Easy Creamy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Curry Chicken Salad is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Combining tender chicken with crunchy vegetables, sweet raisins, and a vibrant curry dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cooked chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes – about 3 cups
• 1/2 cup chopped celery – about 2 stalks
• 2 large carrots – diced or chopped into small pieces
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup roasted and salted cashews, chopped
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro – plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or fat-free)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1-2 tablespoons yellow curry powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• Juice of 1-2 limes – about 2 tablespoons, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the cooked chicken cubes, chopped celery, diced carrots, red onion, cashews, golden raisins, and chopped cilantro to a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, curry powder, maple syrup or honey, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and thick.
3. Step 3: Pour the curry dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Garnish with additional chopped cilantro, cashews, and a splash of lime juice before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use toasted cashews or swap in chopped almonds or walnuts.
• Add diced apple or pineapple for a sweet, fresh twist.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, increase the curry powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may meld and intensify after resting. Stir gently before serving. For best texture, add extra cashews or fresh cilantro just before eating. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version that still has great texture and protein.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

Easy Creamy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 58 reviews

This Easy Creamy Curry Chicken Salad combines tender cooked chicken breasts with crunchy vegetables, sweet golden raisins, and toasted cashews, all coated in a flavorful, creamy curry yogurt dressing. It’s a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners, offering a perfect balance of textures and a delightful curry twist.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
• 1/2 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
• 2 large carrots, diced or chopped into small pieces
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup roasted and salted cashews, chopped
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 2–3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for topping

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or fat-free)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1–2 tablespoons yellow curry powder (adjust to desired spiciness)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• Juice of 1–2 limes (about 2 tablespoons), plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed cooked chicken breasts, chopped celery, diced carrots, diced red onion, chopped cashews, golden raisins, and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
2. Make the Curry Yogurt Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, yellow curry powder, maple syrup or honey, lime juice, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir until the dressing becomes a smooth, thick, pale yellow or orange sauce.
3. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared curry yogurt dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Toss everything together carefully to coat all the components evenly with the dressing.
4. Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with additional lime juice, chopped cashews, and fresh chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Serve immediately or chill for later enjoyment.

Notes

• You can adjust the curry powder quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
• Use fat-free Greek yogurt if you want to reduce calories and fat.
• The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
• Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan option to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: curry chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, easy chicken salad, curry yogurt dressing, healthy chicken salad, quick lunch recipe