If you’ve ever tried the curry chicken salad from Whole Foods, you know how delicious it is! But let’s be real—it’s pricey for such a small container. So, I decided to recreate this Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Recipe at home, and let me tell you, it’s just as good (if not better).
This recipe is packed with tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and a creamy, flavorful curry dressing. You’ll love how easy and budget-friendly it is!
Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad is a creamy, slightly sweet, and savory salad made with shredded chicken, curry-spiced mayonnaise, celery, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. It has the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great option for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a dip.
If you love the Whole Foods version, this homemade recipe is a must-try! It’s quick, easy, and tastes just as delicious—without the hefty price tag. Let’s get started!
What Does Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Taste Like?
This curry chicken salad is packed with bold flavors and the perfect balance of textures! The tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the creamy, curry-spiced dressing, while the mango chutney adds a touch of sweetness. Crunchy celery, toasted almonds, and chewy dried cranberries create a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
The hint of white wine elevates the dressing, giving it a subtle depth of flavor. Plus, the combination of curry powder and turmeric brings warmth and a slight earthiness that makes this salad irresistibly delicious.
Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, a wrap, or on its own, each bite is rich, creamy, slightly sweet, and full of crunch—just like the Whole Foods version, but even better!
Ingredients Required for Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
- 1 tbsp white wine (any kind)
- 1 tbsp mango chutney
- 1 tsp curry powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
Add-ins:
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups & spoons
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
How to Make Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Copycat Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad at home
Step 1: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Let the chicken cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white wine, mango chutney, curry powder, turmeric, and salt. Taste and adjust the curry powder or salt if needed. If you want it spicier, add more curry powder!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add the chopped chicken, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. Pour the curry dressing over the top and mix everything well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad
1. Classic Sandwich – The easiest way to enjoy this salad is between two slices of soft bread. Choose sourdough, whole wheat, or multigrain bread for extra texture. Add lettuce, tomato, or cucumber for freshness.
2. Pita Pocket – Stuff the curry chicken salad inside warm pita bread for a quick and satisfying meal. If you like extra crunch, add sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots inside.
3. Lettuce Wraps – For a low-carb option, spoon the salad into crisp butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg leaves. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor. Perfect for a gluten-free meal!
4. Over Rice – Serve the salad over steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even coconut rice for a comforting, protein-packed meal. The flavors of the curry and mango chutney complement the rice beautifully.
5. As a Dip – Use pita chips, crackers, or sliced veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers to scoop up the salad. This works great as a party appetizer or a light snack.
6. Stuffed Avocado – Slice an avocado in half and remove the pit. Spoon the curry chicken salad inside the hollowed-out center. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the salad.
7. On a Croissant – Want something extra indulgent? Serve the chicken salad inside a flaky croissant. The buttery layers of the croissant make it an irresistible combination.
8. Over a Green Salad – Use this chicken salad as a protein-packed salad topper. Serve it over mixed greens, arugula, or baby spinach with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon vinaigrette.
9. Wrapped in a Tortilla – Make a wrap by rolling the salad inside a large tortilla or lavash bread. Add shredded lettuce, cucumbers, and sliced almonds for extra texture and crunch.
10. Bowl Style – Create a wholesome grain bowl by serving the salad over quinoa, couscous, or farro. Add sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a handful of fresh herbs for a fresh and filling meal.
Some Tips on This Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – Skip the baking step and shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s tender, juicy, and adds extra flavor.
2. Toast the Almonds for Extra Crunch – Lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and crispiness.
3. Let It Chill Before Serving – Refrigerate the salad for at least 15-30 minutes before eating. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Adjust the Curry Powder to Taste – If you love a stronger curry flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of curry powder. Want a milder taste? Use less.
5. Balance Sweetness and Spice – If you prefer a slightly sweeter salad, add more mango chutney or a teaspoon of honey. For a spicier kick, sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper.
6. Mix in Extra Crunch – Not a fan of celery? Swap it for diced apples or bell peppers to keep the texture while changing up the flavor.
7. Make It Healthier – Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
8. Shred or Chop the Chicken as You Like – Want a chunkier salad for sandwiches? Chop the chicken into larger pieces. Prefer a smooth, spreadable texture? Shred it finely.
9. Use Fresh Herbs for a Flavor Boost – Add chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright, fresh taste that complements the curry.
10. Try Different Nuts or Dried Fruits – Switch things up by using cashews, walnuts, or pecans instead of almonds. Not a fan of cranberries? Swap them for golden raisins or chopped dates.
How to Store and Reheat Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Properly?
Store the curry chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day! No reheating is needed—just serve chilled.

Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’ve ever tried the curry chicken salad from Whole Foods, you know how delicious it is! But let’s be real—it’s pricey for such a small container. So, I decided to recreate it at home, and let me tell you, it’s just as good (if not better). This recipe is packed with tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and a creamy, flavorful curry dressing. You’ll love how easy and budget-friendly it is!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
- 1 tbsp white wine (any kind)
- 1 tbsp mango chutney
- 1 tsp curry powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Let the chicken cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, white wine, mango chutney, curry powder, turmeric, and salt. Taste and adjust the curry powder or salt if needed. If you want it spicier, add more curry powder!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, add the chopped chicken, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. Pour the curry dressing over the top and mix everything well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Notes
Store the curry chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day! No reheating is needed—just serve chilled.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 431
Common Queries on This Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad Recipe that people often ask.
1. How long will chicken salad stay in the refrigerator?
Chicken salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For best quality, keep it chilled and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
2. Does Whole Foods have salad?
Yes! Whole Foods has a variety of fresh salads, including pre-made salads like Curry Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, and other deli-style options. They also offer salad bars where you can customize your own.
3. Is chicken salad eaten cold or hot?
Chicken salad is traditionally eaten cold. It tastes best when chilled for at least 15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This curry chicken salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
5. Can I freeze chicken salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad because mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well—it can separate and change texture when thawed. It’s best to make it fresh and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
6. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute Greek yogurt, sour cream, or avocado for mayonnaise if you prefer a healthier or dairy-free option. A mix of Greek yogurt and mayo also works great!
7. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of baking chicken breasts?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the dressing and other ingredients.
8. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the curry powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in a bit of sriracha or red chili flakes for an extra kick!
9. Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Definitely! This recipe is flexible—you can add chopped apples, raisins, grapes, cashews, or even shredded carrots for extra texture and flavor.
10. What’s the best way to serve curry chicken salad?
It’s super versatile! Enjoy it in a sandwich, wrap, lettuce cup, pita, on a bed of greens, or with crackers as a dip. The possibilities are endless!
This homemade Whole Foods Curry Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful. It’s a great make-ahead meal that’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, pita, or on its own, it’s a guaranteed hit! Try it out and let me know how it turns out for you. Happy cooking! 😍
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