Chicken and mango salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the savory flavor of grilled chicken. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe:
Ingredients:
-
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional)
-
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, and cucumber.
- Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or mint and crumbled feta or goat cheese.
-
Serve:
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Mango Ripeness: Choose a ripe mango for the best sweetness. If it’s too firm, let it ripen at room temperature for a few days.
- Chicken Cooking: You can also cook the chicken in a skillet or oven if grilling isn’t an option. Just ensure it’s cooked through and juicy.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or nuts (such as almonds or cashews) for extra texture and flavor.
Enjoy your chicken and mango salad!
