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A vibrant plate of Curry Chicken Salad served on fresh lettuce leaves, garnished with cilantro, alongside a fork.
Layla

Vibrant Curry Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans

A creamy and flavorful chicken salad featuring tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and a savory curry dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, sandwiches, or wraps.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Curry Dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise good quality
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp curry powder adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad Mix-ins
  • 1 cup red grapes halved
  • 1/2 cup celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup pecans chopped, lightly toasted (optional)
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely minced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Air Fryer (optional, for cooking chicken)
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. If using raw chicken breasts, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to cool completely, then shred or dice it into 1/2-inch pieces.
Make the Curry Dressing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, lime juice, honey, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the curry powder or sweetness as desired to achieve your preferred flavor.
Assemble the Salad
  1. Add the cooled, shredded or diced chicken to the large bowl with the prepared curry dressing.
  2. Stir in the halved red grapes, finely diced celery, chopped pecans (if using), and minced red onion (if using).
  3. Gently fold all ingredients together until the chicken and mix-ins are thoroughly and evenly coated with the vibrant curry dressing.
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
  2. Before serving, give the salad a good stir and incorporate the fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve chilled on lettuce cups, with crackers, on your favorite bread as a sandwich, or as a delightful side dish.

Notes

Storage: Store any leftover Vibrant Curry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's fantastic for meal prep!
Variations: Feel free to customize! Add chopped green apples, dried cranberries, or toasted slivered almonds for different textures and sweet-tart notes. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.