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- Ripe Mango: Choose one that feels soft but not too mushy. - Ripe Avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly when pressed. - Cooked Chicken Breast: You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. - Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add color and flavor. - Red Onion: Use sparingly for a mild crunch and zing. - Fresh Cilantro: This herb adds freshness and a pop of green. - Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for bright taste. - Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for rich flavor. - Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors. Gather these ingredients to make a vibrant and tasty Mango Avocado Chicken Salad. Each item plays a role in the overall flavor and texture of the dish. The sweet mango complements the creamy avocado, while the chicken adds protein. Cherry tomatoes and red onion provide crunch. Fresh cilantro brightens up the blend, and lime juice and olive oil bring it all together. Enjoy creating this fresh meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Shredding the Chicken Breast To start, take your cooked chicken breast. Use your hands or a fork to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to mix with the other ingredients later. Cooking Options (Grilled, Poached, etc.) You can cook the chicken in many ways. Grilling gives it a nice smoky flavor. Poaching keeps it moist and tender. Choose the method you like best! Combining Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken. Then, gently fold in the diced mango, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. Each ingredient adds flavor and color. Gently Mixing Techniques Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix. Be careful not to mash the avocados. You want them to stay chunky, adding creaminess to the salad. Whisking Dressing Ingredients In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dressing is simple but packs a lot of flavor. Lime juice adds brightness, while olive oil gives richness. Tips for Flavor Boost For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of chili powder or a dash of honey to the dressing. This can enhance the taste and make your salad even better! Choosing the right fruit makes a big difference. For mangoes, look for those that are slightly soft when you press them. A ripe mango has a sweet scent too. For avocados, check for firmness. They should feel soft but not mushy. If you are unsure, buy avocados that are not fully ripe. You can let them ripen at home. To check freshness, look for brown spots. If an avocado has too many, it may be overripe. For mangoes, the skin should be smooth and free of wrinkles. Always inspect your fruit before buying. Pair this salad with a light drink. A cold lemonade or iced tea works well. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for some crunch. For a pretty plate, use a large bowl. Arrange the salad in the center and sprinkle extra cilantro on top. To make it look fancy, add slices of lime around the bowl. This adds color and a fun detail. You can also use clear dishes to show off those bright colors. Meal prep is easy with this salad. You can cook the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to chop the veggies early, keep them in separate containers. This keeps them fresh and crisp. For best taste, add the dressing just before serving. If you mix everything too soon, the avocados may turn brown. This way, your salad stays fresh and delicious! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Fruits: Ensure that your mangoes and avocados are perfectly ripe for optimal flavor and creaminess in your salad. Season to Taste: Adjust the salt and pepper in the dressing to your preference; tasting as you go can enhance the flavors of the salad. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cilantro and lime juice can elevate the freshness and overall taste of the salad. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can help the flavors meld beautifully. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even more fun by adding other veggies or fruits. Try diced peppers, cucumbers, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. These additions boost color and flavor. You can also switch up the protein. Shrimp and tofu work great too. Just cook the shrimp until they turn pink. For tofu, use firm tofu and grill or pan-fry it. It will add a nice texture and taste. Get creative with the dressing! You can mix in different vinaigrettes. A balsamic or honey mustard vinaigrette adds tasty notes. You can also try adding spices like cumin or chili powder. These spices can give your salad a nice kick. Many people need gluten-free or dairy-free options. This salad is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good there. To keep it dairy-free, just skip any cheese you might want to add. If you're watching carbs, you can adjust this dish easily. Use less mango and avocado to lower the carb count. You can also add more leafy greens. Spinach or kale can bulk up the salad without adding too many carbs. Feel free to mix and match these ideas. The goal is to make it your own! How do you store leftovers? Place the mango avocado chicken salad in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. How long does it last? The salad stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the ingredients may spoil and lose flavor. Can you freeze this salad? I do not recommend freezing this dish. The avocados and mangoes may turn mushy. However, if you want to try, you can freeze the chicken separately. What are the thawing tips? Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. Do not refreeze once thawed. How do you know if the salad is still good? Check for any off smells. If it smells sour or strange, it’s best to toss it. Look at the color of the ingredients. If they look dull or brown, they may be spoiled. Soft or mushy avocados indicate they are no longer fresh. Always trust your senses! Yes, you can use canned chicken. It saves time and cuts prep work. Just drain it well. Flake or shred it before adding to the salad. The taste may differ slightly, but it will still be good. This salad lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the avocados may brown after a day. For best taste, eat it fresh. Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. You can prepare all ingredients in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. You can make it a few hours ahead. Just cover it and chill in the fridge. If you make it the day before, add avocados right before serving. This prevents browning and keeps it looking nice. This salad pairs well with chips or warm tortilla wraps. You can also serve it with a light soup. A refreshing drink like lemonade goes great too. Yes! You can mix in other fruits like pineapple or strawberries. Nuts like almonds or walnuts add crunch. You can also try adding some cheese for creaminess. To keep avocados fresh, use lime juice on them. The acid helps slow browning. Store any leftovers in an airtight container with a piece of onion. It helps keep them green longer. This blog post highlighted a simple and tasty Mango Avocado Chicken Salad. We covered key ingredients like ripe mangoes, avocados, and cooked chicken. You learned how to prepare the chicken and assemble the salad. We shared tips for ensuring fruit ripeness, serving ideas, and meal prep. The article also explored variations and storage options. In short, this salad is easy to make, fun, and full of flavor. Try it today for a fresh meal!

Mango Avocado Chicken Salad

A refreshing salad combining shredded chicken, ripe mango, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables, dressed with lime and olive oil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 whole ripe mango, diced
  • 2 whole ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken breast.
  • Gently fold in the diced mango, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocados.
  • Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Keyword avocado, chicken, healthy, mango, salad