Old Fashioned Curried Chicken Salad: A Taste of Nostalgia and Sunshine

There are some dishes that just transport you back in time, aren’t there? For me, this Old Fashioned Curried Chicken Salad is one of those culinary time capsules. I remember my grandmother making this on sweltering summer afternoons, the air thick with the scent of honeysuckle and the promise of a leisurely lunch. She’d serve it in a big, cool ceramic bowl, the vibrant colours of the fruit and chicken a welcome splash against the verdant greens. It wasn’t just a salad; it was an event, a moment of shared joy and simple, honest flavour that always felt like a warm embrace.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: Enough salad for 4 servings
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

This is a salad that celebrates texture and vibrant, complementary flavours. Each component plays a vital role in creating a harmonious bite.

• 1 large orange
• 1 medium banana
• 4 cups mixed salad greens, torn
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 4 ounces jellied cranberry sauce, chilled and cut into ½-inch cubes
• ¼ cup light raisins
• ¼ cup salted peanuts
• ½ cup salad dressing or ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup orange flavored yogurt
• ½ to 1 teaspoon curry powder

Equipment Needed

While this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, a few basic tools will ensure smooth preparation:

• A cutting board and sharp knife for preparing the fruit and chicken.
• A citrus reamer or your hands for sectioning the orange.
• A large salad bowl for assembling and serving the salad.
• A medium bowl for mixing the dressing.
• A whisk or fork for combining the dressing ingredients.

Instructions

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. It’s a quick assembly of fresh ingredients, brought together by a flavourful, creamy dressing.

1. Begin by preparing the orange. Over a bowl, carefully section the orange, ensuring you catch all the precious juice in the bowl. This reserved juice will be used to prevent the banana from browning.
2. Next, slice the banana diagonally. As you slice each piece, immediately dip it into the reserved orange juice. This simple step will keep the banana slices looking fresh and appealing.
3. In your large salad bowl, place the torn salad greens. This forms the fresh, crisp base for our salad.
4. Now, artfully arrange the prepared orange sections, the banana slices (already glistening from their orange juice bath), the cubed chicken, the delightful ½-inch cubes of jellied cranberry sauce, the light raisins, and the salted peanuts atop the salad greens. Aim for an even distribution of all these colourful elements.
5. To prepare the dressing, in a medium bowl, combine the salad dressing (or mayonnaise if you prefer), the orange flavored yogurt, and the curry powder. Start with ½ teaspoon of curry powder and add more, up to 1 teaspoon, to achieve your desired level of spice and flavour. Whisk or vigorously stir until the dressing is completely smooth and well-combined.
6. Chill the prepared dressing. This allows the flavours to meld and also ensures it’s refreshingly cool when served.
7. Finally, pass the chilled dressing with the salad. This way, everyone can dress their salad to their own liking, ensuring optimal enjoyment.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I always look for ways to elevate even the simplest dishes. Here are a few thoughts to make this Old Fashioned Curried Chicken Salad truly shine:

• Chicken Perfection: For the best texture and flavour, use leftover roast chicken or poached chicken breast. Avoid dry, overcooked chicken. If you’re starting from scratch, gently poach chicken breasts in seasoned water until just cooked through, then let them cool before cubing.
• The Art of the Orange: When sectioning the orange, try to remove as much of the white pith as possible. It can be bitter. A sharp knife and a little patience make this task much easier.
• Dressing Consistency: If you find the dressing a little too thick, you can thin it with a tablespoon or two of milk or even a little extra orange juice. Conversely, if it’s too thin, a touch more yogurt can help thicken it.
• Peanut Power: For an extra layer of flavour and crunch, consider lightly toasting the salted peanuts before adding them to the salad. A few minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, will bring out their nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them!
• Make-Ahead Dressing: The dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the curry flavour to deepen beautifully.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This salad is a delightful main course, especially on a warm day. It pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing glass of iced tea. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside warm crusty bread or a simple vegetable soup.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. It’s best to store the dressing separately from the salad to prevent the greens from wilting and the chicken from becoming mushy. When ready to serve, toss the salad with a portion of the dressing.

Nutritional Information

While this recipe focuses on flavour and nostalgia, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used (e.g., fat content of mayonnaise or yogurt).

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx.)	% Daily Value (approx.)
Calories	360.4 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	37%
Total Fat	15 g	23%
Saturated Fat	3.2 g	16%
Cholesterol	70.7 mg	23%
Sodium	411.3 mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	36.1 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	3.6 g	14%
Sugars	25.9 g	103%
Protein	23.3 g	46%

(Note: % Daily Value is based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.)

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic combination is undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment and make this salad your own!

• Nutty Alternatives: If peanuts aren’t your preference, chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be excellent substitutes, offering a similar crunch.
• Fruity Fun: While cranberries and oranges are traditional, you could introduce other fruits. Diced apples or grapes (halved if large) would add a different dimension of sweetness and texture.
• Spice Level: Adjust the curry powder to your liking. For a milder flavour, use less; for a bolder, spicier kick, don’t be afraid to add a touch more. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Creaminess Control: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or even sour cream. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based mayonnaise and a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Herbaceous Notes: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro can add a lovely fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the dressing and sweetness of the fruit.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the chicken for this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Cooked chicken can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Q: My banana is browning too quickly. What can I do?
A: The key is to dip the banana slices immediately into the reserved orange juice as you cut them. This acidic bath helps to prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh.

Q: Is it possible to make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
A: To make it vegan or vegetarian, you would replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like cubed firm tofu (pressed and sautéed or baked for texture) or chickpeas. Ensure your salad dressing is also vegan.

Q: How much curry powder should I use?
A: Start with ½ teaspoon and taste. You can add more, up to 1 teaspoon, depending on your preference for curry flavour. Different brands of curry powder can also vary in intensity.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers of this salad?
A: Store any leftover salad and dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad itself is best consumed within 2-3 days.

This Old Fashioned Curried Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savour the moment, and enjoy the comforting embrace of familiar flavours. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly special. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the sunshine, and whip up a batch of this timeless classic – I promise, it’s a taste of pure delight.