Tired of the same old lunch routine? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This chicken curry salad with grapes is a delightful twist on a classic, offering a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It's a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying weeknight meal. This recipe is all about homemade cooking at its finest – delicious dishes made simple!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 large breast)
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or toasted slivered almonds for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. Grilling, baking, or boiling all work well. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, halved grapes, red onion, and celery.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or yogurt), curry powder, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
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Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste! Serve chilled, garnished with fresh cilantro or toasted almonds, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Curry Salad:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry powder to your liking. For a milder curry salad, start with 1 tablespoon and add more gradually. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Chicken Choice: Leftover roasted chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, adding extra depth of flavor.
- Fruit Variation: Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Mango chunks or chopped apples would be delicious additions.
- Yogurt Swap: Replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt significantly reduces the fat and calorie content while maintaining creaminess.
Variations:
- Cranberry Curry Salad: Substitute dried cranberries for the grapes for a tangy twist.
- Spicy Curry Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Creamy Curry Salad: Increase the mayonnaise (or yogurt) for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. Always check your ingredient labels for accurate nutritional information.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This chicken curry salad with grapes is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. It's a healthy and delicious recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!