Chopped Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad

What’s So Special About Curry Powder?

Most people think curry powder is a single spice, like cinnamon or paprika, but it's actually a mix of several warm spices, carefully blended to bring layers of flavor to everything from soups to stews and even to salad dressings.

There’s no such thing as an authentic curry powder. The blend varies depending on the brand, region or even the chef making it! 

Most curry powders include turmeric for that signature golden color, plus coriander, cumin, fenugreek, ginger and sometimes a little heat from chili or black pepper.

The result? A warm, earthy, slightly sweet and savory spice blend that adds unmistakable flavor to recipes—including this salad’s zesty vinaigrette.

While the name curry powder makes people think of Indian cuisine, it’s actually a British invention. (Man with British accent: You don’t say!) British colonizers, inspired by the bold flavors of Indian cooking, created a ready-made spice mix to bring home—essentially, curry in a hurry. 

The best part? A little goes a long way. Just a spoonful of curry powder can transform a basic vinaigrette or marinade into something bold, flavorful and totally unexpected. 

And in my cauliflower and chickpea salad, it adds just the right amount of zing to the dressing. 

So, if your curry powder’s been sleeping in the spice rack, it’s time to wake it up!

Because in the right recipe, this yellow spice blend is pure gold.