Curried Chicken, Walnut, and Grape Salad with Vibrant Dressing
This delightful salad brings together tender pieces of chicken breast, crunchy walnuts, and sweet red grapes, dressed in a creamy curry mixture that's both tangy and flavorful. The use of toasty curry powder enriches the dressing, making each bite a burst of international flair and freshness. Perfect as a light lunch or an elegant snack, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a nutritious option that can be enjoyed on warm days or anytime you crave a refreshing meal. Serve it on a bed of crisp curly lettuce for an appealing presentation.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Curry Powder
2 teaspoons (preferably Madras-style if you like it spicier)
Light Mayonnaise
1/4 cup
Plain Nonfat Yogurt
1/4 cup
Mango Chutney
2 teaspoons (such as Major Grey)
Fresh Ginger
1 teaspoon (peeled and minced)
Orange Peel
1/2 teaspoon (finely grated)
Cooked Chicken Breasts
3 cups (skinless and boneless, cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
Red Seedless Grapes
1 cup (halved (plus 4 small clusters for garnish))
Green Onion
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
Walnuts
1/3 cup (toasted and coarsely chopped)
Curly Lettuce Leaves
4 large
Instructions
1
In a small skillet, lightly toast the curry powder over medium heat for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously until fragrant. This step enhances the spice's flavors.
2
Transfer the toasted curry powder to a medium bowl. Add in the light mayonnaise, plain nonfat yogurt, mango chutney, minced fresh ginger, and finely grated orange peel.
3
Whisk the mixture until it is well blended and creamy.
4
Incorporate the cooked chicken, halved red grapes, thinly sliced green onions, and coarsely chopped toasted walnuts into the dressing. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
5
To serve, place a single large curly lettuce leaf on each of four plates. Generously spoon the curried chicken salad mixture over the lettuce.
6
Garnish each plate with small clusters of red grapes for a touch of elegance and extra color.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Curried Chicken, Walnut, and Grape Salad with Vibrant Dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in the salad?
The main ingredients include cooked chicken breasts, red seedless grapes, walnuts, and green onions.
How should the chicken be prepared for this salad?
The chicken should be skinless, boneless, cooked, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Why should I toast the curry powder?
Toasting the curry powder for about 30 seconds enhances the spice's flavors and makes it more fragrant.
What kind of curry powder is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Madras-style curry powder if you prefer a spicier flavor.
What components make up the vibrant dressing?
The dressing consists of light mayonnaise, plain nonfat yogurt, mango chutney, minced fresh ginger, finely grated orange peel, and toasted curry powder.
Which type of yogurt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of plain nonfat yogurt.
Is there a specific brand of mango chutney suggested?
The recipe suggests a Major Grey style mango chutney.
How is the fresh ginger prepared?
The ginger should be peeled and minced before being added to the dressing.
How much orange peel is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated orange peel.
How should the red seedless grapes be cut?
The grapes should be halved, and a few small clusters should be kept whole for garnish.
How are the walnuts prepared for the salad?
The walnuts should be toasted and coarsely chopped.
How are the green onions sliced?
The green onions should be thinly sliced.
What type of lettuce is used for serving?
The salad is served on large curly lettuce leaves.
How many servings does this recipe provide based on the lettuce leaves?
The recipe instructions suggest serving it on four plates, each with one large lettuce leaf.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious option that uses light mayonnaise and nonfat yogurt.
When is the best time to serve this salad?
It is perfect as a light lunch, an elegant snack, or a refreshing meal on warm days.
Should the dressing be mixed separately from the chicken?
Yes, you should whisk the dressing ingredients together in a medium bowl before incorporating the chicken and other salad components.
What is used for the final garnish?
Small clusters of red grapes are used to garnish each plate for elegance and color.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the salad?
Yes, you should season the finished salad with salt and pepper to taste.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 distinct ingredients in this recipe.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad features tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and sweet grapes in a creamy dressing.
How long does it take to toast the curry powder?
It takes about 30 seconds over medium heat.
Is the chicken used in this recipe pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe requires 3 cups of already cooked chicken breasts.
Does this salad contain any fruit?
Yes, it contains red seedless grapes and mango chutney.
What gives the dressing its international flair?
The combination of curry powder, mango chutney, and fresh ginger provides its international flavor profile.
What kind of mayonnaise should be used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of light mayonnaise.
What are the recommended tags for this recipe?
Recommended tags include salad, chicken, grapes, walnuts, curry, light meal, lunch, healthy, and easy recipe.
How do you ensure the ingredients are well distributed?
By mixing until all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing mixture.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that is quick to prepare.