If you’ve ever wished your lunch-hour chicken salad could whisk you away on a flavor adventure, you’re going to fall head over heels for Curried Chicken Salad. This delicious spin on the classic combines creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet notes with warm curry spices, crunchy veggies, juicy grapes, and a fresh herbal finish. Whether you’re dressing up a picnic spread, prepping make-ahead meals, or simply craving something colorful and vibrant, this Curried Chicken Salad is the kind of dish you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Curried Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how easy it is to pull off such a lively recipe with just a handful of familiar toppings and pantry staples. Every ingredient has a starring role, bringing either irresistible crunch, satisfying creaminess, or a pop of bold flavor and color that makes this Curried Chicken Salad totally unforgettable.

Chicken Breast: Use diced or shredded cooked chicken for a hearty, protein-packed base—rotisserie chicken makes this super quick!
Mayonnaise: Adds a rich, creamy texture and brings all the flavors together.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Lends some tang and lightens up the dressing, cutting through the richness perfectly.
Curry Powder: The hero of the dish, infusing everything with warm, aromatic spice.
Honey: Balances out the curry’s heat and brings subtle sweetness that marries beautifully with the savory elements.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity to brighten the whole salad and keep it tasting fresh.
Celery: For essential crunch and a cool vegetal note that contrasts those cozy curry flavors.
Red Onion: Adds color and a zingy bite, rounding out the salad’s layers of taste.
Red Grapes (or Golden Raisins): Their juicy sweetness pops in every bite—feel free to use whichever you have on hand.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: A handful of herbs makes every spoonful sing with freshness and color.
Salt and Black Pepper: Adjust to taste to really let those vibrant flavors shine through.

How to Make Curried Chicken Salad

Step 1: Mix Up the Creamy Curry Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, and lemon juice until everything is silky smooth and an even golden hue. This luscious dressing is the magic that will coat your chicken and veggies with cozy spice, tang, and just a whisper of sweetness.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Crunchy Goodness

Toss in your diced or shredded chicken, finely diced celery, red onion, and juicy red grapes (or golden raisins if you’d like a bit more chew). Sprinkle in the fresh cilantro or parsley for that herbal pop. Give it all a gentle but thorough stir, making sure every morsel is gloriously coated with dressing.

Step 3: Season and Rest

Taste the salad and add salt and black pepper to your liking. Then, cover the bowl and let the Curried Chicken Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This break gives the flavors a chance to meld, transform, and become even more irresistible.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

When you’re ready to dig in, give everything a quick toss. Spoon your Curried Chicken Salad onto a bed of greens, pile it onto a sandwich, or scoop it into lettuce wraps for a light, crunchy bite. However you serve it, you’re in for a treat.

How to Serve Curried Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or parsley adds a fresh green flourish that elevates the look and flavor of every plate. If you want extra crunch, toss on some chopped cashews or sliced almonds just before serving—they’re an irresistible finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Curried Chicken Salad steals the show on its own, but it’s even better paired with simple sides. Try it with fluffy pita bread, crisp cucumber slices, or a light fruit salad for a colorful, balanced spread. A scoop alongside a tangy coleslaw or a bright tomato salad turns this dish into a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Stuff your Curried Chicken Salad into avocado halves for a pretty, low-carb option, or pile it into croissants for upscale picnic vibes. Mini phyllo cups make adorable appetizers, and hearty wraps are perfect for on-the-go lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Curried Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll taste just as good (or even better) for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making every bite extra satisfying the next day.

Freezing

While many salads don’t freeze well, Curried Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh since the creamy dressing can separate and the veggies may soften too much. For maximum crunch and flavor, avoid freezing—and enjoy what you’ve made within a few days.

Reheating

This dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a gentle stir before serving, and it’s ready to go! If the dressing has thickened, you can stir in a spoonful of yogurt or mayo to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Curried Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a superb shortcut, making this salad even faster to assemble without sacrificing any flavor.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute with regular plain yogurt or even sour cream—a splash of either keeps the salad creamy and tangy.

What’s the best curry powder to use?

Go with a mild to medium curry powder you love. Everyone’s spice blend is a little different, so experiment until you find one that gives your Curried Chicken Salad the warm, balanced bite you crave.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or just use more mayo. A good-quality vegan mayo will work perfectly in both cases.

Is Curried Chicken Salad gluten-free?

Yes! As written, every ingredient in Curried Chicken Salad is gluten-free. Just make sure your curry powder and any add-ins are certified gluten-free to be completely safe for sensitive diners.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve had your first forkful of Curried Chicken Salad, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe every time you want something easy, flavorful, and a little out of the ordinary for lunch or dinner. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to trick to brighten up any day—give it a try and savor every bite!

Curried Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Curried Chicken Salad is a flavorful twist on a classic dish, combining tender chicken with a creamy curry dressing and a medley of crunchy and sweet ingredients. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this salad is versatile and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup red grapes, halved (or golden raisins)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Add the diced chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and chopped cilantro. Gently stir until everything is well coated with the dressing.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce leaves.