Chicken Curry Salad Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on the Classic!

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Are you in the mood for a scrumptious meal that’s ready in a flash and lip-smackingly delicious? Look no further than this easy recipe for Curry Chicken Salad with apples, raisins, celery, and cashews! In just 15 short minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s perfectly spiced, deeply satisfying, and packed with the protein your body craves.

About this chicken curry salad recipe 

Wondering if this cashew curry chicken salad recipe is a good fit for you? Aside from boasting a delightful blend of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy goodness, it’s also:

• Quick & Easy – All you need is a quick 15 minutes to whip up a batch of the best curried chicken salad around! Take it from me: this is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you get an unexpected case of the hangries.
• Wholesome & Nutritious – This protein-packed curry salad is made with entirely whole food ingredients you can feel good about serving your family.
• Meal Prep – This delicious twist on classic chicken salad is perfect for meal prep days and making ahead.
• Versatile – Whether you serve this tender chicken curry salad on a fluffy croissant as a sandwich, scoop it atop a mixed green salad, or eat it with crackers and fruit as a “girl dinner,” this curried chicken salad with raisins and cashews is it.

If you love quick curries, be sure to try this salmon coconut curry recipe next.

Ingredients for chicken salad curry

• Mayonnaise – I use Duke’s creamy mayo. Add just enough to suit your taste (which might be zero!)! 
• Greek Yogurt – For creamy tanginess, plus added protein. 
  • Feel free to swap in the plain, dairy-free Greek-style yogurt of your choice.
• Lime Juice – I love the bright acidity of fresh lime juice here. Make sure you’re using fresh citrus for the best results.
  • You can use fresh lemon juice instead.
• Honey – A touch of sweetness goes a long way.
  • You’re welcome to use other liquid sweeteners (e.g. agave nectar) instead.
• Curry Powder – Different blends will have different ratios of spices, meaning they can vary widely. Choose any brand you like (e.g. Spicewalla).
  • If you prefer a spicier curry chicken salad, feel free to swap in another variety of curry powder like Garam Masala.
• Ground Turmeric & Ground Ginger – I like to add more than what’s already in the curry powder.
  • Don’t have any in the spice cabinet? You can also use freshly grated turmeric and/or ginger if you prefer.
• Cooked Chicken – Feel free to use a rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breasts, leftover roast chicken, poached chicken, or any variety of cooked poultry. 
• Granny Smith Apple – Tart, tannic green apples are the perfect addition to this yogurt curry chicken salad.
  • You can swap in any sweet-tart, crunchy variety you prefer.
• Celery – Crunchy celery lends the perfect crispness and earthiness.
• Green Onions – Use both the white and dark green part of the scallions for the best of flavor and appearance.
  • In a pinch, swap in finely diced white, yellow, or red onions or shallots. 
• Raisins – Does putting raisins in chicken salad sound weird? Don’t knock it till you try it! I love the sweet, chewy bursts of flavor they provide. 
  • You can also use either sultanas (golden raisins) or sub in chopped dried apricots.
• Cashews – For richness and crunch. 
  • You’re welcome to use almonds instead.

Recipe variations

As much as I love this curry chicken apple salad just the way it is written, this is the kind of recipe you can feel free to tweak to your heart’s content. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Dairy-Free  – If you love the creaminess of my easy curry chicken salad with yogurt but can’t handle the lactose, simply swap in your favorite vegan yogurt substitute.
• Vegan – Go dairy-free, opt for a vegan mayo, and swap in rehydrated soy curls for the chicken. 
• Grapes – Stir in some juicy grapes for a pop of sweet flavor.
• Add Fresh Herbs – For an added touch of brightness sprinkle in some cilantro or dill.
• Extra Seasoning – For the most robust flavored curry salad, I recommend using the following optional spices:
  • Cumin – For warmth.
  • Cayenne – For heat. 
  • Celery Salt – For earthy seasoning. 
  • Coriander – For a warming spice.

If you’ve got leftover roasted cashew nuts, put them to good use in these recipes: Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Roasted and Spiced Mixed Nuts, and Lobster Spring Rolls.

How to make curry chicken salad 

This creamy chicken salad with ground curry is super simple to make. Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Make the Curry Salad Dressing: To a large bowl, add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, curry powder, turmeric, and ginger, along with the cumin, cayenne, and celery salt, if using. Season with salt and black pepper before whisking to thoroughly combine.
2. Toss Chicken Salad: To the bowl with the curry dressing, add the cooked chicken, apples, celery, scallions, cashews, and raisins, along with the fresh herbs, if using. Toss well until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated in the dressing.
3. Chill – Optional: Cover the bowl of curry chicken salad and place it into the fridge. For the best flavor, allow the chicken salad to chill for at least 1 hour so the flavors have a chance to marry and meld.
4. Taste and Adjust: Uncover the curry chicken salad and add the remaining ¼ cup of cashews. Then taste the chicken salad and adjust to suit your personal taste, adding more mayonnaise for creaminess, honey for sweetness, lemon juice for acidity, seasonings for flavor, and herbs for freshness.
5. Serve or Store: Serve curried chicken salad with crackers, stuffed into lettuce wraps, in your favorite pita pockets, or between slices your favorite sandwich bread. Alternately, you can store the chicken salad in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Expert tips for the best chicken salad recipe with curry

Here are some expert tips to ensure your curry cashew chicken salad comes out perfectly every time:

• Spice it Up Just Right. You’re the boss of your flavor journey here, so don’t be shy about trying different curry powders or blends. Some can bring the heat, while others keep it mellow. Taste as you go when mixing your curry dressing to make sure it’s dancing to your taste buds’ tune. And remember, a pinch of this or a dash of that can take it from good to your personal kind of amazing!
• Juicy Raisins, Anyone? If you’re all about plump, juicy raisins that burst with flavor, give ’em a little spa treatment! Soak them in some warm water or orange juice for about 10-15 minutes before they dive into the salad pool. Just remember to give them a good drain before they join the mix.
• Roasty Toasty Goodness. Toast those cashews, and watch the magic happen! Add them to a dry skillet over medium heat, then let them cook for a few minutes until they get all fragrant and lightly browned. Trust me, this makes them extra tasty and gives your salad a satisfying crunch.
• Chill Out! Now, we’re talking chill vibes! Pop your salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before showtime. This gives all the flavors a chance to cozy up and have a flavor party, making each bite even more delicious.
• Make It Yours, All the Way. Don’t hold back on creativity! This salad is your playground, so go wild.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What does curry chicken salad taste like? 

Making this chicken salad recipe with curry is like hosting a flavor fiesta for your mouth! It’s a delightful blend of savory, slightly spicy curry with the sweetness of apples, raisins, and the crunch of cashews. 

 Is curry good in chicken salad?

The curry adds a unique depth that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. 

Is curry chicken salad spicy?

As for spiciness, it can be as mild or as fiery as you like, depending on your curry powder choice and how much you use. 

Is chicken salad with curry healthy?

Since I’m not a registered nutrition professional, I’m not sure I’m qualified to make claims as to the “healthiness” of this fruited curry chicken salad. That said, since it’s loaded with protein-packed chicken and good-for-you fruit, and since the dressing is primarily made with Greek yogurt and spices, I’d venture to call this a nutritious meal. At any rate, I’ll happily house a bowl of it for lunch with zero guilt. 🤷🏼‍♀️

How long does curry chicken salad last in the fridge? 

This yummy yellow curry chicken salad will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Beyond that, it might start to lose some of its zing.

Can curry chicken salad be frozen?

As for freezing – it’s not the best idea for this salad. You see, the yogurt-based dressing can go a bit wonky when it thaws, leaving your defrosted chicken salad watery. Nobody wants that! Plus, your other yummy bits like apples might not be too thrilled with the frosty treatment either.

Serving cashew chicken salad

Once you make a batch of this:

• Wrap It Up: Make scrumptious curry chicken salad wraps using large lettuce leaves or your favorite homemade flour tortillas. This handheld delight, perfect for snacking on the go!
• Stuffed Avocado: Scoop out the pit of a ripe avocado and fill it with a generous portion of curry chicken salad. It’s a creamy and savory combination that’s hard to resist.
• Slider Sensation: Serve mini curry chicken sandwiches with pickled red onions or pickled jalapeno peppers on soft slider buns for a fun appetizer.
• Bed of Greens: Pile your curry chicken salad on a bed of fresh, crisp greens like spinach or arugula. Drizzle a bit of extra dressing over the top for a vibrant salad bowl.
• Pita Pockets: Stuff whole-wheat pita pockets with your curry chicken salad and some crunchy lettuce for a delightful pocket sandwich.
• Grain Bowl: Spoon your curry chicken salad over a bowl of fluffy coconut rice curry or nutty quinoa. Serve with pita bread chips for pure comfort.
• Bento Box: Pack your curry chicken salad in a bento-style lunchbox with compartments for a balanced meal. Add some fruit, veggie sticks, and a sweet treat for a complete lunch that’s like a homemade Lunchable.

Storing this chicken curry salad recipe

• Leftovers will keep in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. That said, I think it tastes best within the first 2-3 days.

And there you have it, folks — my Curry Chicken Salad is a real curry-osel of flavors, ready to take your tastebuds on a delightful ride! Whether you’re enjoying it solo, sharing with friends, or turning it into the star of your next gathering, this salad is your flavorful ticket to culinary creativity. until next time, stay “curry”-ous in the kitchen and keep your apron tied tight! There’s more deliciousness to come. 😋

Cheyanne

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More recipes for chicken salads!

• Cranberry Chicken Salad
• Bacon Chicken Salad

The best chicken curry salad with cashews recipe 👇

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