If you’re craving something that’s bursting with vibrant flavors yet is incredibly easy to whip up, this Curried Chicken Salad Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful medley of tender chicken, crisp Granny Smith apples, crunchy cashews, and plump raisins all tossed in a luscious, spiced curry dressing that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and a hint of sweet warmth. Whether you’re packing lunch, planning a quick dinner, or looking for a show-stopping salad for your next gathering, this recipe always delivers that satisfying ‘wow’ factor with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seven clear glass bowls are arranged on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl holds chopped green onions, small round green and white pieces. The top right bowl contains finely chopped green herbs with a soft texture. At the center is a bowl filled with dark brown raisins, wrinkled and shiny. To the left middle, a bowl is full of whole cashew nuts, light brown and curved. On the right middle is a bowl filled with small diced light green celery pieces. The bottom left bowl has small diced green apple pieces, fresh with a mix of light green and white. The bottom right bowl contains cubed, lightly peppered cooked chicken pieces, light beige in color with a firm texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Curried Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component adds something special — from the crunch of celery and apples, the richness of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, to the aromatic spices that bring it all together in a beautiful harmony.

1/3 to 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise: The creamy base that coats the salad perfectly; feel free to adjust to your liking for richness.
¼ Cup Greek Yogurt: Adds tangy freshness and lightness while boosting creaminess without heaviness.
2 tsp Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens the dressing with a citrusy zing; lemon juice works well too.
1-2 tsp Honey: Gives just the right touch of sweetness to balance the curry spices.
1 tsp Curry Powder: The star spice that brings warmth and complexity to the dressing.
¼ tsp Turmeric and Ground Ginger: Earthy turmeric for color and gentle warmth from ginger.
Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
1 pound Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced, it’s the hearty protein base of this salad.
1 medium Granny Smith Apple: Adds a crisp, tart crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
2 ribs Celery: Provides refreshing crunch and a subtle herbal note.
2 large Scallions: Thinly sliced for a mild oniony bite and vibrant green color.
½ to ¾ Cup Salted Roasted Cashews: Adds buttery crunch and a toasty depth; almonds work as a substitute.
1/3 Cup Raisins: Sweet bursts that play against the savory curry flavors.
¼ Cup Fresh Cilantro or Dill (Optional): Herbs to brighten up the salad with a fresh, green lift.

How to Make Curried Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Curry Salad Dressing

Begin by combining the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, honey, curry powder, turmeric, and ground ginger in a large mixing bowl. For an extra flavorful kick, consider adding some optional spices like ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and celery salt. Then season with kosher salt and black pepper. Grab a whisk and stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined — you want that rich, aromatic base that will coat everything perfectly.

Step 2: Toss the Chicken Salad

Next, add the cooked shredded chicken to your dressing bowl along with diced Granny Smith apple, chopped celery, sliced scallions, half of the cashews, raisins, and fresh herbs if using. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every piece is luxuriously coated in that curried dressing. This step is where all the textures and flavors start to come together beautifully.

Step 3: Chill for Best Flavor

If you have the time, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling lets the flavors meld and marry, transforming this salad into something truly greater than the sum of its parts. While optional, this resting time really takes your Curried Chicken Salad Recipe to the next level.

Step 4: Final Taste and Adjustments

Once chilled, unfold the lid, add the remaining cashews for extra crunch, and taste your salad. This is your moment to tweak it just right—maybe a little more mayo for creaminess, extra honey for sweetness, a squeeze more lime for brightness, or a sprinkle of spices if you want more kick. Trust your palate to balance the flavors until it sings.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Now your Curried Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to shine! Serve it immediately with your favorite crackers, stuff it into lettuce wraps or pita pockets, or sandwich it between slices of fresh bread. If you’re not eating it right away, seal it tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy meal prep.

How to Serve Curried Chicken Salad Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful salad made of small, uneven cubes and pieces. The dish has three main layers: light yellow chicken pieces mixed with small chopped green apples and celery, which add fresh green tones. Scattered on top are dark red dried cranberries and light orange cashew nuts. Thin green herbs, possibly dill, are sprinkled throughout, adding detail and a fresh look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small piece of lime visible on the left side. The texture of the salad looks fresh and slightly creamy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped cashews or a few fresh cilantro leaves on top instantly elevate your salad’s look and texture. For a bit of color contrast and extra freshness, thin slices of radish or a dash of smoked paprika also work beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides like mixed greens, cucumber salad, or a chilled lentil dish. If you’re feeling indulgent, a warm naan or crusty baguette can complement the curry spices perfectly and help scoop up every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stuffing this Curried Chicken Salad Recipe into ripe avocado halves or spoon it atop crispy crackers for delightful appetizers. For a portable option, wrap the salad inside large romaine leaves or use it as filling for pita sandwiches, making lunchtime exciting and packed with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Curried chicken salad keeps well in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually mature a bit as it sits, but be sure to add crunchy toppings like cashews just before serving so they don’t lose their snap.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t recommended because the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients can separate or become watery when thawed. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmed, consider enjoying just the chicken warmed separately and then mixing it with a freshly prepared curry dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here—it’s already cooked and seasoned, which adds even more depth to your Curried Chicken Salad Recipe. Just shred or dice it and get tossing.

What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I adjust the curry powder?

Definitely! You can reduce the curry powder or choose a mild variety to keep the flavors gentle. The optional cayenne pepper can be skipped or minimized to suit your heat preference.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

To create a vegan version, swap out the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and replace mayonnaise and yogurt with vegan alternatives. Adjust seasonings accordingly, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based Curried Chicken Salad Recipe alternative.

What other nuts can I use instead of cashews?

Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans make excellent substitutes if you want different textures and flavors. Just chop them roughly and use the same quantity to maintain that satisfying crunch.

How long in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare the salad up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. For best texture, add any crunchy nuts just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Curried Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feel like a cozy hug, packed with delightful textures and vibrant flavors. It’s simple enough for a quick weekday lunch but special enough to serve at your next gathering. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it your own favorite—happy cooking!