Chicken Curry Salad

Gluten-free option, Nut-free option, Soy-free option

Say hello to your new favorite side dish. Once you try this flavorful “chicken” salad, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make it sooner. Make a double batch and serve it at your next barbecue—it’s great on the side of our BBQ Jackfruit Sliders and Baked Mac and Cheese.

Chicken Curry Salad is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the richness of curry seasoning with tender “chicken” pieces or seitan, along with a medley of crunchy vegetables and sweet raisins. This salad offers a unique blend of textures and tastes, making it a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing lunch option.

The main ingredient in Chicken Curry Salad is often seitan or store-bought vegan “chicken” strips, making it a protein-packed choice for those following a plant-based diet. These “chicken” pieces are typically mixed with a variety of vegetables like celery, green onion, and red onion, adding a fresh and crisp element to the dish.

One of the standout features of this salad is the sauce. A creamy and slightly sweet dressing is created by combining vegan mayo with mango chutney, lemon juice, sugar, and, most importantly, curry powder. The curry powder infuses the salad with its distinct aromatic spices, resulting in a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors.

The addition of slivered almonds provides a delightful crunch, while raisins contribute a natural sweetness that balances the overall flavor profile. Altogether, this combination of ingredients creates a well-balanced and satisfying salad that’s both hearty and delicious.

Chicken Curry Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. It’s commonly enjoyed as a sandwich filling, atop a bed of fresh greens, or even as a side dish for gatherings. The cooling effect of chilling the salad for at least an hour before serving enhances the flavors, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

With its fusion of textures and an exciting blend of spices, Chicken Curry Salad is a delightful addition to any menu and a favorite among those who appreciate bold and savory flavors in a plant-based dish.

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: none

CHILL TIME: 1 hour

YIELD: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 oz (283 g) Steamed Seitan, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 2½ cups), or 10 oz (283 g) store-bought vegan “chicken” strips, prepared according to the package instructions, cooled and chopped into bite-sized pieces (gluten-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• ¾ cup (76 g) chopped celery
• 2 tbsp (6 g) chopped green onion
• ¼ cup (40 g) chopped red onion (chopped small)
• ¼ cup (27 g) slivered almonds (omit for nut-free)
• ⅓ cup (48 g) raisins
• ⅓ cup (80 g) vegan Mayo or store-bought (soy-free if needed)
• 3 tbsp (45 g) mango chutney
• 1½ tsp (7 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp (3 g) curry powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine the seitan with the celery, green onion, red onion, almonds, and raisins.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, chutney, lemon juice, sugar, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the mayo mixture to the seitan mixture and mix everything together thoroughly.
4. Chill for at least an hour before serving.