Are you ready to elevate your salad game to a whole new level? Dive into the exotic flavors of India with our delightful Chicken Curry Pasta Salad! This vibrant dish combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a creamy curry dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 25 minutes from start to finish—but it also delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Don’t miss out on this culinary adventure that promises to impress your family and friends!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup curry powder
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, drain any pre-cooked chicken and dice into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Finely chop fresh celery into small, consistent pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and curry powder, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended curry sauce.
- Add cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped celery, and raisins to the curry mayonnaise mixture. Gently fold all ingredients together until evenly coated.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
- Before serving, stir the salad and adjust seasoning if required. Serve chilled as a refreshing main dish or side.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. It should have a slight bite to it, which will hold up well in the salad.
- Chill Time: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious when served.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra crunch and nutrition. You can also swap raisins for dried cranberries for a different sweet twist.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste your salad before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A little extra seasoning can make a big difference!
- Make Ahead: This salad keeps well, so it’s a great option for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve it on a bed of greens or alongside grilled meats for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
