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CURRY CHICKEN SALAD WITH WALNUTS

A full-flavored salad blended with curry, cumin, Dijon mustard and pepper cultivates a slightly fiery taste. Combine the sweetness of the grapes with the crunchy texture of walnuts for a unique combination of flavors for your palate. Enjoy as a perfect summery fare for a picnic lunch or savory dinner.
Some curry powders pack more punch than others, and the more curry powder you use, the stronger its flavor will be.  Start with the smaller amount, knowing you can always add more if it is too mild. 
Serves 12.

Ingredients
• 2 1/2 - 3 quarts water
• 1 tablespoon salt (for the cooking water), plus salt to taste if desired
• 2 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 - 3 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black or white pepper
• 1/4 cup mango chutney
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 4 green onions, including the white and green parts, thinly sliced
• 3 cups (about 1 pound) seedless red grapes cut in half
• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) chopped toasted California walnuts
• 12 or more leaves butter or red leaf lettuce
• 12 or more orange slices or wedges
 

Directions
To cook the chicken, in a large pan bring the water and salt to a boil over high heat.  Add the chicken, and then reduce the heat and cook, partially covered, for 15 minutes; the water should simmer gently, not boil hard.  Remove from heat and set aside for about 30 minutes.  Remove the chicken from the cooking liquid and, as soon as it is cool enough to handle, cut it into bite-sized pieces about 1/2-inch across.  You will have 6 - 7 cups chicken, more or less.  Set aside.

To make the dressing, in a large bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, curry powder, cumin, mustard, pepper, chutney.  Add the grapes, parsley, green onion, walnuts and chicken pieces.  Stir and toss with a large spoon to coat everything evenly with the dressing. Taste the salad, and add more curry powder, and salt to taste, if you wish.  Place each serving of salad on a lettuce leaf and garnish with an orange slice or two.

Nutrition
Per serving:  495 calories, 31g protein, 16g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 325mg sodium, 89mg cholesterol, 35g fat, 4g saturated fat

Recipe courtesy of Chef Sherri Thrower of Fiesta Market for the California Walnut Board