Curry Chicken Pasta Salad
This vibrant and flavourful curry pasta salad with chicken makes for a delicious and nutrient-dense lunch. It is also a great option as a diabetes-friendly make-ahead-meal for Sunday meal prep.

- Suitable for diets:
- High-Protein
- Mediterranean
Why Diabetes Friendly?
- Complex Carbohydrates: The use of whole wheat pasta provides complex carbohydrates, which are digested more slowly, helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a lean protein source that helps with blood sugar regulation by promoting satiety and preventing spikes in glucose levels.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and almonds add healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health and can help with the absorption of vitamins.
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Ingredients
- olive oil 1 tbsp
- chicken (breast, cut into cubes) 6 oz
- garlic powder ¼ tsp
- paprika ¼ tsp
- pasta (whole wheat, cooked) 1 ½ cup
- celery (sliced) 2 stalks
- carrot (shredded) 1 medium
- red onion (finely chopped) ¼ cup
- kale (finely chopped) 1 cup
- Greek yogurt ⅓ cup
- curry powder 1 tsp
- lemon (juiced) 1/2
- turmeric (ground) ½ tsp
- olive oil 1 tbsp
- red wine vinegar 1 tbsp
- salt ¼ tsp
- pepper ¼ tsp
Topping
- cranberries (dried) 1 tbsp
- almonds (slivered ) 2 tbsp
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Cooking Tips
- Balancing Flavors: The combination of curry powder and turmeric in the dressing offers a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the dried cranberries and the nutty crunch of almonds.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on preference or availability. Spinach can be a good alternative to kale, and adding bell peppers can introduce more color and vitamins.
- Proper Pasta Cooking: To keep the pasta from getting soggy, cook it al dente. This will also help it maintain a better texture when mixed with the dressing and stored for later consumption.
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Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breast with garlic powder and paprika and add to the skillet, stirring occasionally until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Once chicken is fully cooked, roughly chop into smaller pieces and set aside.1 tbsp olive oil, 6 oz chicken, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp paprika
- To a medium mixing bowl, add pasta shells, celery, carrot, red onion, and kale. Toss together until ingredients are well combined.1 ½ cup pasta, 2 stalks celery, 1 medium carrot, ¼ cup red onion, 1 cup kale
- In a small bowl, prepare dressing by whisking together Greek yogurt, curry powder, lemon juice, turmeric, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.⅓ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp curry powder, 1/2 lemon, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
- Transfer chicken and curry dressing to the mixing bowl and mix together until ingredients are evenly combined.
- Portion curry pasta salad into two bowls and top with dried cranberries and slivered almonds.1 tbsp cranberries, 2 tbsp almonds
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FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While whole wheat pasta shells are recommended for their fiber content, you can use any pasta shape or variety, including gluten-free options, to suit dietary needs or preferences. - How can I make this salad creamier?
If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more Greek yogurt to the dressing. Adjust the spices accordingly to maintain the desired flavour profile. - Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this curry chicken pasta salad is excellent for meal prep. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to enjoy it over several days, consider storing the dressing separately and mixing it in just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
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Nutrition
Per serving
Calories: 485.3kcal
Carbohydrates: 43.5g
Fiber: 9.3g
Sugar: 10.5g
Fat: 22.8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Protein: 30.6g
Nutrition Facts
Curry Chicken Pasta Salad
Amount per Serving
Calories
485.3
% Daily Value*
Fat
22.8
g
35
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
0.01
g
Cholesterol
56.1
mg
19
%
Sodium
449.6
mg
20
%
Potassium
782.4
mg
22
%
Carbohydrates
43.5
g
15
%
Fiber
9.3
g
39
%
Sugar
10.5
g
12
%
Protein
30.6
g
61
%
Vitamin C
37
mg
45
%
Vitamin D
0.1
µg
1
%
Calcium
193.7
mg
19
%
Iron
3.2
mg
18
%
Magnesium
104.6
mg
26
%
Zinc
2.1
mg
14
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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