Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad

Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy vegetables with a creamy curry dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Indian curry dishes. The combination of curry powder, yogurt, and honey in the dressing gives this salad a unique and exotic flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 cooked chicken, skinned, boned, and cut into small cubes
3 cups cooked rice
2 cans (11 oz each) mandarin oranges, drained
0.5 medium-sized red onion, sliced
1 rib of celery, thinly sliced
0.75 cup plain yogurt
0.25 cup honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp curry powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.33 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, oranges, onion, and celery. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
In a small bowl, combine yogurt, honey, lemon juice, curry, and salt. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. To serve, pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Sprinkle with peanuts.

Variations

Add raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute Greek yogurt for the plain yogurt for a tangier dressing.
Add chopped cilantro or mint for a fresh herb flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the salad and dressing before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite fruits or vegetables, such as grapes, apples, or bell peppers.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute tofu or chickpeas for the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or spinach for a light and refreshing meal. You can also enjoy it on its own or with a side of crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the salad.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use leftover cooked turkey or pork in place of the chicken.

- Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad and dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply toss the salad with the dressing and sprinkle with peanuts.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. You can also enjoy it with a light beer or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and dairy (yogurt), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a creamy curry dressing, tender chicken, sweet mandarin oranges, and crunchy vegetables, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for a leisurely lunch in her beautiful garden. As we sat at her outdoor table, sipping on iced tea and catching up on each other's lives, Margaret brought out a large bowl of Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad that she had prepared.

I had never tasted anything quite like it before – the combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and tangy curry dressing was simply heavenly. I took one bite and knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

"Margaret, this salad is absolutely divine. Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.

Margaret smiled warmly and handed me a handwritten recipe card. "Of course, dear. I learned this recipe from a friend of mine many years ago. It's been a favorite in my family ever since."

I thanked Margaret profusely and made a mental note to recreate the Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad as soon as I returned home. As I sat at her table, savoring each bite of the delicious salad, I couldn't help but marvel at the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

When I got back to my own kitchen, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients to make the Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad. I carefully followed Margaret's instructions, chopping the vegetables, poaching the chicken, and mixing up the curry dressing. As the salad came together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement. I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own recipe repertoire.

The first time I served the Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad to my family, they were blown away by its delicious flavors and textures. My husband declared it his new favorite dish, and my children eagerly asked for second helpings. I knew then that this recipe would be a keeper for years to come.

Over the years, I have made the Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I have shared it with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have become friends after tasting it. Each time I make this salad, I am reminded of that sunny day in Margaret's garden, where I first discovered the magic of this dish.

I have since learned that the recipe for Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad has a long and storied history. It originated in India, where curry is a staple in many dishes. The combination of curry powder, mayonnaise, and lemon juice creates a tangy and flavorful dressing that complements the chicken and vegetables perfectly.

I have also discovered that there are many variations of this recipe, each one unique and delicious in its own way. Some add raisins or nuts for extra texture, while others use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier twist. I have tried these variations myself and found them all to be delightful in their own right.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the recipe for Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad, I am filled with gratitude for all the people who have shared their culinary wisdom with me over the years. From Margaret to my own mother and grandmother, each one has played a role in shaping my love for cooking and creating delicious meals for my loved ones.

I hope that one day my own grandchildren will gather around my table, enjoying a bowl of Crunchy Curried Chicken Salad and creating their own cherished memories. For now, I will continue to cook and share this recipe with anyone who is lucky enough to taste it. After all, good food is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all.