Curry Chicken Salad

Curry Chicken Salad Recipe - Authentic Indian Dish with Chicken, Curry Powder, Apple, Grapes, and More

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

Introduction

Curry Chicken Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy curry dressing and a variety of crunchy and sweet ingredients. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish for a summer picnic.

History

Curry Chicken Salad is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is a fusion of traditional chicken salad recipes with the addition of curry powder, which adds a unique and exotic flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless, cooked chicken breast halves, chopped
0.5 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 tsp curry powder
0.25 tsp fresh ground pepper
0.25 cup celery, chopped
0.5 cup bell pepper (any color), seeded and chopped
1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped
0.5 cup red, seedless grapes, halved
0.25 cup slivered almonds
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, curry, and pepper.
Add the celery, bell pepper, apple, grapes, almonds, and water chestnuts and mix until well-coated.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cooked chicken breast for this recipe to save time.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

- For added crunch, toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the salad.

- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Curry Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce or spinach leaves for a light and refreshing meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Cooking Techniques

Use a rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.

- Shred the chicken instead of chopping for a different texture.

- Experiment with different curry powders to find your favorite flavor profile.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier alternative.

- Swap out the almonds for cashews or peanuts.

- Replace the water chestnuts with jicama or bamboo shoots.

Make Ahead Tips

Curry Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Curry Chicken Salad with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Curry Chicken Salad pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as fresh fruit, vegetable crudités, or a side of quinoa or couscous. It also goes well with a glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Curry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 20g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugars: 12g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 25g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

Vitamin C: 30%

Calcium: 6%

Iron: 10%

Alergens

Contains: Tree Nuts (almonds)

Summary

Curry Chicken Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious option for a light meal.

Summary

Curry Chicken Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish. With a creamy curry dressing, tender chicken, and a variety of crunchy and sweet ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Curry Chicken Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly bridge game. Margaret was always the one to bring the most delicious dishes to our gatherings, and this particular day was no exception.

As I walked into Margaret's kitchen, I was greeted by the most mouthwatering aroma of curry and spices. I followed my nose to the source of the scent and found Margaret standing over a large bowl of chicken salad, mixing in a generous amount of curry powder. The colors and flavors were like nothing I had ever seen before, and I knew I had to have the recipe.

Margaret smiled as she noticed my interest in her creation and beckoned me over to the kitchen counter. She handed me a weathered recipe card, explaining that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations. I held the card in my hands, taking in the simple yet detailed instructions for making the Curry Chicken Salad.

I thanked Margaret profusely for sharing the recipe with me and promised to make it for my family that weekend. As I left her house that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the delicious flavors I had experienced and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

That weekend, I gathered the ingredients for the Curry Chicken Salad and set to work in my own kitchen. As I mixed the curry powder with mayonnaise and yogurt, I couldn't help but think of Margaret and the bond we shared over our love of cooking. The salad came together beautifully, with the perfect balance of spicy curry, tender chicken, and crunchy vegetables.

I served the Curry Chicken Salad to my family that evening, and their faces lit up with delight as they took their first bites. The flavors were a hit with everyone, and they all asked for seconds. My husband even declared it the best chicken salad he had ever tasted.

From that moment on, the Curry Chicken Salad became a staple in our family meals. I made it for potlucks, picnics, and any occasion that called for a delicious and comforting dish. The recipe became a part of my cooking repertoire, and I proudly shared it with friends and neighbors who were eager to taste the magic of curry-infused chicken salad.

Over the years, I continued to make the Curry Chicken Salad, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I added raisins for a touch of sweetness, almonds for crunch, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Each batch was a labor of love, made with memories of Margaret and the joy of sharing good food with those I cared about.

As time passed, I learned that recipes were more than just a list of ingredients and instructions. They were a way to connect with others, to pass down traditions, and to create lasting memories. The Curry Chicken Salad recipe that Margaret shared with me became a symbol of our friendship and the joy of cooking together.

Now, as I look back on that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen, I am grateful for the gift of the Curry Chicken Salad recipe. It has brought me closer to my family, friends, and community, and has become a beloved part of my culinary legacy. I will always cherish the memories of making and sharing this dish, and I hope that it will continue to bring joy and comfort to those who taste it for years to come.