Tropical Curried Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews
Indulge in this Tropical Curried Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews, a delightful fusion of flavors that's perfect for a light lunch or as a snack. This vibrant dish combines tender chunks of chicken with the sweetness of ripe mangoes, the crunch of fresh celery, and the nutty flavor of cashews, all brought together by a creamy curried dressing. Serve it on flaky croissants for a satisfying meal that transports your palate to paradise. Perfect for picnics, brunches, or a refreshing summer lunch with friends and family!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
Apricot preserves
2 tablespoons (none)
Curry powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Lime
1/2 (juiced)
Salt
to taste (none)
Cayenne pepper
to taste (none)
Cooked chicken
2 cups (cubed)
Ripe mango
1 (peeled and diced)
Celery
1/2 cup (diced)
Scallion
1/4 cup (sliced)
Fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Cashews
1/2 cup (chopped)
Croissants
4 (split open)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apricot preserves, curry powder, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and cayenne. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
2
Add the cubed cooked chicken, diced mango, diced celery, sliced scallions, and chopped cilantro to the bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
3
Just before serving, fold in the chopped cashews for an added crunch.
4
Split the croissants open and generously fill each with the curried chicken salad. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
14g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Curried Chicken Salad with Mango and Cashews?
It is a vibrant fusion dish that combines tender chicken, sweet mangoes, and crunchy cashews in a creamy curried dressing, typically served on croissants.
What are the main ingredients for this chicken salad?
The main ingredients include cooked chicken, mayonnaise, apricot preserves, curry powder, lime juice, fresh mango, celery, scallions, cilantro, and cashews.
How do I prepare the dressing for the salad?
Whisk together mayonnaise, apricot preserves, curry powder, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth.
Can I substitute the mango with another fruit?
Yes, if you do not have mango, you can substitute it with diced pineapple, peaches, or even grapes for a similar sweet and savory balance.
What type of chicken should I use?
You should use cooked chicken that has been cubed. Rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts work exceptionally well for this recipe.
Are the cashews necessary for this recipe?
While they provide a signature crunch and nutty flavor, you can omit them for a nut-free version or substitute them with toasted almonds or pecans.
How should this salad be served?
It is best served generously filled inside split croissants, but it also tastes great in a wrap, on sourdough bread, or over a bed of fresh greens.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use a plant-based mayonnaise and replace the chicken with chickpeas or a vegan chicken substitute.
How long can I store this chicken salad in the refrigerator?
The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time, but it is recommended to add the cashews just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild warmth from the curry powder and a pinch of cayenne, but it is generally not considered very spicy. You can adjust the cayenne to your preference.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is preferred for its bright flavor, but if you must use dried, use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to fill 4 large croissants, making approximately 4 servings.
Is it okay to use frozen mango?
It is best to use fresh ripe mango for the best texture, as frozen mango can become quite mushy once thawed in a salad.
What role do the apricot preserves play?
The apricot preserves add a subtle fruity sweetness that balances the savory curry and tangy lime juice.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Certainly! Diced red bell peppers or shredded carrots would be excellent additions for extra color and nutrition.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free, but you must serve it on gluten-free bread or in lettuce wraps instead of croissants to keep the meal gluten-free.
How do I toast the cashews for better flavor?
You can toast the cashews in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Can I use lime zest in the recipe?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of lime zest along with the juice will provide an extra punch of citrus flavor.
What if I don't have apricot preserves?
You can substitute the preserves with honey, agave nectar, or mango chutney.
Can I use red onion instead of scallions?
Yes, finely diced red onion can be used, though it will provide a sharper bite than the milder scallions.
Is this a good dish for a picnic?
Yes, it is an excellent picnic dish. Just be sure to keep it in a cooler with ice packs since it contains mayonnaise and chicken.
Does the chicken need to be cold when mixing?
Yes, it is recommended to use chilled cooked chicken to ensure the salad remains at a safe temperature and the dressing stays creamy.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 21g of fat per serving.
Can I add more curry powder?
Absolutely. If you prefer a stronger curry flavor, feel free to increase the amount to 1 teaspoon or more.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are approximately 14g of protein per serving in this chicken salad.
Should I peel the mango before dicing?
Yes, the skin of the mango should be removed before dicing the fruit for the salad.
Can this salad be served warm?
This specific recipe is designed to be a cold salad and is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.