India, Jan. 6 -- Winter lunches often need to balance warmth, nutrition, and speed, especially on busy days. Desi chicken salad fits this requirement by combining cooked chicken with familiar Indian spices and simple vegetables. It works well as a midday meal, filling without becoming heavy, making it suitable for diet-focused routines during the colder months.

Chicken has been a valued protein source across Indian households for centuries, especially in regional preparations that rely on spices rather than rich sauces. While salads are often seen as a modern addition, the idea of mixing spiced meats with raw vegetables has long existed in Indian kitchens, in kachumber-style pairings and light tandoori sides. Desi chicken salad builds on...