Curried Chicken Salad

Indian Curried Chicken Salad Recipe with Yogurt and Ginger

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Curried Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy curry dressing. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be served on its own or as a sandwich filling. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Curried Chicken Salad is believed to have originated in India, where curry spices are commonly used in cooking. The dish has since become popular in Western cuisine, with many variations and adaptations. The combination of curry powder, yogurt, and fresh vegetables creates a refreshing and aromatic salad that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1.5 cup plain fat-free or low-fat yogurt
1 tbsp curry powder
0.5 tsp ground ginger
1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into 0.5 inch cubes
3 celery stalks, diced
0.5 small red onion, diced
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, curry powder, and ginger.
Stir in chicken, celery, onion, and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the flavor.

Variations

Add diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier dressing.
Mix in toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

- For a more intense curry flavor, you can add more curry powder to the dressing.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, peas, or raisins.

- Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Curried Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens.

- Enjoy the salad as a sandwich filling with whole grain bread or wraps.

- Pair the salad with fresh fruit or a side of quinoa for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Poach the chicken breasts in water or chicken broth for a moist and tender texture.

- Marinate the chicken in the curry dressing for extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- Substitute cooked turkey or tofu for the chicken for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

- Store the salad and dressing separately to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a drizzle of olive oil. - Serve the salad in a hollowed-out pineapple or avocado for a fun and festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Curried Chicken Salad with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

- Serve the salad with a side of naan bread or pita chips for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the salad gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 10g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 8%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains dairy (yogurt)

Summary

Curried Chicken Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a light meal or snack.

Summary

Curried Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light meal or snack. With a creamy curry dressing and a mix of fresh vegetables, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it on its own or as a sandwich filling for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm summer day, and I was perusing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye - Curried Chicken Salad. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful curry dressing sounded absolutely divine.

I had never made a curry dish before, but I was eager to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients I would need - chicken breasts, red grapes, celery, and a variety of spices to create the curry dressing. I set to work in the kitchen, chopping and sautéing, until the fragrant aroma of curry filled the air.

As I mixed the dressing with the cooked chicken, grapes, and celery, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This dish was unlike anything I had ever made before, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When I took my first bite of the Curried Chicken Salad, I was immediately transported to a world of bold flavors and textures. The curry dressing was rich and complex, with just the right amount of heat to balance out the sweetness of the grapes. The tender chicken and crunchy vegetables added a satisfying contrast, making each bite a delight for the senses.

I knew then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my culinary repertoire. Over the years, I have made this Curried Chicken Salad for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. It has become a beloved favorite among my friends and loved ones, who always ask for the recipe after tasting it for the first time.

But the story of how I learned to make this delicious dish goes beyond just following a recipe in a cookbook. As with many of the recipes I hold dear, this one has a special place in my heart because of the memories and experiences that are tied to it.

I first learned how to make Curried Chicken Salad from a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Patel. Mrs. Patel was a neighbor who had emigrated from India many years ago, bringing with her a treasure trove of traditional recipes and cooking techniques. She had a keen eye for flavors and a generous spirit, always willing to share her knowledge with those around her.

One day, Mrs. Patel invited me over to her home for a cooking lesson. As we stood side by side in her kitchen, she guided me through the process of making Curried Chicken Salad from scratch. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a blend of spices, how to sauté the vegetables until they were just tender, and how to create a creamy curry dressing that would tie everything together.

But it wasn't just the technical aspects of cooking that Mrs. Patel taught me that day. She also shared with me the importance of cooking with love and intention, of using food as a way to connect with others and create lasting memories. As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, Mrs. Patel told me stories of her childhood in India, of the flavors and aromas that had shaped her own culinary journey.

From that day on, whenever I make Curried Chicken Salad, I think of Mrs. Patel and the wisdom she imparted to me. I think of the laughter we shared in her kitchen, the stories we exchanged over a shared meal. And I am reminded that cooking is about so much more than just following a recipe - it is a way to nourish not only our bodies, but also our souls.

As I continue to make Curried Chicken Salad for my family and friends, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned along the way. I am grateful for the connections I have forged through food, and for the memories that this dish evokes each time I make it.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, preparing a meal for loved ones, remember that each dish has a story to tell. Whether it's a simple salad or a complex curry, the recipes we create and share are a reflection of who we are and where we come from. And in the act of cooking and sharing food, we can create lasting bonds that will nourish us for years to come.