If you are craving a salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and delightful textures, the Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly combines juicy, tender grilled chicken with the sweet zing of ripe mango and the refreshing creaminess of a lime-honey dressing made from scratch. Each bite is a harmonious dance of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy elements that will leave you feeling both nourished and satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a show-stopping dish to share with friends, this salad makes healthy eating feel like a joyous celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of taste and texture, from the tender grilled chicken to the crisp salad greens and the luscious mango that adds a pop of sunny color.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that’s juicy and flavorful when grilled to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to keep it moist and add subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and salad components.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to complement the sweetness of the mango.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 large mango, peeled and diced: Sweet and juicy, it’s the tropical highlight that brightens the salad.
- 4 cups mixed salad greens: A fresh and crunchy base that balances out the richness of other ingredients.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a mild sharpness and crunchy texture to the salad.
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced: Adds crispness and a refreshing coolness to every bite.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds: Offers a wonderful nutty crunch that makes the salad extra special.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Provides a tangy creaminess that rounds out the sweetness of mango.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base for the dressing that keeps it light and zesty.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally, enhancing the lime’s tang.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Adds a bright, citrusy punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle kick and beautifully emulsifies the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Smooths out the dressing with healthy fat and richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the dressing’s flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a light, spicy note to the dressing.
How to Make Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Chicken
Start by preheating a grill pan or skillet over medium heat; this ensures that your chicken will cook evenly with a nice sear. While the pan heats, rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoning mix is simple but packs a flavorful punch that pairs perfectly with the sweet mango.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated pan. Cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye on the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This process locks in the juices and creates a slightly smoky flavor that complements the fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting is crucial to keep the meat tender and juicy. Afterward, slice the chicken into thin strips so it mixes beautifully with the other salad components.
Step 4: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the chicken is resting, take the time to peel and dice the mango, then thinly slice the red onion and cucumber. These fresh elements add wonderful texture and vibrant colors that make the salad as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 5: Mix the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, diced mango, red onion, cucumber, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese. This colorful medley encapsulates the essence of freshness and flavor.
Step 6: Whisk the Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth and luscious dressing. This dressing brings a creamy, tangy, and sweet dimension that perfectly ties the whole salad together.
Step 7: Assemble and Toss
Pour your homemade lime-honey dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients without bruising the mango or greens. Finally, arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top for a stunning presentation.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
This Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing Recipe is best enjoyed immediately, so dig in while the chicken is warm and the flavors are fresh and vibrant!
How to Serve Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your salad, consider sprinkling extra sliced almonds or crumbled feta on top for added crunch and tang. Fresh lime zest or a few chopped cilantro leaves can introduce a burst of brightness and a pretty finish for presentation.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a crusty baguette or warm pita bread for a satisfying contrast. For a heartier meal, a small serving of quinoa or brown rice on the side will complement the textures and flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom to keep greens crisp until serving. Alternatively, use vibrant, colorful bowls or plate the salad on a bed of extra greens arranged to look like petals around the chicken centerpiece for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad components and dressing separately to maintain freshness. Cooked chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while the salad mixture is best stored without the chicken to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This particular Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The texture of the mango and salad greens can be compromised by freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat leftover chicken, do so gently in a microwave or on a stovetop to keep it moist. Avoid reheating the salad components; instead, assemble fresh for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use canned mango instead of fresh?
Fresh mango is highly recommended because it provides the best texture and natural sweetness. Canned mango can be softer and sometimes overly sweetened, which may alter the overall balance of the salad.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the dressing?
You can use plain regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative such as coconut yogurt to keep the dressing creamy while catering to dietary preferences or restrictions.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the grilled chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas to maintain protein content while enjoying the fresh flavors of the salad.
How long does the dressing keep?
The homemade lime-honey dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a quick whisk before using, as ingredients may naturally separate.
What’s the best way to dice mango?
Peel the mango, slice along each side of the pit to get two large pieces, score the flesh in a grid pattern without cutting the skin, then scoop out the cubes with a spoon for perfect mango chunks every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing Recipe that feels both refreshing and satisfying. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, crunchy, and savory that never fails to brighten up any meal. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you for it!
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Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Lime-Honey Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Mango Chicken Salad features tender grilled chicken breasts paired with sweet, juicy mango, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade yogurt dressing. It’s a light yet satisfying dish perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salad
- 1 large mango, peeled and diced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Homemade Dressing
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Pan: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the hot pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute for tender slices.
- Prepare the Mango: While the chicken rests, peel and dice the mango into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion and cucumber for a fresh, crisp texture in the salad.
- Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips to complement the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the salad greens, diced mango, sliced red onion, cucumber, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Add the Chicken: Top the dressed salad with the sliced grilled chicken strips.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad fresh for the best flavor and texture, and enjoy your nutritious meal!
Notes
- Make sure to rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free option.
- For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the salad.
- Lime juice can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy dressing.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be kept refrigerated for up to one day.
