This vibrant and refreshing grilled chicken salad with mango and avocado is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. Packed with nutritious ingredients like fresh veggies, juicy mango, creamy avocado, and crunchy toasted almonds, this salad is satisfying enough to serve as a light lunch or dinner. The homemade honey vinaigrette adds a touch of sweetness and complements the flavors beautifully, while the grilled chicken brings protein and heartiness to the dish. This salad is easy to make and is sure to impress with its bright colors and delicious taste.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 lb chicken breasts (2 medium)

1/2 tsp garlic salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
2 tsp olive oil

6 cups romaine lettuce (1 head), rinsed, chopped, and spun dry
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 English cucumber, sliced

1 mango, pitted, peeled, and diced
1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced
1/2 small purple onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (for topping)

For the Honey Vinaigrette Dressing:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp honey
1 garlic clove, minced (about 1 tsp)
1 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic salt and black pepper.
Drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the chicken to prevent sticking and ensure a nice sear while grilling.

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

While the chicken is cooking, rinse and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, dice the mango and avocado, and thinly slice the purple onion. Add all of these to the bowl with the lettuce.

Chop the cilantro and sprinkle it over the salad.

3. Toast the Almonds:

In a small dry skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Once toasted, remove the almonds from the skillet and set them aside to cool.

4. Make the Honey Vinaigrette Dressing:

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
Alternatively, if you’re using a mason jar, you can simply shake the jar until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

5. Assemble the Salad:

Add the grilled chicken slices to the salad bowl with the vegetables.

Drizzle the honey vinaigrette dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly.
Sprinkle the toasted almonds on top for added crunch.

6. Serve:

Serve the salad immediately, ensuring each portion has a good mix of chicken, vegetables, and toppings.

Cooking Tips

Marinating the Chicken: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before grilling. This will enhance the chicken’s flavor and make it even juicier.
Crispy Almonds: Toasting the almonds adds a crunchy texture and enhances their nutty flavor. Make sure to stir them frequently while toasting to avoid burning.
Substitute Greens: While romaine lettuce works well for this salad, feel free to substitute it with spinach, arugula, or a spring mix for variety.

Ripeness of Mango and Avocado: Ensure the mango is ripe for the best sweetness, and use a ripe but firm avocado to avoid mushiness in the salad.
Dressing: If you like a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of honey to the vinaigrette. For more acidity, increase the apple cider vinegar.

Storage

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad will keep for 1-2 days in the fridge, while the dressing will last for up to 5 days. If the salad is already dressed, it’s best to consume it the same day to avoid sogginess.

Avocado Tip: To prevent the avocado from browning, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice over it before storing.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 410
Protein: 30g

Fat: 29g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 6g

Sugar: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 680mg

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can save time. Just shred or slice the chicken and add it to the salad.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving. Store the vegetables, chicken, and dressing separately in the fridge to keep everything fresh.

3. Can I substitute other fruits for mango?
If you don’t have mango, you can use fruits like pineapple, strawberries, or peaches to add a sweet, tropical twist.

4. How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, omit the chicken and replace it with a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or chickpeas. Also, ensure your honey vinaigrette is made without honey and use maple syrup instead.

5. Is there a gluten-free option for this salad?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients you use, such as the mustard and vinegar, are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken Salad with Mango and Avocado is not only nutritious but also packed with flavor and texture. The combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and juicy chicken makes it a delightful and satisfying meal for any occasion. Topped with crunchy toasted almonds and drizzled with a homemade honey vinaigrette, it’s a dish that’s sure to please both your taste buds and your body. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this salad is a winner. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this refreshing and wholesome meal!