Curried Chicken Salad

Since I broke in my new ovens and cooktop on such haute cuisine, I thought it was time to kick it up a notch and try some healthier fare at the Schell Cafe.

What do you eat for lunch?  Seriously, I’d love to know.  It could be an overlooked meal for me as my default mode is to skip it entirely.  However, skipping lunch is not smart and always catches up to me by late afternoon just in time to hunt and gather all the children.  In an effort to avoid being crankier than my super cranky children, I’ve learned that it is in everyone’s best interest at the cafe for me to eat lunch.  But, what? And how to make it simple? I clearly don’t need another meal to plan, right?  Lucky for me, I tend to have super yummy left overs which is definitely a bonus.  But there are certainly days when I need a nutritious lunch and on the double.

After the move weekend, we were all carbed out from an overload of pizza and grilled cheese.  So, I started the week off making a double batch of curried chicken salad.  I found this recipe in Oxygen Magazine last winter and I make it all the time.  It’s packed with protein, very low carb and is quite tasty.  I am giving you the recipe as I found it in Oxygen, with minor adjustments.  For the record, please note that I used smoked paprika in place of curry this week.  Half way through making this recipe, I realized my curry did not survive the expired spice purge of last week.  The smoked paprika was a decent alternative, but this salad is best in its original curried state.

Curried Chicken Salad

2 tsp Dijon Mustard

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp curry powder

1 garlic clove, minced

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1/3 cup chopped roasted red bell peppers (jarred or better if you use these)

1/4 cup cashews

1/4 cup raisins

First, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, curry and garlic.  Drizzle in the olive oil slowly as you continue to whisk.  The dressing will begin to emulsify.

In another bowl combine chicken, celery, red peppers, cashews and raisins. Mix in dressing.

Try it and let me know what you think.  And if you have any healthy lunch favs let me know!  I’m sure we could all use more ideas to keep us well fueled for the day.