Curried Chicken Cantaloupe Salad
A refreshing and savory salad featuring sweet cantaloupe, tender chicken, crunchy celery, grapes, and almonds, all coated in a curried mayonnaise-sour cream dressing, perfect for light lunches or entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Discard seeds from melon and, with a melon baller, cut out melon balls. Combine melon balls with chicken, grapes, celery, and almonds.
- Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, soy sauce, curry powder, and salt; then gently fold into the chicken mixture.
- Fill the melon shells with the salad mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream and mayonnaise. If you want extra crunch, add diced apples or walnuts. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor. This refreshing salad can also be served over a bed of greens for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the curried chicken cantaloupe salad in the hollowed-out cantaloupe shells for a stunning presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp white wines or sparkling water. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread. It also makes a great addition to a summer picnic or potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the fresh ingredients, it's best not to freeze this salad. When ready to eat, give it a gentle stir to recombine the ingredients, as the dressing may separate slightly after sitting.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Curried Chicken Cantaloupe Salad contains roughly 755 calories, with 16g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), iron (68% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use other fruits in this salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add other fruits such as honeydew melon, pineapple, or even berries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fruits complement the curry and chicken well.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the melon balls and chicken mixture a few hours in advance. However, mix in the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess. Store the components separately in the refrigerator for best results.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be a great option for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat. Portion out the chicken mixture and melon balls into containers for easy grab-and-go meals 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).