Coronation Chicken Salad is a classic dish that brings together rich, comforting flavors in a simple and elegant way. This recipe is perfect for those who love a mix of savory and sweet in their meals, with tender chicken, a creamy curry-spiced dressing, and a refreshing combination of fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a picnic dish, or something to serve at a gathering, this coronation chicken salad hits all the right notes of flavor and texture.
I first discovered Coronation Chicken Salad while attending a British-themed dinner party. The creamy curry dressing paired perfectly with the tender chicken, and I was instantly hooked. I decided to recreate it at home and found that it’s not only delicious but surprisingly easy to make. Since then, it has become one of my go-to recipes for busy days or when I want to prepare something quick but impressive.
This Easy Coronation Chicken Salad is wonderfully versatile, too. You can customize it to suit your preferences by adding ingredients like roasted almonds, grapes, or even a handful of fresh herbs. It’s also a fantastic dish to prepare in advance, as the flavors only improve with time. This recipe is not only delicious but also flexible enough to cater to various tastes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Why This Easy Coronation Chicken Salad?
Selling Points:
- Quick and Easy to Make: This salad comes together in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a quick lunch.
- Deliciously Creamy: The dressing adds a rich, flavorful twist with curry powder, mayonnaise, and yogurt.
- Customizable: Add fruits, nuts, or veggies to make it your own.
- Versatile: It works well as a light meal, a sandwich filling, or even as an appetizer.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, and it will be even more flavorful after a few hours of chilling.
What You Need for Easy Coronation Chicken Salad
ingredients:
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup (for a creamy texture)
- Curry Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Mango Chutney: 2 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Raisins: 1/4 cup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Sliced Almonds: 1/4 cup (optional, for crunch)
- Fresh Herbs: A handful of chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Mixed Greens: To serve (optional)
How to Make Easy Coronation Chicken Salad
- Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, mango chutney, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. - Combine the Chicken and Dressing:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded or cubed chicken with the dressing. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. If you want to add extra flavor and texture, stir in raisins and sliced almonds. - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve on a bed of mixed greens or enjoy as a sandwich filling or on crackers.
Tips for the Perfect Easy Coronation Chicken Salad
- Adjust the Spice: If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Let It Chill: For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Add Crunch: Feel free to add more texture with chopped celery, apples, or walnuts.
Substitutions and Variations
- Yogurt: Swap the Greek yogurt for sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer.
- Nuts: Use cashews, walnuts, or pecans in place of sliced almonds for a different crunch.
- Fruit: Swap raisins for grapes, chopped apples, or even pineapple for a fresh twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based option.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lighten the Dressing: Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping the creamy texture.
- Reduce Sugar: Opt for a sugar-free mango chutney or reduce the amount of chutney for a less sweet dressing.
- Add Veggies: Bulk up the salad with additional veggies like diced cucumbers or carrots for extra nutrition and fiber.
Closing for Easy Coronation Chicken Salad
This Easy Coronation Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and convenience. Whether you’re making it for lunch, a party, or a picnic, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and can be made in advance for a hassle-free meal. So, next time you’re looking for a light yet satisfying dish, give this coronation chicken salad a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Coronation Chicken Salad
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when chilled for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop. - What kind of chicken should I use?
You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover cooked chicken from another meal. - Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. - What fruits can I add to the salad?
Grapes, diced apples, or even pineapple chunks work well in this salad. They add a fresh, sweet element that balances the curry flavor. - How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I freeze coronation chicken salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze the salad as the texture of the mayonnaise and yogurt may change when thawed. - What can I serve with coronation chicken salad?
You can serve it with mixed greens, on toast, in a sandwich, or with crackers. - Is the salad spicy?
The curry powder adds a mild spiciness, but it’s not overly hot. If you prefer more heat, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. - Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?
Yes, feel free to use low-fat mayonnaise for a lighter version of the salad. - Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced celery, cucumbers, or even roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or carrots for more flavor and texture.
In conclusion, Easy Coronation Chicken Salad is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a main, a side, or in sandwiches, it’s sure to impress. The creamy dressing with curry, mango chutney, and a blend of fresh ingredients makes this salad both unique and satisfying. So, go ahead and give it a try—you’ll love the result!
Easy Coronation Chicken Salad
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
Cooked Chicken: 2 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup (for a creamy texture)
Curry Powder: 1 teaspoon
Mango Chutney: 2 tablespoons
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
Raisins: 1/4 cup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Sliced Almonds: 1/4 cup (optional, for crunch)
Fresh Herbs: A handful of chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
Salt & Pepper: To taste
Mixed Greens: To serve (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, mango chutney, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Combine the Chicken and Dressing:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded or cubed chicken with the dressing. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. If you want to add extra flavor and texture, stir in raisins and sliced almonds.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve on a bed of mixed greens or enjoy as a sandwich filling or on crackers.