Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews

Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews Recipe - Indian Cuisine

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet mangoes, crunchy cashews, and a creamy curry dressing. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal, whether served as a main course or as a side dish.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional chicken salad, incorporating exotic flavors and ingredients to create a unique and satisfying dish. The combination of curry powder, cumin, and fresh mangoes adds a tropical flair to the classic chicken salad, making it a standout dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken breasts, poached, skin and bones discarded, and the meat cut into bite-sized pieces (about 4 cups)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into 0.75" pieces
1 cup chopped celery
4 scallions, including the green part, minced
0.25 cup plain yogurt
0.25 cup mayonnaise (I used Weight Watchers' brand...no fat)
1.5 tsp curry powder
0.5 tsp ground cumin
1 cup roasted cashew nuts, chopped (I used 0.5 cup...it was fine)
2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, if desired

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, lemon juice, mangoes, celery, and scallions.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, and cumin.
Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
The salad can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Cover and chill.
Just before serving, stir in the cashews and coriander.
Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled, according to your preference.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add diced red bell pepper or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
Drizzle with a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.

- Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor and sweetness in the salad.

- Toasting the cashews before adding them to the salad will enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences – add more for a spicier salad or less for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or with a side of naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken in the lemon juice for added flavor and tenderness.

- Mix the dressing separately before adding it to the salad to ensure even distribution of flavors.

- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker and tangier dressing.

- Swap the mango for pineapple or peaches for a different fruity twist.

- Use almonds or peanuts instead of cashews for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the salad up to 1 day in advance, but wait to add the cashews and coriander until just before serving to maintain their crunch and freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews with a sprinkle of chopped fresh coriander and a few extra cashews for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this salad with a side of coconut rice, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains nuts (cashews)

Summary

This Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews 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 is perfect for a light and flavorful meal.

Summary

Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its exotic flavors and tropical ingredients, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah who had just returned from a trip to India. She had brought back with her a treasure trove of exotic spices and ingredients, and she couldn't wait to share some of her favorite recipes with me.

As we sat in her kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant scents of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, Sarah pulled out a faded old notebook from her bag. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe she was looking for - Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews.

"This is one of my absolute favorite dishes," she said, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "It's a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with the creamy texture of the mango and the crunch of the cashews. You have to try it."

I watched as Sarah effortlessly whipped up the dish, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that, tasting and adjusting until it was just right. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

The first bite was a revelation. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the warmth of the curry powder, the sweetness of the mango, the crunch of the cashews. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe until it was just the way I liked it. I have served it at family gatherings, parties, and potlucks, and it has always been a hit. People always ask me for the recipe, and I am more than happy to share it with them.

The key to making this dish is in the balance of flavors. The curry powder provides a rich, warm base, while the mango adds a touch of sweetness and the cashews bring a satisfying crunch. The chicken ties it all together, adding a hearty protein that makes this dish a complete meal.

To make Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews, start by marinating boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a mixture of curry powder, garlic, ginger, and yogurt. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Dice a ripe mango into small cubes, chop some roasted cashews, and finely slice a red onion. Mix these ingredients together in a large bowl, along with some chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Once the chicken has marinated, grill it until cooked through and slightly charred. Let it cool slightly, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the mango and cashew mixture. Toss everything together gently, being careful not to break up the mango too much.

In a small bowl, whisk together some mayonnaise, curry powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more curry powder or salt if necessary.

The finished dish should be a riot of colors and textures - the bright orange of the mango, the creamy white of the chicken, the deep brown of the cashews. The aroma should be spicy and fragrant, with hints of garlic and ginger. And the taste should be a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, with a satisfying crunch from the cashews.

I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I have. It has been a labor of love for me, and I am always thrilled to share it with others. Whether you serve it at a family dinner or a neighborhood barbecue, I am sure that Curried Cashew Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews will become a favorite in your household as well. Bon appétit!