easy to make, but also packed with flavor. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup Paleo Mayonnaise If you don’t feel like making it, buy Primal Kitchen Mayo.
• ¾ teaspoon Indian curry powder
• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apple Peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch dice.
• ½ medium lime Juice from this.
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast or thighs
• ½ cup fresh cilantro Packed and thoroughly chopped.
• 2 scallions Trimmed and thinly sliced.
• ¼ cup almond slivers Toasted.

Equipment

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

Method

 

1. First, make the curried mayonnaise. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Always remember to taste your food to adjust the seasoning if needed.
2. In a separate bowl, toss the apple chunks with the lime juice. This step is crucial! It prevents the apples from turning brown and adds a zesty flavor that brightens the salad.
3. Next, shred the chicken by hand. You can use your fingers or two forks to get the right texture, making sure it’s bite-sized for easy eating.
4. Now, combine the shredded chicken with the acidulated apples in the bowl. The lime juice-coated apples give a sweet contrast to the savory chicken, creating a delightful flavor profile.
5. Add in the cilantro and scallions. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
6. Finally, fold in the curried mayonnaise mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. You want to see the beautiful colors of the ingredients shining through the dressing.
7. Top the salad with almond slivers that you've toasted lightly. This adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite more enjoyable.
8. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftover curry chicken salad can be stored in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
• Tip 2: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the dressing will become watery when thawed.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.