Curried Chicken and Mango Salad

Curried Chicken and Mango Salad Recipe - Indian Cuisine

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Curried Chicken and Mango Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, sweet mangoes, and aromatic curry spices. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Indian cuisine, where the combination of curry spices and mangoes is a popular flavor pairing. The addition of chicken and yogurt gives this dish a protein boost, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken breast halves, diced
2 tbsp lime juice
2 mangos, peeled and chopped
2 tsp jalapeño, diced
4 scallions, sliced thin
0.25 cup plain nonfat yogurt
0.25 cup low fat mayonnaise
1.5 tsp curry powder
0.5 tsp cumin
salt and pepper
lettuce
2 tbsp cashews, chopped (optional)
1 tsp mango chutney

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, lime juice, mangoes, jalapeño, and scallions. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, mango chutney, curry powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the mixture to the chicken; toss. Arrange a mound of chicken on top of lettuce. Garnish each portion with 2 tsp of cashews if using.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Substitute Greek yogurt for the plain yogurt for a tangier dressing.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice preference.

- For a creamier dressing, add more yogurt and mayonnaise.

- Toast the cashews before adding them to the salad for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Curried Chicken and Mango Salad on a bed of lettuce for a light and refreshing meal. It can also be served with naan bread or rice for a more substantial dish.

Cooking Techniques

The chicken can be cooked by boiling, grilling, or baking before dicing it for the salad. The mangoes can be chopped into cubes or slices, depending on your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mango chutney, you can substitute with apricot preserves or honey for a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. Store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro leaves or additional mango slices for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This Curried Chicken and Mango Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling. It also goes well with a light beer or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamin C from the mangoes and lime juice, as well as vitamin A from the mangoes. It also provides a good amount of potassium and iron from the chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt, mayonnaise) and nuts (cashews). It may also contain gluten if the curry powder or mango chutney contains wheat.

Summary

This recipe is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while being relatively low in calories. It is a healthy and balanced meal option.

Summary

Curried Chicken and Mango Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With the combination of tender chicken, sweet mangoes, and aromatic curry spices, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She had always been a fantastic cook, and I knew that her collection of recipes would be a treasure trove of culinary delights.

As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and handwritten notes, my eyes fell upon a card with the words "Curried Chicken and Mango Salad" scrawled across it in elegant script. My curiosity was piqued, as I had never heard of such a dish before. I knew immediately that I had to try it.

I asked Mrs. Jenkins about the recipe, and she smiled fondly, reminiscing about the time she had first discovered it. She told me that she had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had picked it up during her travels to India many years ago. Mrs. Jenkins had since made it her own, tweaking the ingredients and adding her own special touch.

I couldn't wait to make the dish myself. Mrs. Jenkins graciously shared the recipe with me, and I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, sweet mango, and fragrant curry spices intrigued me, and I was eager to taste the final product.

I began by marinating the chicken in a blend of curry powder, garlic, ginger, and a splash of lemon juice. The aromas wafting from the kitchen were intoxicating, and I knew I was onto something special. While the chicken marinated, I diced ripe mangoes and mixed them with crunchy celery, sweet raisins, and toasted almonds.

Once the chicken had absorbed all the flavors of the marinade, I cooked it until it was golden brown and succulent. I let it cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces and tossing it with the mango mixture. The vibrant colors and textures of the salad were a feast for the eyes, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

I took a bite of the salad, and my taste buds were immediately greeted by a burst of flavors. The tender chicken was perfectly complemented by the sweet mango, crunchy celery, and plump raisins. The curry spices added a subtle heat that lingered on my palate, making each bite a delight to savor.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. They were all amazed by the unique combination of ingredients and flavors, and the dish quickly became a favorite at our gatherings.

As I continued to make the Curried Chicken and Mango Salad, I added my own twists and variations to the recipe. Sometimes I would add a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra crunch, or a dollop of tangy yogurt for a creamy finish. Each time I made the salad, I was reminded of Mrs. Jenkins and her generosity in sharing the recipe with me.

To this day, the Curried Chicken and Mango Salad remains one of my signature dishes. It is a testament to the power of sharing recipes and the joy of discovering new culinary creations. I am forever grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to this delightful dish, and I will always cherish the memory of the day I found the recipe that would become a beloved favorite in my kitchen.