Curried Chicken Salad I
Curried Chicken Salad I Recipe
Introduction
Curried Chicken Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, sweet grapes, and a tangy curry dressing creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
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 being created over the years.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup green grapes, halved
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 1 tbsp dried currants
Dressing
- 1 cup low fat yogurt
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tsp lime juice
- pinch of white pepper
How to prepare
- Poach the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes.
- Drain, let them cool, and cut them into 1" cubes.
- Place the chicken cubes in a bowl with the salad ingredients.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients.
- Gently fold the dressing into the salad.
- Chill the salad.
- The salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
Variations
- Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for extra crunch.
- Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of the salad.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to poach the chicken breasts gently to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the curry dressing before adding it to the salad.
- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and fruits for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Curried Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or with a side of whole grain bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Poaching the chicken breasts ensures they remain moist and tender.
- Whisking the dressing ingredients together helps to evenly distribute the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a creamier dressing.
- Substitute the curry powder with garam masala for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
The Curried Chicken Salad can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a platter for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Curried Chicken Salad with a side of naan bread or rice for a complete meal.
- Serve with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
220 per serving
Carbohydrates
18g per serving
Fats
5g per serving
Proteins
25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium from the vegetables and fruits.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and may contain gluten if served with bread or crackers.
Summary
Curried Chicken Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Curried Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With a flavorful curry dressing, tender chicken, and a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
. The vibrant colors and exotic spices called out to me, beckoning me to try my hand at creating this delicious dish. Little did I know that this recipe would become one of my signature dishes, a favorite among my family and friends.
I first came across the recipe for Curried Chicken Salad at a potluck dinner hosted by a dear friend many years ago. As soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant curry was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.
I approached my friend after the dinner and asked her for the recipe. She was more than happy to share it with me, explaining each step in detail. I listened intently, taking mental notes and making sure to ask any questions that came to mind. As soon as I got home, I set to work recreating the dish in my own kitchen.
The first attempt was a bit of a disaster. I had underestimated the amount of curry powder needed and ended up with a dish that was overwhelmingly spicy. But I didn't let that deter me. I made adjustments to the recipe, tweaking the seasonings and proportions until I had perfected it to my liking.
Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different ingredients. I found that adding a hint of honey to the dressing gave the salad a subtle sweetness that balanced out the spice of the curry. I also discovered that using a mix of both white and dark meat chicken added depth of flavor and a variety of textures.
As I continued to make Curried Chicken Salad for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, it became a dish that people looked forward to. They would always ask me for the recipe, and I would gladly share it with them, just as my friend had done for me all those years ago.
But the recipe for Curried Chicken Salad didn't stop there. I learned new techniques and flavor combinations from different sources, incorporating them into the dish to make it even more special. I picked up tips from cooking shows, recipe books, and even online tutorials, always looking for ways to elevate my beloved recipe.
One day, I was at a market picking out fresh ingredients for my Curried Chicken Salad when I struck up a conversation with a fellow shopper. She mentioned that she had a secret ingredient that she always added to her curries to give them an extra kick. Intrigued, I asked her to share her secret with me.
She smiled mischievously and whispered, "A pinch of cayenne pepper." I was surprised by such a simple addition, but I decided to give it a try. And sure enough, that tiny pinch of cayenne pepper added a subtle heat that elevated the flavors of the dish to a whole new level.
As I continued to make Curried Chicken Salad, I found that each batch was a little different from the last. Sometimes I would add toasted almonds for crunch, other times I would toss in some raisins for a touch of sweetness. But no matter how I decided to customize the dish, it always remained true to its roots – a fragrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that never failed to impress.
And so, that is how I learned to make Curried Chicken Salad – through a combination of trial and error, inspiration from others, and a never-ending curiosity for new flavors and techniques. It has become a staple in my recipe repertoire, a dish that brings people together and fills their hearts with warmth and joy. I am grateful for all the lessons and experiences that have led me to this point, and I look forward to sharing this beloved recipe with many more generations to come.
Categories
| Celery Recipes | Chicken Breast Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Currant Recipes | Curry Recipes | Green Grape Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Indian Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes |