This Chicken Curry Salad with Apples and Grapes is the perfect fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy. It combines the warm depth of curry with fresh apples and juicy grapes to bring color and flavor to every bite. Whether it’s lunch, a snack, or an easy dinner, this salad adds vibrancy to your table.
Table of Contents
A Sweet-Spiced Twist on a Classic
I remember the first time I tasted a chicken curry salad with fruit—my aunt brought it to a potluck in a big white bowl with lettuce leaves stacked on the side. She scooped it onto croissants, and I was hooked from the first bite. It’s now one of my go-to recipes for warm months and picnic meals.
It reminds me a lot of our Southern Chicken Salad with Red Grapes and Pecans, but with the rich complexity of curry powder to turn up the flavor. This one’s not just creamy—it’s golden, tangy, and beautifully balanced.
Ingredients for the Perfect Balance
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded cooked chicken | 2 cups |
| Apples (firm, like Gala or Honeycrisp), diced | 1 cup |
| Red seedless grapes, halved | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Curry powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Substitutions & Additions
Want a lighter version? Swap part of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. Need crunch? Toss in chopped celery or walnuts. Want heat? A dash of cayenne or finely diced jalapeño works well. For more classic flavor, check out our No-Onion Chicken Salad—mild, simple, and loved by kids.
How to Make It
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, diced apples, and halved grapes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and chill for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Serve on lettuce leaves, toast, croissants, or with crackers.
Meal Prep Tip
This salad tastes even better after chilling. Make it in the morning or the night before. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Chicken Curry Salad with Apples & Grapes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Chicken Curry Salad blends tender chicken with apples, grapes, curry, and creamy dressing for a colorful, flavorful lunch or snack.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup apples, diced
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, apples, and grapes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the chicken mixture.
4. Stir gently until evenly coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve on lettuce, in croissants, or with crackers.
Notes
Add chopped celery or toasted nuts for crunch.
Make ahead and chill to let flavors meld.
Swap mayo for yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Chicken Curry Salad, Grape Chicken Salad, Apple Chicken Salad, Fruity Chicken Salad
Why This Recipe Works
The curry brings warm spice without overpowering sweetness from apples and grapes. The mayo keeps everything creamy, and lemon juice gives a fresh kick. The result is a salad with color, bite, and brightness.
Much like our Best Ever Chicken Salad Sandwich, this recipe turns everyday ingredients into something crave-worthy. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, or eaten straight from the bowl.
Common Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred or dice it finely.
What apples work best?
Crisp, firm apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp hold their texture. Avoid soft or mealy types.
Can I freeze chicken curry salad?
Unfortunately, no. Mayo-based salads don’t freeze well. The texture changes significantly upon thawing.
Is it spicy?
Nope. The curry flavor is warm, not hot. You can spice it up by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.
How to Serve It
Use it to stuff croissants, wrap in tortillas, serve on top of baby spinach, or spoon into lettuce cups. Pair with a soup like our Light Detox Soup for a feel-good combo of sweet and savory.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Curry Salad with Apples & Grapes is one of those dishes that impresses without any fuss. It’s perfect for lunch prep, summer picnics, or anytime you want a salad with bold flavor and fruity crunch. If you’ve never added curry powder to chicken salad before—this is your sign to try!