Curried Chutney Chicken Salad


A student in one of my classes in Cincinnati gave this recipe to me years ago, and I've been making it ever since. The pleasing combination of curry and chicken are found in many salad recipes, but the tangy taste of fresh pineapple lifts this salad out of the ordinary. It is particularly pretty when served in hollowed out pineapple shells. Fresh pineapple is a must; the taste of canned pineapple is too sweet and texture not as pleasing. Diced white meat of roast turkey works very well here also. Serves 6-8

 

2 whole chicken breasts (or about 5 cups cubed cooked chicken).

 

1 cup seedless white grapes, cut in half

 

1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into cubes.

 

Greens of your choice for serving

 

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted.

 

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, white and green parts

 

Dressing:

1/3 cup bottled Major Grey's chutney, large pieces chopped.

 

1 teaspoon curry powder

 

1 cup mayonnaise, homemade or high-quality purchased.

 

1 tablespoon grated lime zest

 

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

 

1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Roast the chicken. When it is cool enough to handle, remove the skin from the chicken. Pull the meat off the bones and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Place the meat in a large bowl. Add the grapes and pineapple.

To make the dressing, in a bowl, whisk together the chutney, curry powder, mayonnaise, lime zest, lime juice, and salt.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly. At this point, you may refrigerate the salad for up to 3 hours, or turn it out onto a platter lined with lettuce leaves, chill briefly, and serve. (If made more than 3 hours in advance, the dressing becomes runny.) Sprinkle the pecans and green onions over the salad before serving.