Hey there, friend! Ready to take your salad game to new heights? Meet the Grilled Chicken Mango Salad with Mango Cilantro Dressing, a dazzling dish that marries juicy grilled chicken, sweet ripe mango, creamy avocado, and crisp mixed greens into every colorful forkful. This recipe is a tropical celebration on your plate — think of tangy red onion ribbons mingling with bright cilantro, crowned with a drizzle of a zesty cilantro-lime dressing sweetened with honey. I fell in love with this combination during a summer cookout when the grilled chicken’s smoky char contrasted perfectly with the mango’s luscious sweetness. It’s an easy intermediate recipe that demands just 25 minutes of prep, 14 minutes on the grill or grill pan, and a quick 5-minute rest to let all those flavors settle before slicing. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday lunch, a sunset dinner, or impressing friends at a backyard barbecue, this salad promises to bring instant sunshine to your table. The balance of flavors is simply addictive — each bite delivers a symphony of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that will have you going back for seconds.
In the following sections, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to master this recipe, from assembling your key ingredients to crafting the mango cilantro dressing that steals the show. We’ll break down each cooking step with friendly guidance and share tips to ensure your chicken is perfectly juicy and the dressing is silky-smooth every time. Want to add a spicy kick or make this vegetarian? We’ve got easy adaptations like tossing in diced jalapeño or swapping the chicken for grilled tofu. If you love meal prep, I’ll walk you through ideal storage methods so your leftovers stay fresh and crisp. Plus, there are serving suggestions that transform this salad from a simple meal into a show-stopping centerpiece. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the know-how to create a vibrant, nutrient-packed lunch or dinner bursting with summer vibes. So grab your apron and a ripe mango—let’s get started on this flavor-packed adventure!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GRILLED CHICKEN MANGO SALAD WITH MANGO CILANTRO DRESSING
Before we fire up the grill, let’s talk about the stars of the show — the ingredients that make this salad sing with flavor, color, and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
The lean protein foundation of the salad. When marinated and grilled, these breasts become juicy and flavorful, offering a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with sweet and tangy accents.
- Olive oil
A heart-healthy fat that helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and provides a golden sear on the grill. It’s also the base for the silky mango cilantro dressing.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient. They bring out the natural sweetness of mango and the savory depth of the chicken.
- Ripe mango
The tropical sweet element that adds juicy bursts of flavor in both the salad and the dressing. Its vibrant color also makes the dish look irresistible.
- Mixed salad greens
A blend of textures and flavors—from crisp romaine to tender spinach or peppery arugula—forming the fresh, leafy base of the salad.
- Red onion
Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that contrasts with the softer fruits and creamy avocado.
- Fresh cilantro
Herbaceous, citrusy notes that tie all the flavors together and elevate the dressing with a signature green freshness.
- Avocado
Provides a luxurious, buttery texture and healthy fats that balance the acidity of the lime juice.
- Cherry tomatoes
These little orbs of juiciness bring bright acidity and a pop of color to every mouthful.
- Feta cheese (optional)
Crumbled over the top for a tangy, salty kick that complements the sweetness of the mango.
- Lime juice
Adds bright acidity and freshness to the dressing, cutting through the richness of olive oil and avocado.
- Honey
A natural sweetener that smooths out the tartness of lime and complements the mango’s natural sugars.
HOW TO MAKE GRILLED CHICKEN MANGO SALAD WITH MANGO CILANTRO DRESSING
Let’s bring all these wonderful ingredients together with clear, step-by-step instructions. You’ll be enjoying this salad in no time!
1. Marinate the chicken
Start by marinating the chicken breasts. Rub each breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and ensures a moist, tender result when grilled.
2. Prepare the Mango Cilantro Dressing
Meanwhile, combine the diced mango, fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, honey, and olive oil in a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. Taste the dressing, then season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Grill the chicken
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Place the marinated chicken on the surface and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
4. Assemble the salad base
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, diced mango, red onion, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to distribute all the ingredients evenly.
5. Slice the chicken
Using a sharp knife, slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Arrange them artfully on top of the salad.
6. Dress and toss
Drizzle the Mango Cilantro Dressing over the assembled salad. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together, ensuring each component is lightly coated without wilting the greens.
7. Serve immediately
Transfer the salad to chilled plates or a serving platter and enjoy right away for the freshest flavors and textures.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GRILLED CHICKEN MANGO SALAD WITH MANGO CILANTRO DRESSING
Once your Grilled Chicken Mango Salad is assembled, the fun continues in the way you present and pair it. Since this recipe is bursting with color, arranging it on a large white platter really lets those vibrant hues pop—think layers of leafy greens, jewel-toned tomatoes, golden mango cubes, and ribbons of red onion. If you’re serving a crowd, set up a DIY salad bar with extra toppings like toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced jalapeño, or creamy goat cheese so guests can customize their bowls. For a more intimate sit-down meal, plate individual salads on chilled dishes so the ingredients stay crisp, then brush a thin olive oil sheen around the rim for a restaurant-style finish. Pair this salad with a chilled white wine—a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the sweet-savory spectrum beautifully. Non-wine drinkers will love a fruity sparkling water infused with cucumber or lime for a refreshing palate cleanser. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish each portion with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a thin slice of lime on the side. With these serving ideas, you’ll turn a simple salad into a centerpiece that steals the show.
- Platter Presentation: Layer ingredients on a large white serving platter to highlight vibrant colors and create an eye-catching display.
- DIY Salad Bar: Offer extra toppings—like jalapeños, toasted seeds, or goat cheese—in small bowls so guests can personalize their salad experience.
- Wine and Beverage Pairing: Serve with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity sparkling water to enhance the sweet-savory balance.
- Garnish and Final Touches: Add a fresh cilantro sprig, lime wedge, or a light drizzle of extra dressing right before serving for that polished, professional look.
HOW TO STORE GRILLED CHICKEN MANGO SALAD WITH MANGO CILANTRO DRESSING
Whether you’ve got leftovers or you’re prepping for tomorrow’s lunch, storing this Grilled Chicken Mango Salad correctly is key to preserving its fresh flavors and textures. Because the dressing can wilt greens if left to sit too long, it’s best to keep the Mango Cilantro Dressing in a separate airtight container or small jar in the refrigerator. The grilled chicken, once cooled to room temperature, will stay juicy and tender if stored in a sealed container on the top shelf of the fridge. To avoid soggy mixed greens, layer them at the bottom of your storage box and place the mango, avocado slices, and tomatoes in separate compartments or small silicone cups. If you’re meal-prepping for an entire week, adding a splash of lime juice over the avocado before sealing helps prevent browning. And remember to consume the dressed salad within 24 hours for optimal crispness—any longer and you might notice the vibrant colors start to fade. With these simple tricks, you’ll enjoy a second helping that tastes just as fresh as the first.
- Dressing on the Side: Store the Mango Cilantro Dressing in a separate airtight jar to keep greens crisp until you’re ready to serve.
- Layering Technique: Place mixed greens on the bottom of a container, then add mango, avocado, and tomatoes in divided sections to prevent moisture build-up.
- Avocado Preservation: Brush avocado slices with a little lime juice and press plastic wrap directly onto their surface to slow down browning.
- Prompt Consumption: Aim to enjoy the dressed salad within 24 hours for peak texture and color.
CONCLUSION
In this article, we’ve walked through every detail needed to master the Grilled Chicken Mango Salad with Mango Cilantro Dressing—from gathering key ingredients like juicy mangoes, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro to step-by-step instructions that guide you through marinating, grilling, and assembling everything into a stunning, nutrient-packed meal. You’ve seen how simple it is to whip up the Mango Cilantro Dressing in your blender, and you know the secrets to maintaining crisp greens and vibrant colors. Whether you’re an intermediate-level home cook or just someone looking to brighten up an ordinary weeknight dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes: it’s healthy, refreshing, and bursting with summer vibes. Don’t forget that you can customize the dish with a spicy jalapeño, make it vegetarian by swapping in grilled tofu, or use a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine for an extra textural twist. With just 25 minutes of prep, 14 minutes of cooking, and a short 5-minute rest, you’ll have a flavorful centerpiece ready for lunch or dinner.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder or digital folder for easy reference—having a go-to guide on hand means you’ll be ready whenever those mango cravings strike. Right below, there’s a handy FAQ section addressing common questions about ingredient swaps, make-ahead strategies, and troubleshooting tips, so you can feel confident tackling this recipe. If you give this salad a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out: leave a comment sharing any personal twists you added, ask any questions you have about the process, or let me know what other tropical salads you want to see next. Your feedback makes this cooking community vibrant and helpful, and I’m always here to offer tips or cheer you on as you explore new flavors. Happy cooking, and here’s to many bright and flavorful meals ahead!
Grilled Chicken Mango Salad with Mango Cilantro Dressing
Description
Juicy grilled chicken, sweet mango, creamy avocado and zingy cilantro-lime dressing come together in a colorful salad that’s bursting with summer vibes.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by marinating the chicken breasts. Rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let them sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Meanwhile, prepare the Mango Cilantro Dressing. Combine the diced mango, cilantro leaves, lime juice, honey, and olive oil in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
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Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through with clear juices (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C). Once done, remove from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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In a large salad bowl, mix the salad greens, diced mango, red onion, cilantro, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
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Add the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad mixture.
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Drizzle the Mango Cilantro Dressing over the salad just before serving to maintain freshness. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
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Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and flavorful salad.
Note
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeno to the salad.
- This salad can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding grilled tofu.
- Use a mix of spinach, arugula, and romaine for a more diversified green base.
- Make sure to use a ripe mango for both the salad and dressing to ensure maximum sweetness.
- This dish pairs well with a chilled white wine or a fruity sparkling water.
