Curry Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt and Apples

This no-mayo curry chicken salad delivers bold curry flavor with tender shredded chicken, crisp diced apples, crunchy celery, and sweet raisins. It stays light by using nonfat Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Update: This recipe was first published in 2022 and has been republished with new photos.

I’m genuinely obsessed with this curry chicken salad. It hits the right balance of warm spice and bright, fresh ingredients. Crunchy celery and apple add texture while raisins bring a touch of sweetness. Using plain nonfat Greek yogurt keeps the salad creamy but much lighter than a traditional mayo-based version.

Chicken salad is an easy way to add protein to a meal or snack. It’s quick to prepare and very versatile. If you prefer more classic versions or different flavor profiles, there are many variations that work similarly well with Greek yogurt as the base.

Healthy Curry Chicken Salad Ingredients

• Fully cooked shredded chicken: Boneless chicken breast is common, though thighs or rotisserie chicken are fine. Leftovers work well—just shred or chop into small pieces.
• Celery: Diced celery adds a crisp, slightly peppery bite for texture.
• Apple: Use a sweet, firm variety such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Dice with the skin on for color and fiber.
• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brightens the salad with a fresh herb note. Parsley can be substituted if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced green onions add mild onion freshness to balance the curry.
• Raisins: Raisins (or golden raisins) provide sweet contrast to the savory curry and apple.
• Plain nonfat Greek yogurt: Choose unflavored, unsweetened yogurt for a creamy base that lets the curry and other ingredients shine.
• Lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds acidity and lifts the flavors.
• Seasonings: Curry powder, salt, and black pepper are all you need to finish the dish.

How to Make Chicken Curry Salad

Start by whisking the yogurt, lime juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl to form the dressing. Stir until the curry is evenly distributed and the dressing is smooth. Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced apple, chopped green onion, cilantro, and raisins to the same bowl. Mix gently until everything is coated in the yogurt dressing. Taste and adjust with extra curry powder or salt if needed.

What Chicken Is Best?

Any fully cooked chicken works well. Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, shredded rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted chicken are all good options. If starting with raw chicken breasts, use about 2 pounds: simmer until cooked through (roughly 10 minutes), let cool, then shred with forks or chop with a knife. Measure to ensure you have about 4 cups of finished shredded chicken for this recipe.

What Yogurt Is Best?

Plain, nonfat Greek yogurt is recommended for its thick, creamy texture and neutral flavor. Avoid flavored or sweetened yogurts; the tanginess of plain yogurt pairs best with curry and the other ingredients.

What Is Curry Powder?

Curry powder is a spice blend that commonly includes turmeric, coriander, and fenugreek, among other spices. Blends vary by brand and region; some include chile powder for heat while others are milder. Curry powder is a Western creation inspired by South Asian spice combinations and is different from the term “curry,” which refers to a saucy dish in many Asian cuisines.

Is This Chicken Salad Spicy?

No—this recipe produces a mild curry flavor. The spice level depends on the curry powder you choose, so select a milder blend if you want to keep it gentle or a spicier blend if you prefer more heat.

How to Store Leftovers

This salad is ideal for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The flavors often deepen after a few hours, so making it ahead can improve the overall taste.

How to Serve Curry Chicken Salad

Scoop the salad into sandwiches, croissants, or onto toasted bread. For a lighter, low-carb option, serve it over a bed of greens or wrapped in lettuce leaves. It also makes a great filling for small croissant sliders or canapé-style bites on cucumber slices or crackers for entertaining.