This healthy curried chicken salad swaps mayo for yogurt and adds sweet apples and crunchy celery; ready in 15 minutes, no cooking required.
Chicken salad is a classic recipe that brings back many childhood memories of my beloved Miracle Whip. It’s one of those lunchtime staples I keep coming back to in different forms, like my Chicken Salad Sliders. It was a sad day when I discovered the main ingredient was corn syrup, so I try to use it sparingly, if at all. The good news is that plain yogurt has come to the rescue!
Before you shun me, let me give you a few tips for replacing mayo or sour cream with plain yogurt. It is important to replace the fat with additional flavor. Since much of what we love about mayo and sour cream is the rich, decadent mouthfeel that comes from the fat it is important to make up for it with natural flavor enhancers. I use this same trick in my Cucumber Laban, a Lebanese yogurt sauce that proves savory yogurt can be just as rich and satisfying as anything made with mayo.
If you’re making tuna salad, add in freshly chopped herbs such as basil or dill. Making tacos? Add a little lime zest and fresh lime juice to sour cream before serving. When it comes to chicken salad, I love adding antioxidant-packed curry powder and a splash of fresh lemon juice. For added sweetness (to make up for the missing corn syrup), I add chopped apples. Red grapes work well too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: You can start with a rotisserie chicken, cook your own chicken breasts or thighs, or use canned chicken. Could also use extra-firm tofu or chickpeas to keep it vegan!
- Celery: Adds crunch and texture to the salad, though you can also use red onion for more flavor with the crunch.
- Apple: Naturally sweet and crunchy. Red or green grapes are a great option also.
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt is a great replacement for mayonnaise, Greek yogurt even better for added protein. You can use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
- Curry powder: Most grocery-aisle curry powder will be mild, so look for specific hot blends if you like it on the hotter side.
- Lemon juice: You can never go wrong with fresh lemon juice, but in a pinch, apple cider vinegar will work, too.
How to make Curried Chicken Salad with Apples
Step 1. Start by adding your plain yogurt to a large bowl.
Step 2. Add the curry powder, lemon juice, and salt to the yogurt on the bowl.
Step 5. Mix together the sauce ingredients before adding in the chicken. Stir to fully combine. Feel free to add extra lemon juice if needed.
Step 4. Chop the celery and apples finely before adding them to the chicken mixture.
Step 5. Once all of your ingredients are added to the bowl, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 6. Mix until well combined, then serve with crusty bread, lettuce cups, or over a bed of greens.
You can also store in the fridge for a few days and dish out for lunches during the week. Whether right away or later, you’ll be sure to enjoy this Curried Chicken Salad with Apples!
More Summer Salad Recipes
- Healthy Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups
- Pasta Salad with Toasted Pine Nuts
- Caprese Quinoa Salad
- Greek Village Salad
- Cucumber Zucchini Salad
Eat It, Like It, Share It!
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Your fork is waiting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, curry powder, lemon juice and salt.1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Stir in chicken, celery and apple. Check for seasoning and adjust accordingly.8 oz cooked chicken breasts, 4 celery stalks, 1 apple
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can use tortillas, bread, toast, crackers, or even eat by itself! Just account for the extra calories and carbs.
I think the apples add sweetness and the celery some crunch, but you can substitute either with whatever you have. Red grapes or raisins work well to replace apples. And anything crunchy like onions could replace celery.
Curry doesn’t have to be spicy or hot. It’s a blend of different savory and sweet spices, and the level of heat will depend on the type and amount of pepper used. Most curry found in the regular spice aisle in the grocery store is not spicy.
You can eat it cold or room temperature, but if serving over lettuce I recommend keeping it cold so it doesn’t wilt.
Whether you serve on lettuce wraps or a sandwich, this curried chicken salad goes great with Baked Turnip Chips, Fried Pickle Chips, or Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup.
Chicken salad should be stored in an air tight container and can last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
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