Crafted with a luscious and creamy curry dressing, this curried chicken salad embodies the perfect fusion of salty, savory, and sweet flavors. It’s not only a delectable high-protein meal but also an excellent choice for meal prepping since it maintains its quality in the refrigerator.
What is Curried Chicken Salad?
Curried chicken salad, also known as curry chicken salad, is a chicken salad variant infused with curry powder, with its origins linked to British royalty. Historically, it was referred to as coronation chicken salad, as it was designed by Cordon Bleu chefs for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation luncheon in 1953.
The original menu item, named Poulet Reine Elizabeth, consisted of poached chicken in a curry cream sauce, featuring wine, mayonnaise, whipped cream, and apricot purée. Modern versions of this salad have simplified the recipe, often substituting apricot purée with raisins and utilizing curry powder and mayonnaise as primary ingredients.
Regardless of the specific preparation and variations, this quick and straightforward curried chicken salad, inspired by the coronation dish, offers a delightful and flavorful lunch option.
Ingredients for Curry Chicken Salad
To prepare curried chicken salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or bake chicken breasts specifically for this salad.
- Curry Powder: Utilize your preferred blend of curry powder, whether mild or spicy, to create the signature curry dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Either homemade or store-bought mayonnaise can be used to craft the creamy dressing.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt is recommended for adding a tangy element to the dressing; ensure it’s plain.
- Lime Juice: A touch of acidity to balance the dressing, though lemon juice can be substituted if necessary.
- Celery: Adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
- Green Onion: Imparts flavor and additional crunch.
- Raisins: Infuse a hint of sweetness. The recipe calls for raisins or sultanas, but grapes can be used as an alternative.
- Cilantro: For both flavor and visual appeal.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the salad to taste.
- Nuts: While optional, chopped almonds or cashews can be included for extra texture.
Dietary Adaptations
To Make it Gluten-Free: No adaptations are necessary; this recipe is inherently gluten-free.
To Make it Dairy-Free: Swap out yogurt with additional mayonnaise.
How to Prepare Curry Chicken Salad
- Create the curry dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper, whisking until thoroughly blended.
- Prepare the chicken: Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the salad: In a separate bowl, combine the chicken, celery, green onion, raisins, cilantro, and optional nuts.
- Incorporate the dressing: Pour the curry dressing over the chicken mixture, stirring until everything is well coated and thoroughly combined.
- Serve as desired: Once mixed, the chicken salad can be served immediately, whether on its own, with bread, alongside a salad, or with your preferred sides.
For detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
Nutrition Insight
While mayonnaise sometimes has an undeserved reputation for being unhealthy, it primarily comprises wholesome ingredients such as oil, egg yolks, mustard, and lemon juice. Although some store-bought mayonnaise brands may contain additional components, high-quality mayo can be easily found in stores. Additionally, homemade mayonnaise can be prepared in a matter of minutes!
Accompaniments for Curry Chicken Salad
Curried chicken salad can be savored by itself as a protein-packed meal or paired with complex carbohydrates and/or fiber for a well-rounded dining experience. Consider the following suggestions:
- Bread: Transform your curried chicken salad into a hearty sandwich using your preferred bread, with sourdough or sprouted grain bread recommended.
- Wrap: Fill a wrap with chicken salad and lettuce for a quick and convenient lunch.
- Lettuce Wrap: Opt for lettuce as a lower-carb and calorie option for wrapping your curry chicken salad.
- Crackers: Serve curried chicken salad as a high-protein dip alongside crackers.
- Green Salad: Enhance a green salad by adding a generous portion of curried chicken salad for a filling, high-fiber meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Freeze Curry Chicken Salad?
While it’s possible to freeze curried chicken salad, it’s important to note that freezing mayonnaise can alter the texture of the salad, making it less appealing. Therefore, freezing is not recommended.
Can I Add Greek Yogurt to Curried Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Incorporating Greek yogurt into curried chicken salad, either alongside mayonnaise or as a mayonnaise substitute, is an excellent way to boost protein content while reducing fat and calories in the salad.
How Many Calories Does Curried Chicken Salad Have?
The calorie content of curried chicken salad varies depending on the recipe and the specific combination of ingredients used. This curried chicken salad recipe provides approximately 335 calories per serving, with 27 grams of protein, 19 grams of fat, and 16 grams of carbohydrates.
Storage
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Curried Chicken Salad
This curried chicken salad is quick and easy to prepare and offers a delightful way to utilize leftover chicken. It can be enjoyed on its own, in a salad, as a sandwich, or wrapped, and it maintains its quality when refrigerated, making it a superb meal prep choice.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup cashews or almonds (optional)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, lime juice, a generous pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, add chopped chicken, celery, green onion, raisins, cilantro, and optional nuts. Stir to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and mix until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired; you can add more mayo and/or yogurt to achieve your preferred texture.
- The chicken salad can be served right away or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335 calories
- Sugar: 9 grams
- Fat: 19 grams
- Carbohydrates: 16 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 27 grams
