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
- 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 ÂĽ 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.