Curried chicken salad with celery and mayonnaise

Curried Chicken Salad with Celery and Mayonnaise combines tender chicken, crunchy celery, and creamy mayonnaise with a hint of curry powder. It’s easy to make and perfect for a light meal or lunch.

24 Dec 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 tsp olive oil
6 chicken breasts
2 stalks celery
1/2 cup mayonnaise salad dressing
2 tsp curry powder

Curried Chicken Salad with Celery and Mayonnaise is a delightful and savory dish that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining the tender texture of chicken with the crispiness of celery and the creamy richness of mayonnaise, this recipe offers a unique twist with a hint of curry powder. It's easy to prepare and can be a great addition to your meal rotation.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them cool completely.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken is cooling, wash the celery stalks thoroughly.
- Dice the celery into small, bite-size pieces and set aside.

4. Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken has cooled down, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.

5. Make the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 2 teaspoons of curry powder.
- Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Make sure the chicken and celery are evenly coated with the mayonnaise and curry powder mixture.

6. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste your curried chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even an extra pinch of curry powder if you prefer a stronger curry flavor.

7. Chill the Salad:
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

8. Serve:
- Once chilled, give the salad a good stir and serve it cold.
- This curried chicken salad is delicious on its own, served over a bed of lettuce, or in a sandwich or wrap.

This Curried Chicken Salad with Celery and Mayonnaise is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own, as a sandwich filling, or even served over a bed of lettuce. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe to add a touch of exotic flavor to your dining table.

Curried chicken salad with celery and mayonnaise FAQ:

How long should I cook the chicken breasts?

Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the pre-cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

How long can I store the curried chicken salad in the refrigerator?

The curried chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Make sure to chill it promptly after preparation.

What substitutions can I make for mayonnaise in the recipe?

You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or use a vegan mayo if you're looking for a plant-based alternative.

What can I serve with curried chicken salad?

This salad is delicious served on a bed of lettuce, in sandwiches, or wraps. You can also pair it with crackers or a fresh side of fruit.

Cooking Tips:

- For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

- You can use a grill, oven, or skillet to cook the chicken breasts. Make sure they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

- Chop the celery finely to ensure even distribution and a consistent texture in every bite.

- Mix the mayonnaise and curry powder together before adding them to the salad to ensure the curry flavor is evenly distributed.

- To lighten up the recipe, you can use a reduced-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute for regular mayonnaise.

Nutrition Facts

6 Servings
Calories 200kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 3.22g
Fiber 0.75g
Sugar 1.18g
Fat 8g

Curried chicken salad with celery and mayonnaise