You’ll love this curry chicken salad — bright, flavorful, and quick to make for lunch or a light dinner. Using leftover roast or rotisserie chicken means minimal prep, and a blend of curry and cumin transforms a simple chicken salad into something memorable. This recipe was first published in 2013 and remains a favorite for easy, delicious sandwiches, crackers, or salads.
Why We Love this Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
This curry chicken salad is easy to prepare, versatile, and full of contrasting textures — tender chicken, crunchy celery, and chewy dried fruit. It’s ideal when you start the week with a roast chicken or pick up a rotisserie bird from the grocery store. Use leftover breast or thigh meat to assemble lunches in minutes. A touch of curry and cumin adds depth and warmth, while lime juice and cilantro brighten the dish. Serve it on bread, atop greens, with crackers, or alongside crunchy chips.
Quick Cooked Chicken Options
There are several fast ways to get cooked chicken for this salad:
- Roast chicken: use sliced or shredded breast or thigh meat from a rotisserie or oven-roasted bird.
- Canned chicken: a convenient option when time is limited.
- Deli chicken or turkey: chop into bite-sized pieces if using pre-sliced deli meat.
Options Instead of Mayo
If you prefer less or no mayo, these substitutes still give a creamy texture:
- Plain yogurt — regular or Greek for a thicker texture.
- Sour cream — adds creaminess with a bit of tang.
- Dairy-free yogurts — coconut, oat, or soy-based varieties work well.
- Smashed avocado — offers a rich, creamy binder and mild flavor.
How Much Spice to Use
This recipe is flexible. Start with the suggested amounts, taste, then increase or decrease the curry powder and cumin to suit your preference. The recommended quantities provide a noticeable but balanced curry flavor — enough to make the salad exciting without overpowering the other ingredients.
Video: Best Chicken Curry Salad Recipe
Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
3 servings
The recipe as written yields about 1 1/2 cups of chicken salad and can easily be doubled.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140 g) cooked chicken, chopped (breast or thighs)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayo or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lime juice
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) chopped dried fruit such as apricots or raisins
- 1/4 cup (25 g) celery, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) fresh cilantro, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Chop or tear leftover cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
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Add the mayo (or chosen creamy substitute), lime juice, curry powder, ground cumin, soy sauce, dried fruit, chopped celery, green onions, cilantro, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
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Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Serve immediately, or chill the salad for about 30 minutes if you prefer it cold. Enjoy as a sandwich, on crackers, or with tortilla chips.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
Carbohydrates: 9 g,
Protein: 12 g,
Fat: 16 g,
Saturated Fat: 3 g,
Cholesterol: 40 mg,
Sodium: 492 mg,
Fiber: 2 g,
Sugar: 5 g
Ingredient Variations
This recipe is forgiving and adapts well to substitutions. Try any of the following to personalize the salad:
- Dried fruit: apricots, cranberries, or golden raisins add sweetness and chew. Omit if you prefer no fruit.
- Nuts: toasted almonds, cashews, or pecans add crunch and a toasty flavor; chop or roughly chop before adding.
- Additional vegetables: extra celery, shredded carrots, or diced sweet peppers increase color and texture.
Ways to Serve Curry Chicken Salad
- Make sandwiches or sliders for an easy lunch or picnic.
- Spoon over mixed greens, spinach, or kale for a quick composed salad.
- Mix into pasta, rice, couscous, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Serve with crackers and cheese for a casual appetizer or snack.
- Present in a bowl on a platter with vegetables, pretzels, or chips for dipping.
More Curry Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Try other curry-inspired dishes using vegetables, squash, or roasted chicken for more variety.