Chicken Curry Salad

Hawaiian Chicken Curry Salad Recipe

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken curry salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of fruits and spices. This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Chicken curry salad is a popular dish that originated in the United States in the 1960s. It was inspired by traditional Indian curry dishes, but with a twist of American flavors. The combination of chicken, fruits, and curry spices creates a unique and tasty salad that has become a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

1 (12.5 oz (354 g)) can of chunk chicken breasts
0.5 cup of diced celery
1 medium fuji apple, chopped
1 cup of drained pineapple chunks
2 tbsp of plump raisins
2 tsp of toasted sesame seeds
5 tbsp of mayonnaise
0.5 tsp of curry powder
0.25 tsp of salt

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, apple, pineapple, raisins, and 1.5 tsp of sesame seeds.
Mix mayonnaise, curry powder, and salt together.
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds on top.
Serve the dish by itself or over a bed of greens.

Variations

Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for extra crunch and protein.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter and tangier dressing.
Mix in diced red bell pepper or cucumber for added freshness and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the canned chicken breasts and pineapple chunks before adding them to the salad to prevent excess liquid.

- Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad will enhance their nutty flavor.

- For a creamier texture, you can add more mayonnaise to the salad mixture.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken curry salad on a bed of mixed greens or with a side of whole grain bread for a complete meal. It can also be served as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Cooking Techniques

Use a rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quicker preparation.

- Marinate the chicken in curry powder and yogurt before cooking for a more intense flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned tuna or cooked shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

- Swap out the fuji apple for a granny smith apple or pear for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken curry salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Add the sesame seeds just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the chicken curry salad with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the chicken curry salad with a glass of chilled white wine, such as a sauvignon blanc or riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken curry salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra dressing to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 22g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 17g

Fats

Total Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

Vitamin C: 10%

Calcium: 2%

Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains: Eggs

Summary

This chicken curry salad is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Chicken curry salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a combination of savory chicken, sweet fruits, and aromatic spices, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious recipe today!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken Curry Salad. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn everything I could about cooking from my mother and grandmother.

One summer day, my mother invited a friend over for lunch. This friend was an adventurous cook, always trying out new recipes from different cuisines. She brought along a dish that she called Chicken Curry Salad, a colorful and fragrant dish that immediately caught my eye.

As I watched her prepare the salad, I was mesmerized by the way she combined ingredients like tender chunks of chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy curry dressing. The aroma of the curry spices filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I asked her where she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she told me that she had picked up the recipe during her travels to India. She had spent some time there learning about the local cuisine, and this salad was one of her favorite discoveries.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make Chicken Curry Salad. I begged my mother's friend to teach me the recipe, and she gladly obliged. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a blend of spices, how to chop the vegetables just right, and how to mix up the creamy dressing that tied everything together.

After that day, Chicken Curry Salad became a staple in our household. My family loved the exotic flavors and textures of the dish, and I loved the feeling of satisfaction that came from mastering a new recipe.

Over the years, I have made Chicken Curry Salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add a bit more curry powder for extra spice, or throw in some raisins for a touch of sweetness. But no matter how I change it up, the basic elements of the dish remain the same.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the knowledge that was once shared with me. It has become a favorite at potlucks and picnics, always disappearing quickly as people go back for seconds and thirds.

I like to think of Chicken Curry Salad as a symbol of my culinary journey, a dish that represents my love of cooking and my willingness to try new things. It reminds me of that young girl who watched in awe as her mother's friend created something magical in the kitchen, and who was determined to recreate that magic for herself.

So the next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, consider making Chicken Curry Salad. It's a dish that is sure to impress and delight, just as it did for me all those years ago. And who knows, maybe it will become a favorite in your household too.