Healthy CHICKEN SALAD you will be making on repeat this summer!

Healthy CHICKEN SALAD you will be making on repeat this summer! is a easy Indian‑Inspired recipe that serves 4. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Food with Chetna on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 40 min

Cost: $11.70 total, $2.93 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless; flattened to even thickness)
  • 2 teaspoons Mild Curry Powder (any mild curry powder; can substitute with garam masala, tandoori masala, harissa, or just salt & pepper)
  • 0.75 teaspoons Salt (regular table salt; divided between chicken and dressing)
  • 0.5 teaspoons Chili Powder (adds gentle heat)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for rubbing on chicken)
  • 1 whole Cucumber (sliced into half‑moon pieces)
  • 2 small Red Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons Capers (drained; no added vinegar)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Coriander (handful, chopped)
  • 5 stalks Spring Onions (washed and chopped)
  • 5 tablespoons Mayonnaise (full‑fat, heaped)
  • 3 tablespoons Greek Yogurt (thick, full‑fat, plain)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Sesame Seeds (optional; toast for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon White Sesame Seeds (optional)
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground, generous amount)
  • 0.5 teaspoon MSG (optional for umami boost)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 160 °C fan (180 °C conventional) and let it heat up.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 180°C

  2. Season and Prepare Chicken

    Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Sprinkle 2 tsp mild curry powder, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp chili powder on both sides. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil and rub the seasoning into the meat.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Roast Chicken

    Place the seasoned breasts on a baking tray and roast for 15 minutes. Do not exceed the time; the chicken is flattened and will stay juicy.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 180°C

  4. Rest Chicken

    Remove the tray, loosely cover the chicken with foil and let it rest on the tray for 30 minutes to cool and finish cooking.

    Time: PT30M

  5. Prep Vegetables & Herbs

    While the chicken rests, slice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, chop the capers, coriander, and spring onions.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Make Dressing

    In a mixing bowl combine 5 heaped tbsp mayonnaise, 3 heaped tbsp thick Greek yogurt, 1 tsp black sesame seeds, 1 tsp white sesame seeds, a generous pinch of black pepper, 0.5 tsp MSG, and 0.25 tsp salt. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Shred Chicken

    Using two forks, shred the cooled chicken into bite‑size pieces. This also speeds up cooling.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Assemble Salad

    In a large bowl combine the cucumber, red onion, capers, coriander, spring onions, and shredded chicken. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Serve or Store

    Transfer the salad to an airtight container. It can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
300
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
17 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Carb, Contains Dairy, Contains Sesame

Allergens: Eggs (mayonnaise), Dairy (Greek yogurt), Sesame

Last updated: June 6, 2026

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Healthy CHICKEN SALAD you will be making on repeat this summer!

Recipe by Food with Chetna

A hearty, protein‑packed roast chicken salad with cucumber, red onion, capers, fresh herbs and a creamy Greek‑yogurt‑mayonnaise dressing. The chicken is seasoned with mild curry powder and roasted quickly, then shredded and tossed with crunchy vegetables. Make it a day ahead for easy meal‑prep or a make‑ahead lunch.

EasyIndian‑InspiredServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
45m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.70
Total cost
$2.93
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat Oven
  • Season and Prepare Chicken
  • Roast Chicken
  • Rest Chicken
  • Shred Chicken
  • Assemble Salad

Safety Warnings

  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75 °C (165 °F) to avoid foodborne illness.
  • Use separate cutting boards for raw chicken and vegetables to prevent cross‑contamination.
  • Handle the hot baking tray with oven mitts; the foil will be hot after roasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of roast chicken salad in Indian-inspired cuisine?

A

Roast chicken salad blends the Indian love for spiced, roasted meats with the Western tradition of hearty salads. The mild curry seasoning reflects everyday Indian home cooking, while the fresh cucumber, coriander, and yogurt dressing echo the cooling side dishes served alongside spicy meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken salad in Indian cuisine?

A

In North India, chicken salads often feature tandoori‑spiced chicken with mint‑yogurt dressing, whereas South Indian versions may include mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut. This recipe uses mild curry powder for a universally appealing flavor that sits between those regional styles.

cultural
Q

How is roast chicken salad traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is typically served at room temperature or slightly chilled, accompanied by flatbreads like roti or as a side to a larger thali. It also appears in lunchboxes for work or school, offering a protein‑rich, portable meal.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is roast chicken salad associated with in Indian culture?

A

While not tied to a specific festival, it is popular for casual gatherings, picnics, and as a make‑ahead dish for weekend family meals. Its ease of preparation makes it a favorite for potlucks and office lunches.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for an Indian‑inspired chicken salad versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Key authentic ingredients include mild curry powder, fresh coriander, and thick Greek yogurt (or hung curd). Substitutes like garam masala, parsley, or regular yogurt work, but they slightly shift the flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with this roast chicken salad?

A

Pair it with buttery naan, simple dal tadka, or a side of spiced lentil soup. A crisp cucumber raita or mango chutney also complements the salad’s creamy dressing.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making roast chicken salad?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, not flattening the breasts evenly, and adding too much liquid from capers or undrained cucumber. These lead to dry meat or a soggy salad.

technical
Q

Why does this roast chicken salad recipe use a quick 15‑minute oven roast instead of grilling the chicken?

A

A short oven roast keeps the chicken moist while allowing the seasoning to adhere evenly. Grilling can dry out the thin breasts and create uneven cooking, especially when the chicken is flattened for a salad.

technical
Q

Can I make this roast chicken salad ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Roast the chicken and store it separately from the dressing. Assemble the salad up to 2 days ahead, keeping the dressing in a sealed jar, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the roast chicken salad is done?

A

The chicken should be tender, moist, and easily shredded. The vegetables remain crisp, and the dressing should coat everything with a creamy, slightly speckled appearance from the sesame seeds.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food with Chetna specialize in?

A

Food with Chetna focuses on approachable, wholesome Indian‑inspired home cooking, offering quick recipes, meal‑prep ideas, and tips for everyday cooks who want flavorful yet healthy meals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food with Chetna's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Food with Chetna emphasizes simplicity and flexibility, using pantry‑friendly spice blends and encouraging substitutions. The channel blends traditional flavors with modern, health‑conscious techniques, unlike some channels that stick strictly to classic methods.

channel

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