Name: Best Crunchy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cooked chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes – about 3 cups; 1/2 cup chopped celery – about 2 stalks of celery; 2 large carrots – diced or chopped into small pieces; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/2 cup roasted and salted cashews, chopped; 1/2 cup golden raisins; 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro – plus more for topping; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or fat-free); 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1-2 tablespoons yellow curry powder (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey; Juice of 1-2 limes – about 2 tablespoons, plus more for topping; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dish that marries spice, sweetness, and a delightful crunch, this Best Crunchy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Bursting with textures from crisp celery and roasted cashews, combined with the rich warmth of curry powder and the tang of lime, it’s an irresistible blend that turns simple chicken breasts into a sensational salad experience. Whether you’re packing lunch or serving up a quick dinner, this dish will impress and satisfy every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing three main layers: at the bottom, a smooth golden-yellow liquid, above it, two dollops of thick white creamy texture, and on top, a heap of bright orange-brown powder with some black specks scattered throughout. A gold spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting slightly on the creamy layer and partially submerged in the powder. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From creamy Greek yogurt to crunchy nuts and fresh herbs, these essentials come together to create a balanced and exciting salad you’ll crave again and again.

Cooked chicken breasts, cubed: Provides the hearty protein base with tender, juicy bites.
Chopped celery: Adds a refreshing crispness and vibrant green color.
Diced carrots: Offers a natural sweetness and lovely orange hue.
Diced red onion: Brings a subtle bite to awaken the palate.
Roasted and salted cashews, chopped: Infuses crunch and a savory depth that complements the curry.
Golden raisins: Add bursts of chewy sweetness for contrast.
Fresh cilantro, chopped: Delivers herbaceous brightness; adjust amount to preference.
Plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dressing, balancing richness.
Mayonnaise: Adds luscious smoothness to the dressing.
Yellow curry powder: The star spice that brings warmth and depth; adjust for heat level.
Maple syrup or honey: Balances the spice with gentle sweetness.
Fresh lime juice: Injects zesty brightness that lifts every ingredient.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Season perfectly to bring all elements together.

How to Make Best Crunchy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Start by combining the cubed cooked chicken, chopped celery, diced carrots, red onion, cashews, golden raisins, and fresh cilantro in a large mixing bowl. This colorful medley sets the stage with a fantastic mix of textures and natural flavors that will shine once dressed.

Step 2: Whip Up the Curry Yogurt Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, yellow curry powder, maple syrup or honey, fresh lime juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth, thick, pale yellow sauce. This dressing is the soul of the salad, adding a creamy tang while delivering that unmistakable curry warmth.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour your luscious curry dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together, ensuring every piece is lovingly coated. This step brings harmony to the dish, uniting the crunchy, juicy, and creamy elements effortlessly.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top your salad with extra cashews, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. These simple finishing touches brighten the dish and add layers of fresh flavor that make each bite exciting.

How to Serve Best Crunchy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

A white bowl with a green lettuce leaf lining the inside holds a creamy salad made of small diced pieces in pale yellow sauce with visible bits of orange carrots, light green celery, and green herbs. Two lime wedges are placed inside the bowl on one side. A gold spoon sits inside the bowl, extending outward. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a few scattered green herbs and cashew nuts around it. Nearby are other small white bowls, one filled with more of the salad and the others with extra sauce and herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A handful of toasted cashews, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves, and an additional drizzle of lime juice make perfect garnishes. They add vibrant color and enhance both crunch and freshness, making the dish visually stunning and even more flavorful.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with warm naan bread, fluffy basmati rice, or even light, crispy pita chips. These sides provide balance to the dish and are perfect for scooping up the curry-coated chicken, turning a simple salad into a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique presentation, serve the salad atop a bed of mixed greens or in hollowed-out avocados for an elegant touch. Alternatively, this salad makes an excellent filling for wraps or stuffed into pita pockets for a portable lunch option that keeps its crunch and flavor intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Best Crunchy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, giving you convenient, flavorful servings ready to grab and enjoy.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the texture changes in the yogurt dressing and fresh ingredients. For freezer-friendly options, keep cooked chicken separate and prepare the salad fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

No reheating needed here. The salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, which helps preserve the crunchy texture and fresh flavors. Just give it a quick stir and garnish again if needed before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and makes this recipe even faster to pull together without sacrificing flavor or texture.

How spicy is the curry powder in this recipe?

The heat level can be adjusted by the amount of curry powder you add; start with one tablespoon if you prefer a mild flavor and increase up to two tablespoons for a bolder, spicier kick.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt on hand?

You could substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt’s thickness and tang make it the best choice for keeping the dressing creamy and balanced.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, with some tweaks! Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, substitute mayo with vegan mayo, and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt to keep it creamy and delicious.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Definitely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up the Best Crunchy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe means bringing together a wonderfully playful combination of flavors and textures that feel anything but ordinary. It’s easy, quick, and bursting with personality — perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a satisfying solo meal. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved recipe in your kitchen rotation!

Best Crunchy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need