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Trader Joe’s Copycat Curried Chicken Deli Salad Healthified: aka Really Awesome Curry Chicken Salad

January 13, 2016 by Maggie Jones 27 Comments

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This Curry Chicken Salad is healthy, easy, and completley AWESOME!
So, those of you fortunate enough to have a Trader Joe’s in the area have probably seen their “Curried White Chicken Deli Salad.” Those of you who have tasted it know it’s the greatest curried chicken salad in the history of our planet. Just the right amount of creamy, spicy, and sweet, a supposedly three-serving package usually disappears before the rest of the groceries go into the fridge.

Absolutely hands-down the best Curry Chicken Salad
Unfortunately, those supposedly three servings will cost you almost 1000 calories. Possibly worth it, yes, but pretty darn steep. And really, who considers 1/3 cup of ambrosia a serving, anyway?

This recipe captures all the best elements of that curry for a fraction of the calories. And for the record, that fraction is less than 1/3.

This creamy, spicy Chicken Curry Salad will be a new favorite
The most important thing here is a high quality curry powder. I started getting into non-Asian curry dishes when I discovered this absurdly heavenly curry powder at a fancy-schmancy spice store near our house. When I first became addicted it had one name I can’t remember and went for $5 an ounce. Next time I came they had changed the name to “Oh la la French Masala Curry” and it was $6 an ounce. It’s now called “Dragon Curry” and goes for $7 an ounce. Quick mental math says it will cost more than a car in not too long. I probably would have had to kick the habit but found the same brand online. No fancy names but it’s only $6 a 2-oz bag here.

I have no relationship with Dragunara except for having spent a lot of money with them over the years. However, Dragunara, if you see this, let’s start a relationship! Will work for free spices!

Anyway, point is that this is the best curry powder I’ve ever had. It needs to be ground in a spice grinder or mortal and pestle but, whatever, a spice grinder’s like $10. You should have one. (That link actually is an affiliate link but it goes to the same spice grinder I have. In fact, I actually bought a second one after I burned out the motor on my first. We grind a lot of spice here at Chez Jones.)

Feels like I’m trying to get you to buy a lot of stuff today but just think of all the money you’ll save making this salad at home instead of paying 3.99 for a little cup full.

Creamy Greek yogurt Curry Chicken Salad
So yes, get a good curry powder and the rest is easy. I used sliced almonds here while Trader Joe’s uses cashews so feel free to swap.

Serve in sandwiches, atop a bed of greens, or licked off your fingers while standing in front of the sink.

Trader Joe’s Curried Chicken Salad Lightened Up

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: about 1 c

Calories per serving: 281

Fat per serving: 6.8g

Trader Joe’s Curried Chicken Salad Lightened Up

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tbs honey
  • 1 c nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbs light mayonnaise
  • 2 tbs good quality curry powder, more or less to taste (I'm nuts for Dragunara)
  • 1 lb raw chicken breast, poached and cubed
  • 1/2 c shredded carrots
  • 1/2 c raisins
  • 2 scallions, chopped, whites discarded
  • 1 stalk celery, minced
  • 1/4 c sliced almonds
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

Whisk together honey, yogurt, mayonnaise, and curry powder in a small bowl and set aside. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir in desired amount of dressing.

Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

Calories 281
Total Fat 6.8g
Saturated Fat 0.6g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 68mg
Sodium 167mg
Potassium 352mg
Total Carbohydrates 23.4g
Dietary Fiber 2.9g
Sugars 15.5g
Protein 34.0g

3.1
https://www.homesweetjones.com/2016/01/curried-chicken-salad/

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Filed Under: Entrees: Chicken and Poultry, Recipes Tagged With: 40 Minutes or Less, Cheap Eats, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Make Ahead

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Comments

  1. CakePants says

    January 13, 2016 at 8:06 am

    I *love* that chicken salad from Trader Joe’s but stopped buying it ages ago because it seemed like the kind of thing I should be able to make at home. Ironically, I never really tried to replicate it at home, but I’m SO excited that you did! I can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
  2. MarlisB says

    January 18, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    No salt? I am making this for my daughter’s school lunch right now.

    Reply
    • Maggie Jones says

      January 18, 2016 at 6:52 pm

      My curry powder has enough salt but definitely add some to your taste. Hope your daughter loves it!

      Reply
  3. Ariz Sanchez says

    April 3, 2016 at 6:37 pm

    How long would you keep this in the fridge for? I’m trying to shake up my weekly lunch meals and while I don’t anticipate this lasting me very long (will probably munch on it regularly), I’m wondering if it will hold up for 2 maybe 3 days…What do you think?

    Reply
    • Maggie Jones says

      April 3, 2016 at 6:57 pm

      2-3 days should be no problem. I think it’s even better the next day!

      Reply
  4. Kiersty says

    February 28, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    Loooooooove this but trying so much to lose weight and be healthy. THANK YOU!!!

    Reply
  5. Emily Miller says

    March 19, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    I don’t have Greek yogurt so I’m using regular mayo and I ran out of honey so I subbed in maple syrup. I also left out the almonds since I dislike nuts in my chicken salad. It still tastes AMAZING. Thank you for sharing!!! Let’s hops the husband likes it…..since he hates raisins. ???

    Reply
  6. Zoe says

    July 1, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    I used Penzeys Maharaja Curry Powder and 2 TVs was WAY too much curry. I added at least twice as much of everything else in the recipe to try to even out the proportions and it still was way too strong and was inedible. Very disappointed because I love TJs curry chicken salad and was very excited to try this. I’m sure it would’ve been good.

    Reply
    • Zoe says

      July 1, 2018 at 12:34 pm

      Typo.. I meant to type 2 TBS of curry powder.

      Reply
  7. Kat says

    April 8, 2019 at 11:33 am

    What is the serving size for the nutritiontional information?

    Reply
    • Maggie Jones says

      April 23, 2019 at 2:48 am

      Hi Kat, A serving size is 1/4 of the recipe – about a cup. Best!

      Reply
  8. Doug Dougan says

    November 4, 2019 at 2:28 pm

    I found the Trader Joe’s chicken salad way overboard on the sweetness … to the point of cloying . It tastes closer to a dessert than a savory item .

    Reply
  9. Sh says

    November 27, 2019 at 6:51 pm

    Dragunara link is broken!

    Reply
    • Maggie Jones says

      November 29, 2019 at 7:50 pm

      Oh no! Thanks for pointing it out. The worst is that this recipe tool is so outdated I can’t edit the link. Looks like it was moved to https://www.dragunara.com/collections/blends/products/dragon-curry

      I loved this curry and you reminded me that I need to stock up next time I’m back in the US. Hope you love it as much as I do!

      Reply
  10. Sue Altop says

    January 2, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    I made it vegan-style with cashew based vegan sour cream and vegannaise using slightly mashed garbanzo beans as chicken! Too. Die. For. Delicious!!! I love the chicken version, too. I went vegan recently. Awesome recipe! Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Sue Altop says

    January 2, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    I made it vegan-style with cashew based vegan sour cream and vegannaise using slightly mashed garbanzo beans as chicken! Too. Die. For. Delicious!!! I love the chicken version, too. I went vegan recently. Awesome recipe! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Maggie Jones says

      January 3, 2020 at 10:24 pm

      What a genius variation! I’ve actually gone plant-based myself 14 months ago and can’t wait to try your version. Thank you!!

      Reply
  12. Carie says

    April 18, 2020 at 10:18 am

    Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt? I don’t have any.

    Reply
    • Maggie Jones says

      April 19, 2020 at 1:01 am

      Give it a try! The flavor won’t be quite the same but I bet you will invent something just as tasty!!

      Reply
  13. Aimee says

    July 4, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    Thanks for sharing your version of this delish salad. I love TJ’s version but agree it’s too sweet! Looking for recipes to make it at home, found your site and realize that what I’ve been missing is a key ingredient, good quality curry powder, the one I have for god knows how long in my pantry, does not add enough punch.

    Reply
    • Maggie Jones says

      July 5, 2020 at 12:26 am

      I had the same revelation – fresh powder will make all the difference!

      Reply
  14. ML says

    May 11, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Easy Homemade Curry Powder
    Homemade Curry Powder
    Ingredients:
    2 Tbsp Coriander Seeds
    1 Tbsp Cumin Seeds
    1tsp Fennel Seeds
    1 tsp Mustard Seeds
    ½ tsp Black Peppercorns
    1 tsp Turmeric Powder
    ½ tsp Red Chili Powder
    1 tsp Ginger Powder
    Directions
    Dry Roast seeds (coriander, cumin, fennel, mustard, peppercorn) in a dry cast iron pan over medium heat, shaking frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant, approx 8-10 min.
    Remove from heat onto a paper plate and allow to cool completely.
    Grind to powder in coffee mill (make sure it is wiped out and very clean).
    Combine ground seeds with remaining powders: turmeric, red chili and ginger.
    Place into a sealed container (a tiny ziplock back works well) and place in cabinet out of the light.
    Will keep up to 3 months; though I’ve had mine for over a year and it is still extremely fragrant and tasty.
    Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Maggie Jones says

      August 16, 2021 at 9:22 am

      Mmmmm – genius! You are totally amazing for sharing this – thank you. I really can’t wait to try!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 7 Healthier Chicken Salad Recipes That Aren't Just Buckets of Mayo - google healths says:
    May 3, 2017 at 4:25 am

    […] 5. Curry Chicken Salad […]

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  2. 7 Healthier Chicken Salad Recipes That Aren't Just Buckets of Mayo - Fresh Press World News says:
    May 5, 2017 at 1:24 am

    […] 5. Curry Chicken Salad […]

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  3. Trader Joe's Recipes says:
    August 13, 2017 at 9:40 am

    […] Yes, please! Trader Joe’s Copycat Curried Chicken Deli Salad – this recipe is a true winner! Maggie uses this chicken salad both inside a pita and over a salad. | Home Sweet Jones […]

    Reply
  4. Trader Joe'S Chicken Salad Recipe - Trader Joe'S Wine Country Chicken Salad says:
    October 8, 2020 at 7:18 am

    […] 12. Trader Joe’s Copycat Curried Chicken Deli Salad Healthified … […]

    Reply

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