This light and flavorful chicken salad blends warm curry spices with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. It’s creamy from Greek yogurt, crunchy from almonds, and naturally sweet from dried apricots. Serve it over greens, in a wrap, or with pita bread for a satisfying meal!
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes (if cooking chicken)
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients**
**For the Salad:**
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
– ½ cup cooked chickpeas (canned & drained or freshly cooked)
– ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
– 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 ½ tsp curry powder
– ½ tsp ground cumin (optional, for warmth)
– ¼ tsp turmeric (optional, for color and health benefits)
– ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
– ⅛ tsp black pepper
– ⅓ cup dried apricots, chopped (or golden raisins)
– ¼ cup almonds or walnuts, chopped and toasted
– 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
– ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
**Instructions**
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
– If using raw chicken, poach it in simmering water for 12-15 minutes, then shred or cube.
– If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, simply shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
**2. Make the Dressing:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
**3. Assemble the Salad:**
– Add the chicken, chickpeas, dried apricots, almonds, red onion, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing.
– Toss everything together until well coated.
**4. Serve & Enjoy!**
– Serve chilled or at room temperature.
– Enjoy as a salad over greens, in a lettuce wrap, inside a pita, or with whole-grain crackers.
**Tips & Variations**
– **Make It Vegan:** Swap chicken for extra chickpeas or tofu.
– **Extra Creamy:** Add 1 tbsp tahini for a richer texture.
– **More Crunch:** Toss in celery, cucumbers, or sunflower seeds.
– **Spicy Kick:** Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
– **Meal Prep Friendly:** Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
**Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)**
– Calories: 280
– Protein: 27g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 5g
– Fat: 11g
– Sugar: 7g
– Sodium: 320mg
Enjoy this delicious and versatile Curry Chicken Salad!