Curried Chicken Salad

This Curried Chicken Salad features a delicious combination of tender chicken, crisp green onions, crunchy almonds, cilantro, and sweet apples, elevated by a creamy mayo dressing with a flavorful Indian-inspired blend of curry, lime, and honey. This quick and easy lunch recipe can be made in just 15 minutes and is perfect for meal prep, thanks to the time-saving ease of rotisserie chicken.

Jump to:

• Ingredients Needed to Make Curried Chicken Salad
• Tips for Making the Perfect Curried Chicken Salad
• How to Make Curried Chicken Salad: Step-By-Step Instructions
• Creative Serving Ideas for Curried Chicken Salad
• Prepping and Storing
• Essential Tools for Making Curried Chicken Salad
• Explore More Quick and Easy Rotisserie Chicken Recipes
• Curried Chicken Salad

Ingredients Needed to Make Curried Chicken Salad

• Chicken: You'll need approximately 1 ½ pounds of chicken, diced or shredded for this quick chicken salad recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts.
• Green Onions: Add a fresh and slightly sharp flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro infuses the salad with a delightful burst of herbaceousness.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise provides the creamy base of the dressing. I like this one best, but you can use whichever mayo you prefer.
• Honey: Imparts a subtle sweetness to the dressing.
• Lime Juice: The acid in lime brings a tangy and citrusy dimension to the salad that is essential for balancing flavors. If you don’t have lime, you can use a smaller amount of lemon juice in a pinch.
• Lime Zest: Adds a zesty kick.
• Apple: Provides a crisp and sweet flavor to the salad. I prefer using Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter flavor, or Granny Smith apples for a more tart flavor.
• Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds add an extra satisfying crunch.
• Curry Powder: Infuses the salad with warm and aromatic spices.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, kosher salt brings out the flavors of all the ingredients. Diamond Crystal Kosher salt is a staple in my pantry.
• Cracked Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and depth, enhancing the aroma and balancing flavors.

Tips for Making the Perfect Curried Chicken Salad

By following these tips, you can ensure your Curried Chicken Salad has a perfectly balanced blend of flavors and texture!

• Use fresh and crisp produce: Elevate the flavors of your Curried Chicken Salad by using fresh and crisp ingredients. Opt for vibrant green onions, aromatic cilantro, and firm, unbruised apples for a perfect crunch in every bite.
• Utilize rotisserie chicken for time-saving convenience: Rotisserie chicken makes for a flavorful and time-efficient foundation to your easy chicken salad. Alternatively, you can use leftover cooked chicken, ensuring it's tender and well-cooked for optimal results.
• Customize the dressing: While my provided measurements for mayonnaise, honey, lime, and curry powder offer a fantastic starting point, don't hesitate to adjust them to suit your personal taste. Add more honey for extra sweetness, or increase the curry powder for a bolder spice profile.
• Allow the flavors to meld: After combining the ingredients and dressing, you can certainly serve this Indian-inspired chicken salad right away, but if you have a bit more time, I highly suggest refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more delicious salad.
• Variations and customizations: While the base recipe is delightful, you have the flexibility to create your own variations. Consider adding ingredients like raisins or other dried fruit, diced bell peppers, or even toasted coconut for additional texture and flavor. The apple can be swapped out for grapes or mangoes, and the almonds can be swapped out in place of cashews. The possibilities are endless.
• Serve with accompaniments: Enhance the presentation and flavor of your rotisserie salad by garnishing it with extra cilantro, sliced almonds, or even a few apple slices. For a heartier dish, consider adding a side of flatbread like naan or a bed of salad greens.

How to Make Curried Chicken Salad: Step-By-Step Instructions

Creating this delicious Curried Chicken Salad is super easy. Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to prepare this easy 15-minute meal:

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, lime juice, and lime zest. Season with curry powder (1 ¼-1 ½ tsp), kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to taste.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, chopped green onions, cilantro, diced apples, and sliced almonds. Pour the creamy dressing over top and gently toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats the ingredients. Ensure that each element is beautifully coated with the creamy, aromatic curry dressing.
3. Optionally Chill to Meld Flavors: You can serve the chicken salad immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes or more before serving to allow the flavors to continue to meld. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more delicious salad.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with additional cilantro or sliced almonds right before serving, if desired. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

Creative Serving Ideas for Curried Chicken Salad

Your Curried Chicken Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving ideas to help you savor this quick and tasty salad:

• Classic Salad: Serve your Curried Chicken Salad atop a bed of fresh, crisp greens such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula.
• Wrap It Up: Fill tortillas or flatbreads like naan or roti with your Curried Chicken Salad, adding a handful of greens for a delightful wrap. It makes for a convenient and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
• Sandwich Sensation: Create a mouthwatering sandwich by layering the salad between slices of your favorite bread. Add some lettuce and tomato for extra freshness.
• Filling for Pita Pockets: Stuff pita pockets with Curried Chicken Salad and some extra greens for a satisfying and portable meal option.
• Stuffed Avocado: Hollow out ripe avocados and stuff them with Curried Chicken Salad for a creamy and nutritious low-carb twist. A squeeze of lime juice on top enhances the flavors.
• Crunchy Lettuce Cups: Scoop the rotisserie chicken salad into large lettuce leaves to create crunchy lettuce cups. It's a low-carb option that's perfect for a light and healthy lunch idea.
• Party Appetizer: Spoon small portions of the salad onto cucumber slices or crackers for an elegant and flavorful appetizer at your next gathering.
• Protein-Packed Bowl: Make a protein-packed bowl by placing the salad on a base of quinoa or brown rice. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Prepping and Storing

Curried Chicken Salad is an ideal candidate for easy meal prep. Prepare a larger batch during your cooking sessions, portion it into airtight containers for grab-and-go lunches, or quick dinners. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three to four days. Perfect for a convenient and flavorful meal ready whenever you need it, whether it's for a speedy lunch or a hassle-free dinner option.

Essential Tools for Making Curried Chicken Salad

• A cutting board
• A chef’s knife
• A kitchen scale (or measuring cups for less precise measurements)
• Measuring spoons
• A large mixing bowl
• A silicone spatula
• A citrus zester
• A citrus juicer

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Explore More Quick and Easy Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Love this Curried Chicken Salad recipe? You'll love these additional scrumptious recipes that are just as effortless to prepare and equally delicious. Discover more quick and tasty ways to enjoy rotisserie chicken in your meals.

• French Chicken Salad
• Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
• Chicken Poblano Chili
• BBQ Chicken Pizza

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