15-Minute Curried Chicken Salad with Yogurt

I am always looking for fun ways to mix things up, like these Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados and this Poppy Seed Chicken Salad.

This Curry Chicken Salad is my latest twist, and you won’t believe how easy or how flavorful it is to make. I’ve used Greek Yogurt to lighten it up a bit, and I think you will agree that there is no sacrifice with this one!

• Cooked Chicken:  Either breast or thighs will work.
• Green Onions:  If you don’t have green onion on hand, diced red onion will work too.
• Cashews:  Almonds or pecans work too!
• Currants: Dried cranberries or apricots, golden raisins, apples, and grapes are all a good alternatives.
• Cilantro: If you don’t care for cilantro, leave it off or use parsley in its placed.
• Mayonnaise:   You can omit it entirely and use all yogurt, but I think this recipe holds better with the mayo.
• Greek Yogurt: I use Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
• Mango Chutney:  This adds a nice sweet zing, but it is entirely optional.
• Lemon Juice:  Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best.
• Sweetener:  Any sweetener you like will work.
• Curry Powder:  Use hot or mild - it is entirely a matter of personal preference.
• Turmeric: Make sure you are careful not to stain clothes or a much-loved cutting board.
• Cumin:  Use ground cumin here, or toast cumin seeds and then grind them for a more intense and slightly smoky taste.

Tips & Tricks

• Both curry powder and turmeric can stain, so be careful with light unsealed countertops, your hands, and cutting boards.
• Make this quick and easy recipe even easier by picking up a rotisserie chicken.

Serving Suggestions

You can eat this Curried Chicken Salad by itself or serve it in lettuce wraps or on top of a green salad. I also like to toast gluten-free bread and make a sandwich or use a wrap to make a chicken salad wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Best Way to Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad?

For shredded chicken,  Instant Pot Shredded Chicken works well, as does Slow Cooker Chicken.

For cubed chicken, you can simply poach it, or give this Air Fryer Chicken with no breading a try.

Can I Make this with Leftover Turkey?

Absolutely! When I do this, I like to use cranberries instead of currants.

Variations

• If you like your chicken salad with eggs, feel free to add in two or three chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• For an additional textural element, add in 8 ounces of sliced and drained water chestnuts.
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom is a nice addition.

Make it Vegan

To make a Vegan Curry Chicken Salad, use cooked and cubed tempeh or Gardein Chicken in place of the chicken. Use dairy-free Greek yogurt for the yogurt and Veganaise in place of mayonnaise.

Make it Nut-Free

Omit the cashews and add sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for added crunch.

Make it Dairy Free

Choose a dairy-free Greek yogurt, or simply use all mayonnaise.

How to Make Curry Chicken Salad

First, start by chopping or shredding your chicken.

Place it in a bowl, and add the green onions, celery, cashews, currants, and cilantro.

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, lemon juice, sweetener, curry powder, turmeric, and cumin.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

More Salad Recipes to Try

• Roasted Beet Salad
• Mexican Steak Salad
• Avocado Grilled Chicken Salad
• Brussels Sprouts Kale Salad