Chicken Tikka Salad 

Chicken tikka salad with yoghurt dressing is meal prep-friendly and perfect for weekday meals. It’s easy to whip up and super customisable with Indian-inspired flavours, ready in just 20 minutes.

If you love tikka masala and crunchy salads then my lightened up chicken tikka salad is going to be your new favourite!

Chicken salad becomes especially appealing during the transition from winter to spring when we start we start desiring refreshing meals, despite the lingering coolness outside. Loaded with nutritious components and boasting bold, warming Indian flavours, this salad features a delicious tikka yoghurt dressing inspired by the classic curry sauce version. It’s creamy, tangy and slightly spicy which ties all the flavours together.

Ingredients you’ll need:

This chicken tikka salad contains an abundance of fresh and wholesome ingredients.

• Chicken: I like to use use tenderloins, however you certainly use thighs or chicken breast if you prefer.
• Yogurt: Choose thick and creamy Greek yogurt, preferably full-fat or high in protein, for the ideal consistency in both keeping the chicken tender and using it in the tikka dressing.
• Tikka Paste: You can find this in the international aisle, or you can opt for tikka simmer sauce. However, the paste offers a more concentrated flavour profile.
• Veggies: We add romaine (cos) lettuce), red onion, cucumber, radish and defrosted green peas.
• Quinoa: Adds nutty flavour, protein, and fibre to the salad. You can use white, multi-colour, or red quinoa; however white quinoa has the mildest flavour.
• Chickpeas: Budget-friendly, plus a fab source of fibre and plant protein.
• Raisins: For a pop of sweetness and chewy texture. Alternatively, chopped medjool dates or cranberries will work.
• Sweetener: Use honey or maple syrup to help balance the spiciness of the tikka paste.
• Vinegar: I prefer apple cider vinegar in this dressing. Alternatively, you can use fresh lemon juice.
• Cilantro: For a pop of freshness!

Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

Recipe variations

• Tikka Paste: You can substitute red curry paste for tikka paste to make this dish dairy-free.
• Yogurt: You can use sour cream or coconut yoghurt instead if needed for both the marinade and the dressing.
• Romaine: Mixed greens, iceberg lettuce or spinach will work. 
• Quinoa: Feel free to use white/ brown rice or pearl couscous instead.
• Veggies: You can replace the radish with grated carrots or sliced cherry tomatoes instead if you like.

How to make chicken tikka salad 

This salad is pretty straightforward to make, with four main key steps.

Marinate chicken: In a large bowl, combine the tikka paste and yogurt. Add the chicken to the bowl and marinate it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 10 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

Prep veggies: Blanch the frozen peas. Set them aside. Dice all the other salad ingredients, including lettuce, onion, cucumber, and radishes. Set aside.

Cook chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for approximately 10-14 minutes, turning it occasionally. Alternatively, you can place the chicken in an air fryer basket and cook at 180°C/350°F for 15 minutes.

Yogurt tikka sauce: Meanwhile, add the dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Combine salad: Once we finish cooking the chicken, we can put together the salad. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, onion, cucumber, radishes, chickpeas, cooled quinoa, and peas. Pour half of the dressing over the ingredients and toss to combine. Serve in bowls, topped with the chicken, and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Enjoy!

Storing leftovers

This chicken tikka salad is great ahead of time for quick and easy lunches throughout the week. Store the prepared salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Recipe FAQ’s

You may to try these recipes

California Chicken Salad

Italian Grinder Salad

Tuna Cabbage Salad

Broccoli Crunch Salad

If you try this chicken tikka salad recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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