Curried Chicken and Apricot Salad (15 Minutes)

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Whenever you crave something that’s both savory and sweet, this curried chicken salad with apricots is the answer. This dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken, warm curry spices, and the gentle sweetness of apricots. It’s not only rich in flavor but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, dinner, or even a dish for a potluck, this salad stands out with its unique combination of ingredients.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, minced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients (10 minutes): Chop the cooked chicken, dried apricots, celery, and red onion.
  2. Make the dressing (2 minutes): In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and curry powder until well combined.
  3. Combine everything (3 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, apricots, celery, red onion, the curry dressing, toasted almonds, and cilantro. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Season (1 minute): Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Notes

The brilliance of this salad lies in its balance: the sweetness of apricots, the warmth of curry, and the crunchiness of almonds. If you’re keen on some heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the flavors. You can also serve this salad on a bed of fresh greens or inside a croissant for a delightful sandwich. Crispy pita chips or a bowl of cold gazpacho would pair beautifully with this dish. Remember, letting the salad chill for about an hour in the refrigerator can help meld the flavors together, though it’s delicious immediately too.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Pair this with...

Cheddar Biscuits

First, heat up your oven. In a bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of garlic powder for that extra depth. Blend in cold, cubed butter until the mixture looks like chunky crumbs. Fold in a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese, spreading the cheesy joy throughout. Gently mix in milk, just until the dough pulls together. Now, using a big spoon, drop heaping mounds of this dough onto a baking sheet. They'll be imperfect and that's part of their charm! Slide them into the oven, watching as they expand and brown, with bits of golden cheddar making their appearance. Once baked to perfection, let them cool a bit, but serve warm.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Begin by cleaning and peeling your carrots. If they're large, you might want to slice them into smaller, uniform pieces for even cooking. In a pan, bring a bit of water to a simmer and add the carrots, letting them steam until they're tender but still have a bite. Drain any excess water, then return the pan to the heat. Add a good dollop of butter and let it melt, followed by a generous drizzle of honey. Toss the carrots in this buttery, sweet mixture, seasoning with a pinch of salt and maybe a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for an herbal touch. Let them cook a bit longer until they're beautifully glazed and glistening.

Ginger Limeade

Start by peeling a fresh ginger root, roughly about a 2-inch piece, and slice it into thin discs. In a saucepan, simmer these ginger slices with water and sugar, allowing the mixture to become a spicy simple syrup as the ginger infuses its heat. While this brews, roll and juice fresh limes until you have about a cup of vibrant lime juice. Once your ginger-infused syrup is ready and slightly cooled, combine it with the lime juice in a pitcher. Add 4-5 cups of cold water, mixing well and adjusting to your preferred balance of sweet, spicy, and sour. For a finishing touch and a pop of color, consider adding lime slices or even a sprig of fresh mint.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!