Are you looking for a fresh and exciting dish that combines the sweetness of mango, the creaminess of avocado, and the heartiness of chicken? Look no further than this Chicken Mango Avocado Salad! Packed with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, this salad serves as a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re trying to impress guests at a summer barbecue or simply want to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal at home, this recipe checks all the boxes. Not only does it offer an explosion of flavors in every bite, but it is also quick to prepare—making it ideal for busy weeknights. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a beautiful, colorful dish that will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling great. This Chicken Mango Avocado Salad is gluten-free and can be easily customized based on your preferences or dietary requirements. So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- Ingredients for Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- How to Make Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- Tips and Tricks
- How to Serve Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Suggestions for Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- Choose the Right Ingredients
- Avoid Overdressing Your Salad
- Don’t Skip on Seasoning
- Prepare Fresh Just Before Serving
- FAQs
- What are some variations of Chicken Mango Avocado Salad?
- How do I store leftovers of Chicken Mango Avocado Salad?
- Can I make Chicken Mango Avocado Salad ahead of time?
- What dressing works best with Chicken Mango Avocado Salad?
- Conclusion
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a serving of four but adjust according to your needs.
- Mango: Choose ripe mangoes that yield slightly when pressed; they add natural sweetness to the salad.
- Avocado: Select firm avocados that are not overly soft; they bring creaminess to the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: This ingredient adds crunch and vibrant color; look for firm peppers without blemishes.
- Fresh Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro to enhance the flavor; it’s best when finely chopped.
For the Dressing:
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the flavors; avoid bottled versions if possible.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste; it complements all other ingredients beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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How to Make Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You can check doneness using a meat thermometer—it should read at least 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from heat and allow it to rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken rests, chop your mangoes into bite-sized pieces along with diced avocado and finely chopped red bell pepper. Add these ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Chop Fresh Herbs
Finely chop fresh cilantro leaves and add them to the vegetable mixture in the bowl. The cilantro will provide aromatic freshness that complements other flavors well.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine freshly squeezed lime juice with olive oil. Whisk together until emulsified. Feel free to add salt or pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Slice the rested chicken into strips or cubes before adding it directly into the vegetable mixture in your bowl. Pour over the dressing and gently toss everything together until coated evenly.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Transfer your Chicken Mango Avocado Salad onto plates or serve in a large bowl as a centerpiece. Enjoy immediately for optimal freshness!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Ensure all ingredients are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results.
- The Right Ripeness: Choose avocados that are ripe but firm; too soft avocados can turn mushy in salads.
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How to Serve Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
This Chicken Mango Avocado Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
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Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken, mango, and avocado in advance. Cook the chicken breast up to two days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Dice the mango and avocado shortly before serving to maintain their freshness.
- Storing: Leftover Chicken Mango Avocado Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To prevent browning, ensure that the avocado is well-coated with dressing before storage.
- Reheating: If you need to reheat any components, warm the chicken in the microwave on medium power for about one minute until heated through. Avoid reheating avocado, as it is best enjoyed fresh.
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Suggestions for Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
Choose the Right Ingredients
Selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial for a delicious Chicken Mango Avocado Salad. Opt for ripe avocados and mangoes, as they add creaminess and sweetness. Using grilled chicken breast enhances the flavor profile while keeping the dish healthy. Avoid using overripe or underripe fruits; they can negatively impact the taste and texture of your salad. Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, can elevate the dish further, so choose them wisely. Remember that the balance of flavors is essential, so ensure that each ingredient complements the others well.
Avoid Overdressing Your Salad
One common mistake when preparing a Chicken Mango Avocado Salad is applying too much dressing. A heavy hand with the dressing can mask the fresh flavors of the chicken, mango, and avocado. Instead, lightly drizzle your salad with dressing to enhance its natural tastes without overwhelming them. You can always add more if needed! Consider using homemade dressings made from lime juice or olive oil to keep it fresh and vibrant. This way, you maintain a healthy balance while ensuring every bite remains enjoyable.
Don’t Skip on Seasoning
Many people forget that seasoning is key to a great Chicken Mango Avocado Salad. While fresh ingredients should shine, a touch of salt and pepper can bring out their natural flavors significantly. After assembling your salad, taste it before serving; this will help identify if it needs a little extra seasoning. Additionally, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder for an exciting twist. Proper seasoning makes all the difference in creating a flavorful and memorable salad experience.
Prepare Fresh Just Before Serving
Preparing your Chicken Mango Avocado Salad too early can lead to soggy textures and loss of freshness. To maintain the best quality, assemble your salad just before serving. Keep all components separate until you are ready to enjoy it—this includes cutting your avocados last to prevent browning. If you’re making this salad for meal prep, store all ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge until you are ready to combine them. This will ensure each bite is crisp and full of flavor.
FAQs
What are some variations of Chicken Mango Avocado Salad?
There are numerous variations of Chicken Mango Avocado Salad that you can explore to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you could substitute grilled chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can introduce crunchiness and healthy fats. You might also incorporate different fruits such as strawberries or pineapple for added sweetness and flavor contrast. Experimenting with various dressings—like honey lime or sesame ginger—can also provide unique twists on this delicious recipe.
How do I store leftovers of Chicken Mango Avocado Salad?
Storing leftovers of Chicken Mango Avocado Salad requires some care to maintain freshness and prevent browning. Place any uneaten salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator immediately after serving. To keep the avocado from turning brown, consider storing it separately from the rest of the salad ingredients if possible. It’s best consumed within one day for optimal freshness; however, if stored correctly, it may last up to 48 hours in the fridge but may lose some texture over time.
Can I make Chicken Mango Avocado Salad ahead of time?
While Chicken Mango Avocado Salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead of time for convenience. Cook the chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also chop mangoes and avocados beforehand but make sure to soak them in lime juice to minimize browning. However, it’s advisable to assemble everything just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.
What dressing works best with Chicken Mango Avocado Salad?
For a delightful Chicken Mango Avocado Salad experience, a light dressing complements its fresh flavors perfectly. A simple mix of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper works wonders! You could also try a honey-lime vinaigrette for added sweetness that pairs beautifully with mangoes. Some enjoy creamy dressings like avocado ranch or cilantro-lime dressing for extra richness but be cautious not to overpower the other ingredients.
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Conclusion
In summary, creating an exceptional Chicken Mango Avocado Salad involves selecting quality ingredients and balancing flavors carefully while avoiding common mistakes such as over-dressing or improper storage methods. By choosing ripe fruits and fresh herbs along with proper seasoning techniques, you will enhance each ingredient’s natural taste beautifully. Remember that preparation should ideally occur shortly before serving to guarantee maximum freshness and enjoyment from this vibrant dish. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a delightful salad perfect for any occasion!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Chicken Mango Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Mango Avocado Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe mango, the creamy texture of avocado, and the heartiness of grilled chicken. Ideal for summer gatherings or a light weeknight meal, this salad is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Its colorful array of ingredients makes it visually appealing, while its customizable nature allows you to adjust flavors and textures according to your preferences. Serve this delightful salad with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal that will impress both family and friends.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 firm avocado, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown (165°F internal temperature). Let rest before slicing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced mango, avocado, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.
- Whisk lime juice and olive oil in a separate bowl; season to taste.
- Add sliced chicken to the vegetable mixture and drizzle with dressing. Toss gently until combined.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Notes
For added crunch, toss in nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
Substitute grilled chicken with shrimp or tofu for variety.
Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to three days; keep avocado coated in dressing to prevent browning
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg