So, those of you fortunate enough to have a Trader Joe’s in the area have probably seen their “Curried White Chicken Deli Salad.” Those of you who have tasted it know it’s the greatest curried chicken salad in the history of our planet. Just the right amount of creamy, spicy, and sweet, a supposedly three-serving package usually disappears before the rest of the groceries go into the fridge.
Unfortunately, those supposedly three servings will cost you almost 1000 calories. Possibly worth it, yes, but pretty darn steep. And really, who considers 1/3 cup of ambrosia a serving, anyway?
This recipe captures all the best elements of that curry for a fraction of the calories. And for the record, that fraction is less than 1/3.
The most important thing here is a high quality curry powder. I started getting into non-Asian curry dishes when I discovered this absurdly heavenly curry powder at a fancy-schmancy spice store near our house. When I first became addicted it had one name I can’t remember and went for $5 an ounce. Next time I came they had changed the name to “Oh la la French Masala Curry” and it was $6 an ounce. It’s now called “Dragon Curry” and goes for $7 an ounce. Quick mental math says it will cost more than a car in not too long. I probably would have had to kick the habit but found the same brand online. No fancy names but it’s only $6 a 2-oz bag here.
I have no relationship with Dragunara except for having spent a lot of money with them over the years. However, Dragunara, if you see this, let’s start a relationship! Will work for free spices!
Anyway, point is that this is the best curry powder I’ve ever had. It needs to be ground in a spice grinder or mortal and pestle but, whatever, a spice grinder’s like $10. You should have one. (That link actually is an affiliate link but it goes to the same spice grinder I have. In fact, I actually bought a second one after I burned out the motor on my first. We grind a lot of spice here at Chez Jones.)
Feels like I’m trying to get you to buy a lot of stuff today but just think of all the money you’ll save making this salad at home instead of paying 3.99 for a little cup full.
So yes, get a good curry powder and the rest is easy. I used sliced almonds here while Trader Joe’s uses cashews so feel free to swap.
Serve in sandwiches, atop a bed of greens, or licked off your fingers while standing in front of the sink.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tbs honey
- 1 c nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 tbs light mayonnaise
- 2 tbs good quality curry powder, more or less to taste (I'm nuts for Dragunara)
- 1 lb raw chicken breast, poached and cubed
- 1/2 c shredded carrots
- 1/2 c raisins
- 2 scallions, chopped, whites discarded
- 1 stalk celery, minced
- 1/4 c sliced almonds
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
Whisk together honey, yogurt, mayonnaise, and curry powder in a small bowl and set aside. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir in desired amount of dressing.
Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories 281
Total Fat 6.8g
Saturated Fat 0.6g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 68mg
Sodium 167mg
Potassium 352mg
Total Carbohydrates 23.4g
Dietary Fiber 2.9g
Sugars 15.5g
Protein 34.0g
I *love* that chicken salad from Trader Joe’s but stopped buying it ages ago because it seemed like the kind of thing I should be able to make at home. Ironically, I never really tried to replicate it at home, but I’m SO excited that you did! I can’t wait to try this!
No salt? I am making this for my daughter’s school lunch right now.
My curry powder has enough salt but definitely add some to your taste. Hope your daughter loves it!
How long would you keep this in the fridge for? I’m trying to shake up my weekly lunch meals and while I don’t anticipate this lasting me very long (will probably munch on it regularly), I’m wondering if it will hold up for 2 maybe 3 days…What do you think?
2-3 days should be no problem. I think it’s even better the next day!
Loooooooove this but trying so much to lose weight and be healthy. THANK YOU!!!
I don’t have Greek yogurt so I’m using regular mayo and I ran out of honey so I subbed in maple syrup. I also left out the almonds since I dislike nuts in my chicken salad. It still tastes AMAZING. Thank you for sharing!!! Let’s hops the husband likes it…..since he hates raisins. ???
I used Penzeys Maharaja Curry Powder and 2 TVs was WAY too much curry. I added at least twice as much of everything else in the recipe to try to even out the proportions and it still was way too strong and was inedible. Very disappointed because I love TJs curry chicken salad and was very excited to try this. I’m sure it would’ve been good.
Typo.. I meant to type 2 TBS of curry powder.
What is the serving size for the nutritiontional information?
Hi Kat, A serving size is 1/4 of the recipe – about a cup. Best!
I found the Trader Joe’s chicken salad way overboard on the sweetness … to the point of cloying . It tastes closer to a dessert than a savory item .
Dragunara link is broken!
Oh no! Thanks for pointing it out. The worst is that this recipe tool is so outdated I can’t edit the link. Looks like it was moved to https://www.dragunara.com/collections/blends/products/dragon-curry
I loved this curry and you reminded me that I need to stock up next time I’m back in the US. Hope you love it as much as I do!
I made it vegan-style with cashew based vegan sour cream and vegannaise using slightly mashed garbanzo beans as chicken! Too. Die. For. Delicious!!! I love the chicken version, too. I went vegan recently. Awesome recipe! Thank you!
I made it vegan-style with cashew based vegan sour cream and vegannaise using slightly mashed garbanzo beans as chicken! Too. Die. For. Delicious!!! I love the chicken version, too. I went vegan recently. Awesome recipe! Thank you!
What a genius variation! I’ve actually gone plant-based myself 14 months ago and can’t wait to try your version. Thank you!!
Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt? I don’t have any.
Give it a try! The flavor won’t be quite the same but I bet you will invent something just as tasty!!
Thanks for sharing your version of this delish salad. I love TJ’s version but agree it’s too sweet! Looking for recipes to make it at home, found your site and realize that what I’ve been missing is a key ingredient, good quality curry powder, the one I have for god knows how long in my pantry, does not add enough punch.
I had the same revelation – fresh powder will make all the difference!
Easy Homemade Curry Powder
Homemade Curry Powder
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Coriander Seeds
1 Tbsp Cumin Seeds
1tsp Fennel Seeds
1 tsp Mustard Seeds
½ tsp Black Peppercorns
1 tsp Turmeric Powder
½ tsp Red Chili Powder
1 tsp Ginger Powder
Directions
Dry Roast seeds (coriander, cumin, fennel, mustard, peppercorn) in a dry cast iron pan over medium heat, shaking frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant, approx 8-10 min.
Remove from heat onto a paper plate and allow to cool completely.
Grind to powder in coffee mill (make sure it is wiped out and very clean).
Combine ground seeds with remaining powders: turmeric, red chili and ginger.
Place into a sealed container (a tiny ziplock back works well) and place in cabinet out of the light.
Will keep up to 3 months; though I’ve had mine for over a year and it is still extremely fragrant and tasty.
Enjoy!
Mmmmm – genius! You are totally amazing for sharing this – thank you. I really can’t wait to try!