Curried Chicken Salad


This curried chicken salad sandwich isn't going to win beauty contests, but it has elicited comments such as 'awesome' and 'perfect' amongst a couple of friends. Chunks of chicken breasts, celery, green onions and raisins are bound together with a honey-curry mayonnaise bringing a hint of sweetness, spice and mild herbs. I imagine this salad would also go well in a tortilla wrap. 

Store-bought mayonnaise is convenient for this recipe but homemade is so easy and delicious that it may be worth the effort to find good quality local eggs or pasteurized at your grocer's aisle. 



Curried Chicken Salad
  • 3 chicken breasts, poached and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced
  • 2 scallions, sliced thinly
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise (recipe follows)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey*
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Method
Toss everything together in a large bowl and mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Mayonnaise Recipe
From AllRecipes.com
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg (pasteurized recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
Method
In the container of a food processor or blender, combine the mustard powder, salt, eggs and vinegar. Set the food processor on medium speed and gradually drizzle in the oil while it runs. Transfer to a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

*Tip on the honey: dip your spoon in oil prior to scooping the honey to release easily.

25 comments:

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

I've always wanted to make my own mayo. I've really got to try doing it sometime!

Mari Nuñez said...

This looks awesome Christine! The raisins and honey in it must give it the right splash of sweetness, I love the idea.

Thanks for sharing it.

The Palate Post said...

Weather is really warming up in the Bay Area.It's more like summer than spring. Your curried chicken breast salad is great for this time of year, and the recipe is perfect. I will make it tomorrow. I have started subscribe your post...I enjoy very much.

From the Kitchen said...

I agree with the making your own mayonnaise. It is so easy and makes such a difference. I love all the components of your salad. Beauty is only skin deep!!

Best,
Bonnie

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Ooh, you made homemade mayonnaise. My mother always had a jar of homemade mayon in the refrig. I thought everyone's mother had one, silly me. It does make all of the difference though.

I love a little bit of curry in chicken salad. It's a nice change from the everyday version that I tend to fall back on.
Sam

bunkycooks said...

It's too bad we all don't make homemade mayo on a regular basis. It is so good and quite simple. I bet this chicken salad is wonderful with the addition of curry and raisins. I hope you and Alex are doing well. :-)

ChubbyChineseGirl said...

Christine,
this looks so good! homemade is always better...

El said...

Looks beautiful to me! I've never had luck with making mayo but will definitely try your recipe. Hope all is well with you.

White Hot Oven said...

This looks divine! And makes me forget that it's been pouring rain for nearly 3 weeks here. Such vibrant colors sing the songs of spring. I think I'll have to make this to cheer me up :) Thanks for sharing!

Claudia said...

I love curried chicken salad! Never have done t with honey or tarragon - must give it a whirl. Not interested in my food winning beauty contests. Pretty is as pretty does.

Emily said...

love that you made your own mayo...that makes a simple dish like chicken salad immediately thoughtful.

Penny said...

I love curry in chicken salad. I love tarragon too. This sounds like the perfect combination. The "lick the bowl" eggs are genius. I just happen to have a poached chicken breast in the fridge. Will try this. Thanks Christine.

nancy at good food matters said...

Hi Christine, With Memorial weekend coming up--picnic weather for sure--I've been thinking about chicken salad. I usually make an assertive one in a kind of Provencale style---aioli, dijon, basil, cracked pepper, onion, and celery. Your version with creamy curry and raisins sounds like a delicious departure.

Jamie said...

Can I ooh and ahhh? How I love a good chicken salad sandwich but always make the same one I grew up eating. My French husband has homemade mayo in his blood - no one ever bought a jar of the stuff - but again, always classic. This honey-curry blend is stunning and the addition of sweet raisins make this a truly awesome :-) chicken salad. I have this bookmarked for a summer lunch.

kale said...

I don't know what it is about mayo, but I hate it store-bought and absolutely love it homemade. Usually that comes out just sounding snobby, but I swear it's the truth! I think it's the texture especially that is so much better.
(I think your curried chicken salad has a better shot at the beauty contest than you think.)

Andrea@WellnessNotes said...

Making my own mayo has been on my list... I love curried chicken salad. Yours sounds delicious!

Kim said...

Homemade mayo is so much better than store bought. Sure wish I could find the pasteurized eggs around here. Looks like a very well balanced chicken salad!

Chiara said...

Looks so tasty !I love it!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

This does sound like a wonderful chicken salad recipe, Christine! I love the curry, tarragon and raisins in it. Saving this one to try :)

SKIP TO MALOU said...

My husband and I had lunch in a London Tea House last week and the curry chicken salad on rye caught my attention. I sooo loved it and I thought of making it soon. But then I got distracted hahah but here I am, after seeing your post, am reminded that I should whip up a curry chicken salad soon.
Happy Memorial Day weekend Christine.
Malou

Chocolate Shavings said...

This would be perfect for a summer picnic - looks great!

OysterCulture said...

I love a good chicken salad recipe and this sounds awesome!

Lori said...

Chicken salad with homemade mayo? No better spring/summer sandwich filling! I love curry too so this is perfect.

K said...

Hi, did you season the chicken when you poached it?

Fresh Local and Best said...

K - I did not season the chicken when I poached it.