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Creamy Curry Chicken Salad Recipe for Lunch or Light Dinner

This simple Curry Chicken Salad brightens up ordinary chicken salad with warm curry spice, crunchy celery and pistachios, and sweet golden raisins. It’s versatile—serve it on a sandwich, a buttery croissant, crackers, in a lettuce wrap, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.

Curry chicken salad in dish with spoon topped with chopped green onion, chopped pistachios and parsley.

This curry chicken salad has become a favorite at our table because it’s quick, flavorful, and uses up leftover chicken so easily. Using a rotisserie chicken makes it especially convenient—tender, seasoned meat pulled into bite-sized pieces transforms into a fresh, new meal in minutes.

Use this salad in a variety of ways: on sandwiches, tucked into wraps, piled on crackers, or over greens for a light meal. It also pairs well with other easy salads if you’re planning a spread.

Why We Love This Curry Chicken Salad

  • Quick and easy to prepare—ready in minutes.
  • A smart way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
  • Bold, layered flavors from curry, raisins, and nuts—far from bland.
  • Elegant enough to serve to guests yet simple for a weekday lunch.
  • No-cook option for a simple dinner when paired with sides.

Ingredient Notes

Shredded chicken, celery, onion, parsley, mayo and other ingredients labeled.
  • Golden raisins lend a plump, sweeter note, but regular raisins work fine. If you’re not a fan of raisins, omit them or substitute halved grapes or diced apple.
  • Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked chicken—poached, grilled, or roasted—works well.
  • To avoid eggs, choose an egg-free mayonnaise or use a little extra Greek yogurt.

Recipe Variations

  • Add fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or extra parsley for brightness.
  • Swap pistachios for cashews, toasted almonds, or walnuts; sesame seeds also add a nice crunch.
  • Mix in halved grapes or apple chunks for a fruitier version.
  • Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
  • Stir in a drizzle of honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter salad.

How To Make It

Shredded chicken, celery, golden raisins, curry powder and other chicken salad ingredients in glass bowl.

Step 1: Chop the vegetables and pistachios, and shred the chicken. Place everything in a medium bowl.

Mixed curry chicken salad in glass mixing bowl with spoon.

Step 2: Add mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning or creaminess by adding more mayo or yogurt. Chill 30 minutes if you like, though it’s delicious right away.

Recipe Tips

  • Adjust creaminess: Add an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or yogurt if you prefer a richer texture.
  • Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours ahead for best flavor. If you want maximum crunch, add pistachios just before serving when making it a day ahead.
  • No curry powder? Curry powder is a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. If you’re out, use a mix of these spices to taste instead of a pre-made blend.
Curry chicken salad served on cracker topped with parsley.

Storage

Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freezing is not recommended as the texture will change.

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Curry Chicken Salad

This simple Curry Chicken Salad combines shredded chicken, celery, pistachios, golden raisins, and curry-seasoned mayo for a bright, textured salad perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light meal.
Curry chicken salad on plate with spoon.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cup shredded chicken (approx. 1½ lb. chicken breast)
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios
  • ⅓ cup golden raisins
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1–1½ tsp curry powder
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 2 Tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Chop the vegetables and pistachios and shred the chicken.
  • Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess if desired. Chill about 30 minutes or serve immediately.
  • Refrigerate leftovers.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freezing is not recommended.

Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours before serving. For maximum crunch, add pistachios just before serving if making ahead.

Nutrition

Calories: 367 kcal, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 26 g, Fat: 24 g. Nutrition info is approximate.

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