If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that brings together juicy chicken and sweet mango in perfect harmony, this Chicken Mango Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful burst of color, flavor, and texture that’s as nutritious as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a side for dinner, or something impressive for your next gathering, this recipe offers a refreshing take that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this Chicken Mango Salad Recipe plays a key role in creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the crispness of fresh greens to the natural sweetness of mango and the hearty protein of chicken.
- Cooked chicken breasts (1 pound): Provides lean protein and a satisfying, juicy texture for the salad.
- Romaine lettuce (6 cups, chopped): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch as the salad’s base.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Introduces a tender leafy texture along with a boost of nutrients.
- Mango (1, peeled and diced): Brings a vibrant sweetness and tropical flair that complements the savory chicken.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups, halved): Infuse bursts of bright acidity and juiciness to every bite.
- English cucumber (1, sliced): Offers a cool, clean flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Red onion (â…“ cup, diced): Adds sharpness and a hint of spice for contrast.
- Parsley or cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Fresh herbs brighten the overall flavor and add herbal notes.
- Extra virgin olive oil (â…“ cup): A luxurious base for the dressing, adding richness.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Provides a zesty tang that balances sweetness and fattiness.
- Honey (1-2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dressing naturally for a harmonious glaze.
- Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the dressing.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Gives a fragrant warmth that enhances the salad’s complexity.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors to their best.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides mild heat and seasoning.
How to Make Chicken Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Salad Base
Start by combining the chopped romaine lettuce and baby spinach in a large bowl. These leafy greens lay a crisp, fresh foundation for your salad, making every bite delightfully crunchy and nutrient-rich. Next, layer on the sliced cooked chicken breasts for hearty protein, then scatter the sweet diced mango, juicy cherry tomatoes, cool cucumber slices, diced red onion, and your choice of fresh parsley or cilantro. Each ingredient adds unique texture and flavor, creating a gorgeous and well-rounded salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This homemade dressing is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that will tie your salad together beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The simplicity of these ingredients comes together to create a dressing that’s both light and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Finish and Toss
Drizzle the freshly made dressing over your salad ingredients, then gently toss everything together so each component is coated but not soggy. The dressing adds a luscious glaze that enhances every bite, making this Chicken Mango Salad Recipe come alive with vibrancy. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
How to Serve Chicken Mango Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your Chicken Mango Salad Recipe presentation and taste beautifully. Try a sprinkle of toasted nuts like almonds or cashews for an extra crunch or a handful of crumbled feta cheese to introduce a creamy, salty note. A few fresh herb sprigs on top can also make your salad pop visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad works wonderfully as a standalone meal or paired with side dishes to round out your menu. Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing, or pair with a light soup for a comforting combo. Grilled veggies or a quinoa pilaf make excellent companions for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Mango Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or on crisp lettuce cups for a handheld option perfect for parties or picnics. You can also layer the salad ingredients in a parfait style in clear glasses, showing off the vibrant colors of mango, tomato, and greens. Presentation like this will impress your guests and make eating this salad even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain crispness, especially the greens and mango. Keeping the dressing separate until serving will help prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Chicken Mango Salad Recipe due to the fresh greens and mango, which don’t thaw well. To save time, you can freeze cooked chicken breasts in advance and defrost as needed for quick assembly.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you want to warm the chicken, reheat it separately before adding it to the salad to keep the freshness of the other ingredients intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of greens?
Absolutely! While romaine lettuce and baby spinach work wonderfully, you can substitute with kale, arugula, or mixed salad greens depending on your preference.
What kind of mango is best?
Choose a ripe but firm mango like Ataulfo or Haden varieties. They are sweet and fragrant without being overly soft, perfect for salad texture.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
You can easily make a vegan version by replacing chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and ensuring the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How long does the salad keep after making it?
For the freshest taste, enjoy the salad immediately. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days but may lose some crispness.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate and combine all elements when you’re ready to eat to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Mango Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fresh ingredients blending into a flavorful masterpiece that’s both nourishing and enticing. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it comes together, becoming a go-to dish for your lunches, dinners, or entertaining. Once you’ve experienced the refreshing contrast of juicy mango and tender chicken with crisp veggies, it’s going to be hard to put down!
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Chicken Mango Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Chicken Mango Salad packed with fresh greens, juicy mango, and tender chicken breasts, tossed in a zesty honey lemon dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy dinner that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken breasts, sliced
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 mango, peeled and diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- â…“ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup parsley or cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: Add the romaine lettuce and baby spinach to a large bowl. Top with sliced cooked chicken breasts, diced mango, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, diced red onion, and chopped parsley or cilantro to create a colorful, inviting salad base.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed to balance the sweetness and acidity.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients and coat them with the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley based on your preference for added aroma.
- To make the salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and add chickpeas or tofu.
- Cook chicken breasts by poaching or grilling for best flavor and texture before slicing.
- The salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated briefly with dressing kept separate to maintain crispness.
