Chutney Salad
A vibrant chicken salad featuring a tangy chutney mayonnaise dressing, crunchy celery, toasted almonds, and fresh pineapple, perfect for light lunches or picnics. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes it a versatile dish that appeals to those seeking a refreshing, tropical-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Major Grey chutney ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons lime peel, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 4 cups diced chicken breast
- 1 small package fresh pineapple cubes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise, chutney, curry powder, lime peel, lime juice, and salt in a bowl and let stand in the refrigerator.
- Cut pineapple into small pieces and drain thoroughly.
- Combine diced chicken, pineapple, green onion, celery, and toasted almonds in a large bowl.
- Add the prepared chutney mayonnaise dressing and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy twist. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also enhance the salad's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chutney salad on a bed of mixed greens for a colorful presentation. It pairs beautifully with Easy Baked Chicken Breasts or as a side for a summer barbecue. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of crusty bread or a light fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain the salad's crunch, keep the almonds separate and add them just before serving. If you need to reheat, consider warming the chicken gently in a skillet, but it's best enjoyed cold as a refreshing salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chutney Salad contains roughly 261 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2037mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chutney dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Just combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh. The salad can also be refrigerated for a few hours, but avoid adding the almonds until just before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I use instead of Major Grey chutney?
If you can't find Major Grey chutney, you can use mango chutney or peach chutney as a substitute. Both will provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor that complements the chicken. Adjust the seasoning slightly to balance the different flavor profiles.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Portion out the salad into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).