New York, June 25 -- To apply some modern tricks to old-school chicken salad, we turned to our spice rack. Most spices boast an impressive portfolio of phytonutrients_often the very same compounds that give them such potent flavor.

Mild, creamy chicken salad was an ideal canvas. First, we found we could replace two-thirds of the mayonnaise with low-fat yogurt (and use less dressing overall) and still deliver enough creamy tang to keep everyone happy. To spice up our dressing, we added turmeric and black pepper.

Long used as a medicinal spice in India, turmeric is associated with many health benefits. Black pepper_commonly paired with turmeric_may boost the potency of turmeric, especially in the presence of a little heart-healthy fat.

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