A great salad made with most things already on hand in the kitchen and pantry, this Chicken Curry Salad is a blend of freshness and flavorful bites. Cubed rotisserie chicken, fruit, vegetables and nuts are dressed in a mixture of mayonnaise, Major Grey chutney and lime juice. So easy and perfect for BBQs and potlucks!
You ever have some of those recipes that are so good, but with so many options it gets tucked away and often times forgotten? Well the other day Dave mentioned if I had the recipe for his mom’s chicken curry salad.
I looked and looked and couldn’t find the recipe. I knew we enjoyed it, so I had to have made it since she doesn’t live with us.
Needless to say we called her up and she emailed us the recipe. I made a few adjustments to suit our likes and wanted to share it with you today.
Not overly dressing, and by allowing it to sit overnight, the flavors all came together and melded into one sweet, savory and tangy salad. No one needs a goopy, over dressed salad. I love to serve this over mixed greens and with a extra flavor crunch of almonds and chopped fresh cilantro. Purely optional.
Perfect for any Summer BBQ, potluck or light lunch. Cubes of rotisserie chicken breast meat are used and the crunch of apple, celery and grapes mixed with red onion and almonds make for one tasty salad. The lime and curry powder are bright and earthy, while the Major Grey chutney packs some subtle Indian influenced flavor and takes this salad to the next level.
This can be made and kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I actually doubled the recipe (as seen in the video) and had it waiting for us after a weekend out of town with family so it was waiting for us all to enjoy. After 2 days of hiking in Anza-Borrego this was a perfect ending to a fun weekend.
For other light Summer dinners check out my Mango Curry Chicken Salad Wraps or Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad with Grilled Corn. Enjoy!
Chicken Curry Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken , cubed (See Note 1)
- 2 cups seedless red grapes , halved
- 2 cups celery , chopped
- 1 Granny Smith apple , cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion , diced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Major Grey Chutney
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 3 tbsp lime juice (See Note 2)
- 2 tbsp honey
- Zest from 1 lime
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together the cubed, cooked chicken, grapes, celery, apple, onion, raisins and almonds. Set aside.
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, chutney, curry powder, lime juice and zest and salt.
- Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Chill covered for 4 hours minimum , best overnight.
- Stir and serve over mixed greens, topped with more slivered almonds and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- I generally use Costco rotisserie chicken, which run a little larger than market rotisserie chicken. 2 breasts cubed should be about 3 cups. If more, reserve for other use.
- 1 to 2 limes should yield 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, depending on size.
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
I’m imagining the juicy crunching as you eat this beauty. And those flavours! Perfect for this hot weather we’ve experiencing on the east coast.
I was just out there in Pennsylvania and Virginia for work, too humid. I love the West coast dry heat. Enjoy NYC and see a play for me! 🙂
What a delicious looking salad, Kevin. I love the combination of curry, chicken and grapes – then you threw in so many other wonderful goodies. Perfect salad for the holiday weekend coming up!
Between this one and the Broccoli Tarragon Salad I posted today I know they’ll be the perfect sides this holiday weekend! Have a wonderful Fourth of July Marissa! 🙂
What a lovely salad, Kevin! Being not a huge fan of curry, I think I would love this version because fruit and dressing balance out the strong curry flavor. Also I do love that version with mango.
The dressing all balances out nicely, I think you’d be pleasantly surprised Ben!
What a beautiful salad. I love the mix of sweet and savory ingredients.
It works when you don’t want to heat up that kitchen. Thanks Jeff.
Looks like the perfect weekday lunch here! And a nice change of pace from regular old chicken salad. Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks Kevin, need to keep things interesting and tasty, right?!
Recipes that you can make ahead of time are right up my alley 🙂 Lovely fresh summer flavours with the apple & celery as well ♡
Thanks Miriam, I agree. A little planning helps the event, party or meal go easier
Hey Kevin. A lovely said with with great textures. I always have a jar of Major Grey’s Chutney on hand and I really like the addition here. I also like that it can and should be made ahead.
Major Grey’s comes in so handy for various dishes. Love it! This just seems to get better after a day or two. So good!
Lovely salad! Kevin! perfect for a summer lunch!
Indeed, this is great on it’s own or with salad greens. Perfect for lunch or dinner. Thanks Gaila!
This is a favourite for us. Actually we had this for dinner a couple of nights ago. My husband put it together since I worked late, so he forgot the raisins and almond, but the flavours are still delicious. A great way to use up leftover chicken!
Good minds think alike, right Cathy?! So good and the curry dressing is wonderful. 🙂