Indulge in a culinary delight with this Chicken Mango Avocado Salad, where the lusciousness of chicken meets the creamy richness of avocado and the sweet charm of mango. Topped with a homemade, irresistibly sweet and tangy honey vinaigrette, this salad is a symphony of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb (2 medium) chicken breasts, a lean yet tender base.
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt, for a subtle garlicky hint.
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, to balance the flavors.
- 2 tsp olive oil for a smooth sauté.
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped and dried, for a crisp foundation.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, for a juicy burst.
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced, for a refreshing crunch.
- 1 ripe mango, pitted, peeled and diced, adding tropical sweetness.
- 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced, for creamy richness.
- 1/2 small purple onion, thinly sliced, for a sharp contrast.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, for a fresh herby touch.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted, for a nutty finish.
For the Honey Vinaigrette Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, for a velvety texture.
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, for a zesty acidity.
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard, for a tangy depth.
- 2 tsp honey, for natural sweetness.
- 1 garlic clove, minced, to infuse a warm aroma.
- 1 tsp sea salt, to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, for a spicy kick.
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise. Season generously with garlic salt and black pepper.
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Sauté the chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips against the grain.
Assembling the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, lay down a bed of chopped romaine lettuce.
- Artistically arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, diced mango, avocado, and purple onion over the lettuce.
- Sprinkle with cilantro and toasted almond slices for an added crunch and flavor.
Creating the Honey Vinaigrette Dressing:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously until well blended. Alternatively, whisk in a bowl.
- Before serving, give the dressing another good shake or whisk. Drizzle it over the salad as per your taste preference.
This Chicken Mango Avocado Salad, crowned with the homemade Honey Vinaigrette, is not just a dish but an experience. The harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, coupled with the variety of textures, makes it a refreshing and satisfying meal. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy this delightful salad and revel in its flavors!
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