- In a bowl, whisk paleo mayo, coconut milk, lime juice, curry powder, turmeric (optional), sweetener (optional), and garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add cayenne if you like heat.
2) Combine the salad
- In a large bowl, add chicken, mango, celery, red onion (optional), and herbs.
- Pour dressing over the top and fold gently until coated.
3) Add crunch
- Fold in toasted coconut and your chosen crunchy add-in (nuts or seeds).
- Taste and adjust: add more lime for brightness, more curry for warmth, or a pinch of salt to sharpen flavors.
4) Chill
- Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (best: 2 hours) to let flavors blend.
Serving and Storage:
This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it in lettuce cups, on a bed of greens, stuffed into avocados, or scooped
with sliced cucumbers and bell peppers.
- Serve: chilled or cool room temperature.
- Refrigerate: store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days.
- Meal prep tip: if you want maximum crunch, store nuts/seeds separately and stir in right before eating.
- Freezing: not recommended (mayo-based dressings separate).
Tips:
- Use ripe mango: sweet mango balances curry beautifully.
- Toast your coconut: a quick toast adds big flavor and keeps it from tasting flat.
- Adjust curry to your brand: curry powders vary a lot—start smaller and add more as needed.
- Balance with acid: lime juice keeps the salad bright and fresh.
- Don’t overmix: especially if mango is very ripe—fold gently to avoid mush.
Variations:
- Whole30: skip honey/maple and ensure your mayo is compliant.
- Spicier: add diced jalapeño or extra cayenne.
- Extra tropical: add diced pineapple or orange segments.
- More crunch: add diced cucumber or thinly sliced bell pepper.
- Herb swap: use mint for a fresh, summery twist.
- Protein swap: use turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday lunch version.
Conclusion:
Paleo Mango Coconut Curried Chicken Salad is the perfect proof that healthy lunches can be exciting. It’s creamy, tropical,
and warmly spiced, with that sweet mango-curry balance that makes you keep coming back for “just one more bite.” Make it for
meal prep, serve it at a gathering, or enjoy it as a fresh twist on classic chicken salad—you’ll love how effortless and
flavorful it is.
FAQ:
Is this recipe strict paleo?
It can be. Use a paleo-compliant mayo and choose almonds/pecans or sunflower seeds instead of cashews if you follow strict
paleo guidelines.
Can I use canned chicken?
You can, but freshly cooked or rotisserie-style chicken tastes better and has a nicer texture.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
Swap it for parsley, mint, or thinly sliced green onion.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes—use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, and check your mayo ingredients.
How do I keep it from getting watery?
Use firm mango (ripe but not mushy), and if using thawed frozen mango, drain excess liquid before adding.
