High Protein Coronation Chicken Salad
High Protein Coronation Chicken Salad
Primal • High-Protein • Gluten-Free Option • Whole-Food
Introduction
This High Protein Coronation Chicken Salad is a lighter, protein-rich take on the classic British coronation chicken, made with tender cooked chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, curry powder, dried apricots and crunchy celery.
Using Greek yogurt alongside mayonnaise creates the creamy texture expected from coronation chicken while adding extra protein. Dried apricots provide the characteristic fruity sweetness, while curry powder brings warmth and aromatic spice without needing a complicated sauce.
It's an excellent way to use leftover cooked chicken and can be prepared in just a few minutes. Serve this high-protein chicken salad in lettuce cups, alongside a fresh salad, stuffed into an avocado, use as spread or simply enjoy it on its own for an easy lunch.
Benefits of All the Ingredients
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise provides richness and helps create the creamy consistency associated with traditional coronation chicken.
Because only one tablespoon is needed, it adds flavour and texture without overwhelming the chicken and Greek yogurt.
For a Primal version, choose mayonnaise made with a suitable oil and a simple ingredient list, or use homemade mayonnaise.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt makes the dressing creamy while contributing additional high-quality protein.
It provides complete dairy protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B12. Depending on the product and processing method, it may also contain live bacterial cultures used during fermentation.
Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt works best because it allows the curry and apricot flavours to stand out without adding unnecessary sugar.
Curry Powder
Curry powder gives coronation chicken its distinctive warm, aromatic flavour.
The exact ingredients vary between blends but commonly include spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger and fenugreek.
These spices contain a variety of naturally occurring aromatic compounds and polyphenols.
For someone with coeliac disease, choose a curry powder confirmed to be gluten-free, as spice blends can vary between manufacturers.
Chicken
Cooked chicken provides the primary source of protein in this salad.
Chicken contains complete protein with all nine essential amino acids and provides several important nutrients, including niacin, vitamin B6, selenium and phosphorus.
Using cold, previously cooked chicken also makes this a convenient recipe for meal preparation and using leftovers.
Keep cooked chicken refrigerated and use it within appropriate food-safety storage times.
Dried Apricots
Dried apricots provide the sweet and fruity contrast traditionally found in coronation chicken.
They provide dietary fibre, potassium and carotenoid compounds, along with naturally concentrated fruit sugars.
Because drying removes much of the fruit's water, dried apricots are more concentrated in both carbohydrates and calories than fresh apricots.
Choose unsweetened dried apricots without additional sugar where possible.
Celery
Celery provides a fresh crunch that contrasts with the creamy chicken mixture.
Its high water content keeps the salad refreshing, while it also provides small amounts of vitamin K, folate and potassium.
The mild savoury flavour works particularly well with curry powder and sweet dried apricots, completing the combination of creamy, crunchy, savoury and sweet flavours in this High Protein Coronation Chicken Salad.