Looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that works for everything from meal preps to quick lunches? This curry chicken salad recipe is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors. Laden with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and bold spices, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

aWhether you enjoy it as a sandwich filling, a wrap, or simply on a bed of greens, it brings warmth and brightness to any plate. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion and can be adjusted to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
1–2 teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon lime juice (½ medium lime)
Salt, to taste
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
½ medium apple, diced
1 rib celery, finely diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup roasted and salted cashews, roughly chopped
2–4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Mixing bowls (medium-sized)
Measuring spoons and cups
Cutting board
Knife
Mixing spoon

How to Make This Recipe?

Step One: Prepare the Dressing

Start by gathering all the ingredients together. Mix the mayonnaise, curry powder, lime juice, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir the mixture well and taste. Adjust the curry powder or salt to suit your personal preference. The dressing brings a vibrant curry flavor that’s at the heart of this salad.

Step Two: Combine Chicken and Veggies

Add diced chicken, apples, celery, and red onions to your prepared dressing. Stir everything together until all the pieces are evenly coated. The combination of textures from the crunchy celery and crisp apples makes each bite delightful.

Step Three: Add the Sweet and Crunchy Twist

Fold in the raisins and chopped cashews gently to avoid breaking them. This step balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and crunch, making the salad truly memorable.

Step Four: Garnish and Serve

Lastly, sprinkle the fresh cilantro over the salad to add bright, herbaceous notes. Serve it immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

This salad holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so versatile. I love how the bold curry flavors pair with the sweetness of raisins and crisp apples. It’s a nostalgic comfort food, but also feels fresh and exciting every time I make it. Plus, it’s a hit with family and friends and always earns its spot on the table for brunches and gatherings.

Tips and Variations

Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
Use golden raisins, dried cranberries, or even red grapes for extra variation in the sweetness.
If you prefer more heat, try a Madras-style curry powder. It adds a spicy kick.
To make it nut-free, replace cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu.

One thing I’ve learned is that giving the salad some time to rest in the fridge really enhances the flavors. I also like to make a double batch because it disappears fast in my house!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this on a soft croissant or sandwich bread for a satisfying lunch.
Use lettuce leaves as wraps for a low-carb option.
Try it over mixed greens with sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.
Spoon it over crackers or cucumber rounds for a light, refreshing snack.
Make a hearty wrap using a warm pita or tortilla.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftover curry chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep. Avoid freezing, as it alters the texture of the ingredients. For the freshest taste, give it a quick stir before serving leftovers.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutrition per serving (¾ cup):

Calories: 378
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 27g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this recipe, there are a few pitfalls you’ll want to steer clear of.

Over-seasoning with curry powder: Start small and adjust. Adding too much early on can overpower the dish.
Using dry chicken: Ensure your chicken is moist and flavorful by using freshly cooked or leftover rotisserie chicken.
Skipping the citrus: Lime juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the mayonnaise. Don’t leave it out.
Not chilling the salad: Give it a little fridge time so the flavors fully develop.

Creating the perfect curry chicken salad takes just a little attention to detail, and these simple tips will guarantee mouthwatering results every time!

Ash Tyrrell