Curry Chicken Salad

Published June 14, 2018. Updated April 22, 2020

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Curry Chicken Salad is a step up from the classic chicken salad because it’s brimming with those flavorful Middle Eastern spices. It’s also lightened up by using Greek yogurt in place of most of the mayo. It will leave people wondering what makes it so good!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fisher. The opinions and text are all mine.

Curry Chicken Salad sandwiches stacked on a white plate

Curry Chicken Salad with a Homemade Spice Blend

With most of the curry chicken salad Recipes out there, you’ll find that they call for “curry powder.” I’m actually not a big fan of pre-blended curry powders for a number of reasons.

They are all different among each brand, so if I tell you to use curry powder but my curry powder had 4 different ingredients, then yours it’s not going to taste the same. I also prefer to add as much heat as I like (because my kids don’t tolerate it well), and most curry powders are SPICY!

So a homemade blend it is, and it’s perfectly fitting for this homemade chicken salad recipe. This blend uses coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, cardamom and/or nutmeg, and cayenne.

I love eating this curry chicken salad as a sandwich or as lettuce wraps. If you are looking to cut carbs, go for the lettuce wraps. It still makes such a filling lunch with fewer carbs and calories. Either way though, you’ll end up with a perfectly tasty and satisfying lunch!

Curry Chicken Salad ingredients

Curry Chicken Salad Ingredients

This curry chicken salad with grapes is incredibly easy to make and can be thrown together using ingredients you may have in your fridge already!

  • Cooked chicken breasts
  • Grapes
  • Celery
  • Sliced almonds
  • Green onions
  • Cilantro
  • Greek yogurt
  • Mayonnaise
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey
  • Spices: coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, salt and pepper

For this easy chicken salad recipe, I use Fisher Almonds. They are my go-to brand for almonds (for dinners, snacks, desserts and everything in between). This is my third year in partnership with Fisher!

I choose to work with Fisher because I love the quality and flavor of their products, and I love that their nuts are preservative-free and non-GMO project verified. I also love the convenient stand up resealable packaging that helps the nuts stay fresher longer.

You can visit www.FisherNuts.com for more recipe inspiration. You can also purchase them on their Amazon Page.

Curry Chicken Salad dressing mixture in a glass bowl

How to Make Curry Chicken Salad

Whisk together all of the dressing ingredients in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, add all the chicken salad ingredients, including chilled cooked chicken, celery, grapes, green onions, sliced almond and cilantro.

Curry Chicken Salad ingredients in a glass bowl

Pour the dressing over the chicken salad and toss to evenly coat.

Serve in bread, croissants, bagels, sandwich thins, pita, over naan, in a tortilla or as lettuce wraps.

Curry Chicken Salad tossed together with dressing in bowl

How to Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad

If you don’t already have leftover cooked chicken, then you can either use rotisserie chicken or roast chicken breasts yourself.

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, spray a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and brush lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast in preheated oven 15 – 20 minutes until breasts register 165 degrees F in center.
  • Chill completely, then dice.

How Long Does Chicken Salad Last?

This curry chicken salad with grapes will last 3 to 5 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.

Curry Chicken Salad in lettuce boats

Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?

No, I don’t recommend freezing this homemade curry chicken salad. The mayo and grapes will change texture once frozen.

Can I Prep Curry Chicken Salad in Advance?

If you plan on making this homemade chicken salad for a crowd and want to plan ahead, I recommend cooking the chicken beforehand and prepping the individual ingredients. Then, it’s just a matter of stirring it all together and serving.

hand holding Curry Chicken Salad in a lettuce leaf

Can I Use All Greek Yogurt in the Dressing?

Yes, you can make an all yogurt dressing if you’d rather omit the mayo. The few tablespoons of mayo add lots of flavor though, so I recommend using it if you have it on hand!

Can I Use a Pre-Made Curry Powder in This Recipe?

Yes, of course. Although I can’t guarantee that your curry chicken salad will taste the same as mine!

Curry Chicken Salad in lettuce leaves

Tips for the Making Curry Chicken Salad

  • Cilantro is totally optional, but it adds a pop of freshness to this curry chicken salad.
  • Homemade chicken salad can be made up to a day in advance and keeps well in the fridge.
  • This chicken salad recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd.

More Homemade Chicken Salad Recipes You’ll Love:

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Curry Chicken Salad
5 from 5 votes

Curry Chicken Salad

This is a deliciously flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad! It's taken up a notch with those aromatic Middle Eastern spices, and it's lightened up by using Greek yogurt for most of the mayo. Perfect served in bread or lettuce leaves.
Servings: 4
Prep20 minutes
Ready in: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken salad

Dressing

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, coriander, cumin, ginger, turmeric, cardamom and cayenne pepper. 
  • Season dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, green onions and cilantro to a large bowl, then pour dressing over top.
  • Toss to evenly coat. Serve in lettuce, whole wheat tortillas, croissants, bread, etc.

Notes

  • Homemade chicken salad can be made up to a day in advance and keeps well in the fridge.
  • This chicken salad recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd.
  • Recipe source: Cooking Classy
Nutrition Facts
Curry Chicken Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 364 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 161mg7%
Potassium 510mg15%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 34g68%
Vitamin A 225IU5%
Vitamin C 5.7mg7%
Calcium 106mg11%
Iron 2.1mg12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fisher. The opinions and text are all mine.