The Best Curried Chicken Salad Recipe (Whole Foods Copycat)
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If you’ve ever tried the curried chicken salad at Whole Foods, you’ll know exactly what this salad is like. I got ahold of the ingredient list on the sticker they put on those containers and used it to develop this homemade version, and yes, it’s not only healthier but also cheaper to make at home. (Is anyone surprised?)
I have had a love affair with this salad since I first tried it at Whole Foods years and years ago. It’s one of those guilty pleasures that you always treat yourself to because you don’t do it “that often“. But making it at home was next-level. I’ll never be able to get enough of this stuff. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make
- Taste incredible
- It’s great for meal prep (and you’ll actually want to eat it!)
Pro Recipe Tip
To save time, use a rotisserie chicken or bake some chicken ahead of time.
FAQs
Can I Make This With Fewer Fat And Calories?
You can substitute half of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. It will cut down on fat while still giving you a creamy texture for the dressing.
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Chicken?
The recipe calls for chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs, which tend to be a bit more affordable and have a little more flavor. But remove any excess fat if they have any.
Can I Use Dairy-Free Yogurt?
Absolutely! Any yogurt that works for you is fine as long as it’s unflavored or plain.
What Can I Use Instead Of Honey Or Maple Syrup?
Honestly, you can use just about any sweetener you want to use. I used stevia, and it worked just fine.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, by substituting the chicken with chickpeas, firm tofu, or a plant-based chicken substitute and using a dairy-free yogurt that is plant-based.
Can I Shred The Chicken Instead Of Chopping It?
Absolutely! If it’s easier for you to shred the chicken instead of cutting it, the best way to shred it is with a hand-held electric mixer. They do a great job of shredding chicken evenly. Otherwise, you’ll have to use two forks to shred the chicken. But you can enjoy it in this salad either way.
Can I Make The Dressing Ahead Of Time?
You can. The dressing will keep well in the fridge for about three days, so it’s best to make it only two days ahead of time so that day three is the day you serve the salad.
Can I Substitute The Raisins?
Yep! Try chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or dates. Any of them will work well in this salad.
Can I Use Fresh Ginger Instead Of Ground Ginger In The Dressing?
You can, but it will definitely add a stronger ginger flavor.
Do I Have To Toast The Almonds?
No, you don’t have to. But I recommend it just because it adds so much great flavor. But if you don’t want to or don’t have time, you can certainly skip that part.
Recipe Additions
This recipe can handle several different additions if you want to play around with the flavors a little. Try adding:
- diced apples
- celery
- bell peppers
How To Serve Curried Chicken Salad
You can eat this as is or try serving it tossed with salad greens or in lettuce wraps. It’s great as a sandwich filling, inside of a pita, or with whole-grain crackers.
Whole Foods Chicken Curry Salad Ingredients
About Curried Chicken Salad Ingredients
Chicken breast – You can also use chicken thighs. But it’s best to trim off all the fat.
Mayonnaise – No sugar added. You can purchase it or make your own. (See notes above about using yogurt)
Curry powder
Maple syrup – Or honey.
Red grapes
Celery
Red onion
Golden raisins – Don’t substitute with red raisins unless you have no other choice. The golden raisins really help make this dish.
Fresh parsley – Or cilantro for cilantro lovers.
Almonds – Purchase them raw and toast them at home if you wish. Toasting them is not required but definitely recommended for the best overall flavor.
Fresh lemon juice
Turmeric
Salt
Black pepper
How To Make Curried Chicken Salad
Prep all ingredients as indicated. If starting with raw chicken, poach or bake it until fully cooked, then shred or cube it. Let it cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), curry powder, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the chicken, red grapes, celery, red onion, golden raisins, and cilantro or parsley to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy it as a sandwich, on a bed of lettuce, or wrapped in a tortilla or lettuce leaf.
Storing Leftover Curried Chicken Salad
Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing Curried Chicken Salad
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe.
Reheating Curried Chicken Salad
This is not a hot dish. While you can let it come to room temperature a bit, it’s best served chilled.
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Curried Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (or cubed)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (no sugar added or homemade)
- 1 tbsp. curry powder
- 1 tsp. maple syrup (or honey – adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup red grapes (halved)
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp. golden raisins
- 2 tbsp. chopped, fresh parsley (or cilantro)
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp. salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ¼ cup chopped almonds
- ¼ tsp. ground turmeric (for color)
Instructions
- Prep all the ingredients as instructed. If starting with raw chicken, poach or bake it until fully cooked, then shred or cube it. Let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), curry powder, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the chicken, red grapes, celery, red onion, golden raisins, and cilantro or parsley to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy it as a sandwich, on a bed of lettuce, or wrapped in a tortilla or lettuce leaf.
Notes
Nutrition
