Healthy Curry Chicken Salad
Welcome to Cezanne Garden, where we celebrate wholesome and delicious recipes. Today, we’re preparing a flavorful and nutritious Healthy Curry Chicken Salad. This salad combines tender chicken breast with vibrant fruits, vegetables, and a creamy Greek yogurt curry sauce that’s packed with aromatic spices. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Let’s dive into making this delightful Healthy Curry Chicken Salad!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted cashews
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 batch Greek Yogurt Curry Sauce (see below)
Greek Yogurt Curry Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Pinch each of salt and pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cook the boneless, skinless chicken breasts by boiling or baking until fully cooked. Let cool, then cube into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Greek Yogurt Curry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until all spices are evenly incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cubed chicken, halved grapes, chopped fresh cilantro, shredded carrots, chopped toasted cashews, finely diced red onion, ground ginger, honey, garam masala, ground turmeric, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add the prepared Greek Yogurt Curry Sauce to the salad mixture. Stir gently until everything is well coated with the sauce.
4. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled as a salad, or use as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.
5. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Before serving, garnish with additional cilantro leaves, if desired.
- Enjoy your Healthy Curry Chicken Salad!
Variations and Tips for Success:
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, add chopped celery or sliced almonds.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of garam masala and cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, leftover cooked chicken works well in this recipe. Simply cube the chicken and proceed with the recipe.
Q: Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt? A: You can use mayonnaise or a combination of sour cream and yogurt as a substitute for Greek yogurt in the curry sauce.
Q: Can I omit the honey for a sugar-free version? A: Yes, you can omit the honey or substitute with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
Internal Links: For more healthy and delicious salad recipes, explore these links:
Enjoy making and savoring this Healthy Curry Chicken Salad. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and spices that will satisfy your taste buds while keeping your meal wholesome and nutritious. Happy cooking!
