If you’re searching for a simple yet flavorful lunch option, this Curry Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. With its perfect balance of savory spices and fresh ingredients, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and ideal for meal prepping your week ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Curry Chicken Salad
This salad is a real winner because it brings something different to the usual chicken salad routine. The curry powder adds a warm, aromatic touch that elevates the dish without overpowering it. You get a nice contrast between the sweet grapes and the slight tang of lime juice, which keeps every bite interesting. It’s also a versatile recipe — perfect for anyone who wants a nourishing meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The combination of Greek yogurt and avocado oil mayo makes the dressing creamy but lighter than traditional mayo-heavy salads, helping you feel satisfied without heaviness. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with family and friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this flavorful Curry Chicken Salad, gather these fresh ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1 cup grapes, chopped
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup avocado oil mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Curry Chicken Salad
Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Next, finely dice your celery and chop the grapes and green onions. The smaller you cut the ingredients, the better they’ll mix and the more balanced every forkful will be.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, grapes, slivered almonds, and green onion. This is the foundation of your salad where all the textures come together.
Now, prepare the dressing. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the avocado oil mayo, plain Greek yogurt, lime juice, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This mixture brings all the flavors together and coats the salad ingredients beautifully.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together, making sure every piece of chicken is coated evenly. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs more salt, pepper, or lime juice for extra zing.
Your Curry Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy immediately. You can serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld even more.
Serving Suggestions for Your Curry Chicken Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it as a light main dish on its own, especially on warm days when you want something cool and refreshing. It also pairs wonderfully with toasted bread or wrapped in a tortilla for a satisfying sandwich or wrap option.
For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. It can even be used as a filling for lettuce wraps if you want a low-carb option. The natural sweetness of the grapes and the creamy dressing make it a fantastic addition to any meal, whether casual or for a small gathering.
If you’re meal prepping, divide the salad into containers and pack it with some whole-grain crackers or pita chips for an easy lunch on the go. Because it keeps well, you’ll find it tastes just as good the next day.
Expert Tips to Perfect Your Curry Chicken Salad
- Use fresh curry powder for the best flavor. Old spices lose their punch and can make the dish taste dull.
- Shred the chicken finely so every bite includes a good mix of chicken and other ingredients.
- Adjust the mayo and yogurt ratio to your preference; if you want it lighter, use more yogurt and less mayo.
- If you like a bit of crunch, toast the slivered almonds lightly before adding them — it brings out their nuttiness.
- For an extra touch of freshness, add chopped cilantro or parsley if you enjoy herbs.
- Keep the grapes small and bite-sized so they distribute evenly through the salad without overpowering the texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after mixing — sometimes a bit more lime juice or salt can make a big difference.
How to Store Your Curry Chicken Salad
To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep. Make sure to stir it well before serving as the dressing might settle at the bottom.
Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the grapes and the creamy dressing won’t hold up well once thawed. Instead, prepare it fresh or plan to consume it within a few days for the best taste and texture.
Variations to Try with Your Curry Chicken Salad
Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different ingredients to keep it exciting. Try swapping the rotisserie chicken for cooked turkey or leftover grilled chicken for a slightly different flavor.
Add chopped apples or dried cranberries instead of grapes for a different sweet note. You can also switch almonds for walnuts or pecans for a richer nutty taste.
For those who like a bit more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika to the dressing. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a little bit of cream cheese or sour cream in place of some yogurt.
To make it vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas and use vegan mayo and yogurt alternatives. This version still packs plenty of flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curry Chicken Salad
What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
You can use leftover cooked chicken breast, grilled chicken, or even canned chicken if pressed for time.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to three days and tastes great when served cold.
Can I make this salad spicier?
Yes, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
Enjoy it on its own, in sandwiches or wraps, or as a side dish with fresh veggies or crackers.
Can I freeze Curry Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of the grapes and dressing. Best to store it refrigerated and consume within a few days.
Does this salad work for a low-carb diet?
Yes, you can skip the grapes or replace them with a low-carb fruit like berries, and enjoy it wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Curry Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup celery finely diced
- 1 cup grapes chopped
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 2 Tbsp. green onion chopped
- ½ cup avocado oil mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3.5 tsp. curry powder
- Juice of ½ lime
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. sea salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, grapes, slivered almonds, and green onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the avocado oil mayo, Greek yogurt, lime juice, curry powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for a couple of hours to enhance flavors.
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