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Curried chicken salad is a combination of creamy curry dressing, savory chicken, and plenty of fruit. It’s the ideal balance of savory and sweet, with just enough tang to keep you coming back for more. Whether you serve it tucked into a croissant, scooped onto lettuce wraps, or as part of a picnic spread, this recipe is a fresh twist on classic chicken salad that’s guaranteed to become a staple.

JUMP TO RECIPE

A close-up of an curried chicken salad sandwich with leafy lettuce on white bread, served on a white plate. In the background, a bowl of salad sits beside a dish of curried chicken salad for added variety.

about this curried chicken salad

This curried chicken salad is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations, and it holds a very special place in my heart. My grandma made it long before I ever did, and it quickly became one of those staples that my mom would always make for me throughout my youth. The recipe is simple but packed with flavor, and it’s one of those dishes that has stood the test of time.

Every time I make this chicken salad, I’m instantly brought back to my mom’s kitchen in Kansas City. I can still remember sneaking bites of the chilled salad straight from the mixing bowl while it rested in the fridge, too impatient for the flavors to meld. It wasn’t fancy, but it was comforting, colorful, and full of life.

What makes this version so special is the balance of flavors. The curry powder brings warmth and spices, while the apple, pineapple, raisins, and dates add a subtle sweetness that makes every bite feel layered and interesting. The chutney ties it all together with a tangy-sweet note that’s unforgettable.

Now, I find myself making it for my own family, carrying on the tradition and sharing those same flavors I grew up with. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me food isn’t just about eating. It’s about memory, connection, and carrying little pieces of family history forward, one meal at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this curried chicken salad deserves a spot in your meal rotation:

Sweet, savory, creamy, and a little tangy all at once
Packed with texture from fruit and tender chicken
Great for meal prep and it tastes even better the next day
Simple ingredients with lots of room for substitutions
Versatile enough to serve in sandwiches, wraps, or as a side dish

ingredients

Chicken – Cooked chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken, poached, grilled, or leftover roasted) all work here. Use thighs for extra richness or breasts for a leaner option. You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs.

Curry Powder – The star of the dressing. Use mild curry blend for a subtle warmth or hot curry for more kick.

Chicken Broth – Helps bloom the curry flavor and make a paste. You can also use vegetable broth if preferred.

Mayonnaise – Classic creamy base. Swap part of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier option.

Apple – Use Granny Smith for tangy bite or Honeycrisp for sweeter flavor.

Pineapple – Fresh is best, but canned works in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it first.

Golden Raisins – Milder than regular raisins, they add subtle sweetness. Substitute dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for variation.

Dates – If dates aren’t your thing, try figs or omit.

Mango Chutney – A secret ingredient that adds tangy-sweet complexity. Apricot preserves or peach jam can work as stand-ins, if necessary.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Season to taste to balance flavors!

this recipe’s must-haves

The first step in the recipe is to bloom the curry powder. You’ll need a small saucepan for this.

To make the chicken salad, you’ll need a large bowl from a set of metal mixing bowls. A whisk is needed to combine the dressing easily.

A close-up of a pot with bubbling tomato-based sauce, showing a reddish-brown color and frothy texture around the edges, set against a dark countertop.

how to make this curried chicken salad

make curry paste

In a small saucepan, simmer curry powder and broth for about 2 minutes until a paste forms. Cool completely before moving onto the next step.

Did you know? Putting the paste in a small bowl and placing in the freezer or fridge will cool it down quickly!

make dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled curry paste and mayonnaise until smooth.

make salad

Add chicken, apple, pineapple, raisins, dates, mango chutney, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is coated in dressing.

chill

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so the flavors meld.

Scoop by the spoonful onto bread with lettuce leaves, tortilla for a wrap, or lettuce cups, or serve in a bowl as is.

A close-up of a bowl containing creamy, yellow curry sauce with a smooth texture, swirled across the surface.

Tips for Success

Make sure the curry paste cools before mixing with mayonnaise — otherwise, the dressing can separate.

Dice the fruit and chicken into uniform pieces so every bite is balanced.

Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving; it really makes a difference in flavor!

Taste and adjust seasoning after chilling. Sometimes it needs a little extra salt or pepper so I always sneak a bite before serving.

A bowl of curried chicken salad filled with chopped cooked chicken, diced pineapple, diced apples, golden raisins, chopped dates, chutney, and black pepper sits on a dark gray surface.

variations

Lighten it up: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt to make a healthier version of the dressing. The sweetness of the fruit in the salad should balance out the added tang, but you can add more chutney if desired.
Add crunch: Toss in chopped celery, chopped bell peppers, sliced almonds, or cashews.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeño to the salad. The Hot & Sweet Jalapeños from Trader Joes are really yummy in this!
Fresh herbs: Stir in cilantro, mint, or parsley for brightness. You could also add in sliced green onion (scallions)!

More chicken recipes to try: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken | Mango Chicken Salad | Smoked Chicken | Tequila Lime Juice Chicken Thighs

A close-up of a creamy yellow curry dish with cubed chicken, raisins, and fruit, all coated in a rich, spiced sauce for curried chicken salad, served in a dark bowl.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling, so it’s even better to make a day in advance.

What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, but grilled or roasted chicken adds great flavor. You can use the breast and/or thigh meat!

Can I freeze curried chicken salad?

We do not recommend freezing it because the mayo dressing will separate and the fruit will lose texture.

How long does this last in the fridge?

This salad will last for up to 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Need more inspiration for dinner Check out my dinner recipes page!

An open-faced sandwich with creamy salad on a bed of green leaf lettuce, served on a white plate.

what to serve with this curried chicken salad

This curried chicken salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a light and refreshing lunch, serve it on a bed of crisp mixed greens or baby spinach, letting the creamy salad act as the star of the plate while the greens add a fresh, crunchy contrast.

You can also scoop it onto whole-grain or sourdough bread to make hearty sandwiches, or pile it onto croissants or soft pita pockets.

To round out a meal, pair this salad with simple side dishes like roasted or steamed vegetables, a quinoa salad, or even a fresh fruit salad. The sweetness of seasonal fruit complements the curry flavors in the chicken salad, while a light vegetable side adds balance.

how to store

Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. If you are meal prepping this recipe, keep it separate from bread/wraps until you are ready to serve so they don’t get soggy.

A sandwich on white bread filled with curried chicken salad—diced chicken, lettuce, and yellow curry dressing—served on a white plate.

more of our favorite salad recipes

Mango chicken salad is another fruit-inspired chicken salad that combines sweet and savory flavors.

For a spicier salad, this southwest chicken salad features a spicy chipotle dressing and a ton of veggies.

This pesto chicken pasta salad is ideal for summer, with fresh vegetables and herbs!

Finally, if you make this curried chicken salad recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

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