Delicious & Healthy Curried Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups: Your New Favorite Easy Lunch
Tired of the same old lunch routine? This exceptional curried chicken salad offers a delightful twist on the classic, brimming with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Imagine succulent chicken pieces mingled with sweet golden raisins, crunchy roasted cashews, and fresh cilantro, all brought together by a creamy, spiced curried yogurt sauce. It’s an explosion of taste and texture that’s both satisfying and light. Perfectly portioned into crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves, these Curried Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups make for an incredibly delicious, healthy, and convenient meal.
This recipe was developed in partnership with Diamond of California. We’re excited to share how their premium nuts elevate simple dishes into something extraordinary.
Transform Your Lunchtime Routine with Flavor and Ease
Let’s be honest, many of us struggle with making a nutritious and appealing lunch for ourselves. The morning rush often means prioritizing others, leaving our own midday meal planning by the wayside. I know the feeling all too well. Eleven o’clock rolls around, my toddler gets his usual peanut butter and jelly sandwich with grapes, and the baby enjoys a bowl of mashed fruit – a consistent, daily routine. But before I know it, the clock strikes 3 PM, and I realize with a jolt that I’ve completely forgotten about lunch yet again. The result? I’m ravenous, leading me to grab whatever is quickest and easiest, which, more often than not, turns out to be the least healthy option in the house. This cycle of “lunchtime regret” is something I’m determined to break!
These Curried Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups are nothing short of a revelation for my midday meals. They’re exactly what I needed to inject excitement and health back into my diet. The moment you taste them, you’ll understand. They’re incredibly flavorful, bursting with freshness, and offer a unique culinary experience that makes me genuinely look forward to lunch every single day. The best part? The convenience factor. I can dedicate a short amount of time to prepare a large batch once, and then effortlessly enjoy these delightful cups all week long. Minimal effort for maximum flavor and nutrition – it’s a win-win!
Just last week, I made a batch and enjoyed a few lettuce cups with a fresh apple for lunch each day. The difference in how I felt was remarkable. There was no “hangry” mid-afternoon energy crash, no desperate binging on unhealthy snacks, and absolutely no regrets. It was a week of feeling energized, satisfied, and in control of my eating habits. This recipe has truly been a game-changer for me, and I’m confident it will be for you too.
Why This Curried Chicken Salad Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite
A Flavor Profile That Dances on Your Palate
What makes this chicken salad truly stand out is its incredible depth of flavor. Unlike traditional chicken salads often reliant on mayonnaise, our version uses a creamy Greek yogurt base infused with aromatic curry powder and earthy turmeric. This creates a lighter, tangier, and more complex dressing that perfectly complements the other ingredients. The sweetness of golden raisins provides a delightful counterpoint to the savory chicken and mild spice, while the roasted cashews from Diamond of California add a rich, buttery crunch that is simply irresistible. Fresh cilantro and green onions brighten the entire dish, making every bite a refreshing experience.
Health-Conscious and Nutrient-Packed
Beyond its fantastic taste, this curried chicken salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. Lean chicken breast provides an excellent source of protein, crucial for feeling full and maintaining muscle mass. Greek yogurt offers probiotics for gut health and additional protein, with less fat than mayonnaise. Cashews contribute healthy monounsaturated fats, magnesium, and zinc. Golden raisins deliver natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants, while crisp lettuce adds fiber and essential vitamins. This recipe is naturally low in carbs when served in lettuce cups, making it an ideal choice for various dietary preferences, including those looking for gluten-free options.
Effortless Meal Prep for Busy Lifestyles
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its meal prep potential. The entire salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, meaning you can whip up a large batch on Sunday and have delicious, ready-to-eat lunches throughout the week. This eliminates the stress of daily lunch preparation and helps prevent unhealthy last-minute food choices. Simply scoop the pre-made salad into fresh lettuce leaves when you’re ready to eat, and you’re good to go!
Beyond the Lettuce Cup: Versatile Serving Suggestions
While serving this curried chicken salad in fresh lettuce cups is a fantastic way to enjoy it, its versatility means you have plenty of other delicious options. If you’re looking for alternative ways to savor this delightful dish, here are a few ideas:
- A Grand Salad Bowl: Tear up the lettuce and toss the chicken salad with extra greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a hearty, main-course salad.
- Classic Sandwich or Wrap: Spoon it between two slices of your favorite bread, or roll it into a whole wheat tortilla for a satisfying sandwich or wrap.
- Toasted Naan or Flatbread: For a truly gourmet experience, scoop the chicken salad onto warm, toasted naan or pita bread. The slight chewiness and warmth complement the cool, creamy salad beautifully.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Halve bell peppers (any color!) and fill them with the chicken salad for a crunchy, colorful, and vegetable-rich meal.
- Avocado Halves: For an extra dose of healthy fats, fill an avocado half with a generous scoop of the curried chicken salad.
- Crackers or Crostini: Serve it as an appetizer or snack with sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, you truly can’t go wrong with this recipe. Its unique flavor profile and adaptable nature make it a culinary delight for any occasion.
Okay, the lunchtime crisis is officially over with this fantastic recipe. Now, if only I could tackle that bedtime cookie habit! One delicious step at a time, right?
Curried Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups
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Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast , cooked and diced (455 grams)
- ½ cup finely diced celery (70 grams)
- ½ cup cashews , roasted (56 grams)
- ½ cup golden raisins (75 grams)
- ½ cup diced green onions (32 grams)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (227 grams)
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper , optional
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (10 grams)
- 1 head Boston, butter or bibb lettuce
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, finely diced celery, roasted cashews, golden raisins, and diced green onions. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
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In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, curry powder, ground turmeric, coarse salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you desire a bit of heat). Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro until well combined.
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Pour the prepared yogurt mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated with the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or curry powder to your preference.
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For best flavor, cover the chicken salad and store it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, scoop generous portions of the curried chicken salad into individual leaves of Boston, butter, or Bibb lettuce. Enjoy!
Notes
Elevate Your Meals with Diamond of California Nuts
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Diamond of California as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership, which allows Completely Delicious to continue creating and sharing delicious recipes. Thank you for supporting the brands and collaborations that make our work possible. All opinions and culinary explorations are always 100% my own.
Using high-quality ingredients truly makes a difference, and that’s especially true for nuts. Diamond of California has been a trusted name for generations, providing premium nuts that add incredible flavor, texture, and nutrition to countless dishes. The roasted cashews in this curried chicken salad, for instance, are not just a garnish; they’re a key component that contributes to the dish’s overall richness and satisfying crunch. Their consistent quality ensures that every bite is as good as the last.
To discover more fantastic recipes that incorporate the natural goodness of nuts, we encourage you to visit the Diamond Nuts website. You can also connect with them and find more culinary inspiration on their social media channels:
- YouTube
Embrace the joy of effortless, flavorful, and healthy eating with these Curried Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups. They’re a simple solution to a common problem and a delightful addition to your recipe rotation. Enjoy!