Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad 🥗 – A Burst of Fresh Flavors!

A Burst of Fresh Flavors!

Are you tired of bland, uninspired salads? Do you crave a dish that excites your palate with a symphony of fresh, zesty, and slightly sweet notes? Today, we’re diving headfirst into a culinary masterpiece: the Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad. This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s a vibrant concoction featuring a tantalizing Mango Avocado Salsa, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine tender, flavorful chicken combined with the creamy richness of avocado, the tropical sweetness of mango, the sharp bite of red onion, and the invigorating zing of cilantro and lime. This salad is a feast for the senses – visually stunning, aromatically captivating, and, most importantly, incredibly delicious. It’s a dish that promises to elevate your dining experience and become a firm favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

To create this burst of freshness, we’ve broken down the ingredients into three key components: the chicken and base, the vibrant mango avocado salsa, and the zesty dressing. Don’t be intimidated by the list; each element plays a crucial role in creating the harmonious flavor profile.

Chicken and Base Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): The protein powerhouse, providing a satisfying and savory base. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a shortcut!
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For pan-searing the chicken, adding a subtle richness and helping it crisp up beautifully.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the chicken perfectly, enhancing its natural flavor.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion: Adds a crisp, sharp bite and a beautiful pop of color. If you find raw onion too pungent, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before chopping.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: The star of our salad, offering its characteristic bright, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy notes.
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): For a touch of sweetness and a delightful pop of texture.

Mango Avocado Salsa Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced small: Provides a luscious, sweet, and tropical counterpoint to the savory chicken. Aim for a mango that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
• 1 ripe avocado, diced small: Adds a creamy, buttery texture that melts in your mouth. Ensure it’s ripe but not mushy.
• 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper: Brings a mild sweetness and a vibrant crunch.
• 1-2 tbsp finely chopped jalapeño (optional): For a hint of heat to balance the sweetness. Remove seeds and membranes for less spice.
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice: Crucial for brightening the salsa and preventing the avocado from browning.
• Pinch of salt: To enhance all the flavors.

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tbsp olive oil: The base of our emulsified dressing.
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice: The essential zesty component that ties everything together.
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional): A touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lime.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth.
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder: For a subtle, savory garlic note.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, ensuring perfect seasoning.

Timing

This recipe is remarkably quick, especially if you opt for pre-cooked chicken. The active preparation time is around 20 minutes, while cooking the chicken takes about 15-20 minutes. Most chicken salads take around 20-30 minutes of prep. Our included salsa and fresh dressing elements add a touch more time, bringing the total to about 35-40 minutes, making it slightly longer than average but well worth the fresh, vibrant result.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a salad that’s bursting with flavor and color.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa

While the chicken rests, prepare the salsa. In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced mango, diced avocado, diced red bell pepper, chopped jalapeño (if using), 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want the avocado to retain its shape.

Step 3: Make the Lime Cilantro Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, honey or maple syrup (if using), ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is well combined and slightly emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and corn kernels. Pour about half of the dressing over this mixture and toss gently to coat. Add the mango avocado salsa to the bowl. Drizzle with the remaining dressing, and carefully toss everything together to combine, ensuring the fragile salsa ingredients are distributed without being mashed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is best served chilled.

Nutritional Information

This Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad is a good source of lean protein and healthy fats, packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh produce. While exact nutritional values can vary based on ingredient brands and specific quantities, a standard serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe) typically falls within these ranges:

• Calories: 300-400 kcal
• Protein: 25-35g
• Fat: 15-25g (mostly healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g (primarily from mango and corn)
• Fiber: 5-8g

Healthier Alternatives

Looking to make this salad even lighter or cater to specific dietary needs? Here are some swaps that maintain deliciousness:

• Lighter Protein: Swap chicken breasts for grilled shrimp or firm tofu for a different, equally satisfying protein source.
• Reduced Fat Dressing: Use plain Greek yogurt or a lighter vinaigrette instead of part of the olive oil in the dressing.
• Lower Carb Salsa: Omit the corn if you’re looking to reduce carbohydrates.
• Seed Cycling: For a boost of seeds and nutrients, consider adding a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad can be enjoyed in myriad ways:

• In Lettuce Cups: Serve in crisp butter lettuce or romaine lettuce cups for a light, refreshing meal.
• With Tortilla Chips: A classic pairing, perfect for scooping up every last bite.
• Stuffed Avocado: Serve a generous portion inside a halved avocado for an extra creamy treat.
• As a Side Dish: It makes a fantastic accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken.
• On Greens: Layer over a bed of mixed greens for a substantial salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad is perfect every time:

• Over-mixing the Salsa: Be gentle when combining the mango and avocado to maintain their texture.
• Using Undercooked Chicken: Always ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Adding Dressing Too Early: If making ahead, consider adding the dressing just before serving to prevent wilting, especially if serving with greens.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lime juice at each stage for balanced flavor.

Storing Your Salad

Can this vibrant salad be stored? Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but the lime juice helps to mitigate this. It’s best to consume it within the first 48 hours for optimal freshness and texture.

Enjoy Your Vibrant Salad!

The Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad with Mango Avocado Salsa is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and lively flavors that are sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option or a standout dish to share at your next gathering, this salad delivers on all fronts. So, don’t hesitate – gather your ingredients and whip up this delightful creation. Your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad with Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe

• Author: Chef Mia

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Hello, food enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into a delightful culinary experience that combines zesty flavors and refreshing textures? Today, we’re bringing you a vibrantCilantro Lime Chicken Salad with Mango Avocado Salsathat’s perfect for any occasion. This salad is not just a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes. With its colorful ingredients and tantalizing aroma, this dish is bound to become a favorite at your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoonsolive oil
• ½ cupfreshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ cupfresh chopped cilantro(coriander)
• 4cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoonshoney
• 1 teaspoonbrown sugar
• 1 teaspoonground cumin
• 1 ¼ teaspoonsalt
• 4chicken thigh fillets(skin removed, no bone)
• 5 cupsRomaine or Cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
• 1red pepper (capsicum), deseeded and sliced
• 1large mango, diced
• 1avocado, diced
• 1green onion (shallot), peeled and thinly sliced
• Extra cilantro leavesto garnish
• Red chili flakesto garnish

---

Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic, honey, brown sugar, ground cumin, and salt. Ensure that the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and flavorful marinade.
2. Pour a third of the marinade into a shallow dish and add the chicken fillets. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (ideally 1-2 hours if you have time). Set aside the remaining marinade in the refrigerator to use as a dressing later.
3. Heat a teaspoon of oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken fillets for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken cooks evenly. Once done, set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. In the same pan, add another teaspoon of oil. Grill or fry the sliced red peppers until they are slightly charred and cooked to your liking. This step enhances the sweetness of the peppers, making them a perfect addition to the salad.
5. Combine the diced mango, avocado, and green onion in a medium bowl. Add two tablespoons of the reserved dressing to the salsa and gently toss to coat. This step infuses the salsa with the bright, tangy flavors of the cilantro lime dressing.
6. Arrange the lettuce leaves in a large serving bowl or platter. Top with the grilled peppers and mango salsa. Slice the chicken into strips and layer them over the salad. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and garnish with extra cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for an added kick.
7. Your Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad is now ready to be served! Pair it with some warm tortillas, a side of rice, or enjoy it as a standalone meal.

---

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients:Fresh lime juice and cilantro will enhance the flavors of this dish.
Marinate Longer for Better Flavor:If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight for a more intense flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:When grilling the chicken, cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
Customize the Salsa:Add some diced jalapeños or swap mangoes for pineapples for a tropical twist.