Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Curry is a flavorful twist on classic chicken salad, featuring tender chicken tossed in a creamy curry-infused dressing with crunchy celery, sweet raisins, and toasted almonds. This dish is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or serving over greens for a light and refreshing meal. The balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors makes this a standout dish for lunch or casual entertaining.

What Is Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry?

Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Curry combines diced roasted or poached chicken with a creamy mayonnaise and yogurt dressing infused with curry powder. Crunchy celery, sweet raisins, and toasted almonds add texture and depth, making it a well-balanced and flavorful dish.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry

Burst of flavor – A blend of curry, lemon, and creamy dressing enhances the dish.
Great for meal prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
Versatile serving options – Enjoy in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or on its own.
Light yet satisfying – Packed with protein and texture.
Easy to customize – Add apples, cashews, or grapes for variation.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting) or 4 cups chicken broth (for poaching)
½ cup good-quality mayonnaise
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
½ cup celery, finely diced
½ cup raisins (or dried cranberries)
½ cup toasted sliced almonds
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Oven Method (Roasting):
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Stovetop Method (Poaching):
- Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with chicken broth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Let cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Curry Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Adjust seasoning to taste—add more curry powder for a stronger flavor or extra honey for a hint of sweetness.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Salad

Add the diced chicken to the dressing and mix well.
Fold in celery, raisins, and toasted almonds. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley for freshness.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry?

Serve on a croissant or sandwich roll – A classic way to enjoy it.
Pair with mixed greens – A light and refreshing meal.
Wrap in lettuce leaves – A low-carb, healthy option.
Enjoy with crackers or pita chips – Great for snacking.
Serve with fruit salad – complements the sweetness of the raisins.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry

Use high-quality curry powder – Adds depth and warmth to the dressing.
Toast the almonds – Enhances their nutty flavor and crunch.
Let the salad chill before serving – Allows flavors to develop.
Adjust sweetness and acidity – Balance with honey and lemon juice.
Shred instead of dice – If preferred, shred the chicken for a softer texture.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry

Add chopped apples or grapes – Enhance sweetness and crunch.
Use cashews instead of almonds – Adds a richer nutty flavor.
Spice it up – Add cayenne pepper or extra curry powder.
Swap Greek yogurt for full mayo – For a richer dressing.
Add fresh cilantro – For an extra herbaceous touch.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry

Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze – The dressing may separate when thawed.
Make ahead tip – Prep the dressing separately and mix with chicken before serving.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Salad Curry

Best served cold – No reheating required.
If using warm, gently heat the chicken before mixing – Keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or dice the meat and mix it with the curry dressing for a quick and flavorful meal.

How can I make this chicken salad healthier?

For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and swap honey for a natural sweetener like maple syrup or omit it entirely.

What’s the best way to toast almonds for chicken salad?

Toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.

Can I make chicken salad curry ahead of time?

Yes! This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad Curry is a delightful, flavorful twist on a classic dish. With its creamy curry dressing, crunchy almonds, and juicy chicken, this salad is perfect for any meal. Whether in a sandwich, salad, or wrap, this easy recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a simple yet sophisticated take on chicken salad!