Mango Chicken Salad Recipe with Homemade Dressing

A Summer Favorite That Stole My Heart

Last summer, after one of those long, hot days where cooking feels like a chore, I found myself craving something fresh, light, and satisfying. That’s when I threw together what has now become one of my absolute favorite dishes: Mango Chicken Salad Recipe with Homemade Dressing.

The first bite was magic — juicy chicken, sweet mango, crisp greens, and a zingy homemade dressing that pulled everything together. Since then, it’s been my go-to for quick lunches, family gatherings, and even picnics.
Today, I’m sharing this simple, flavor-packed recipe with you. I’m pretty sure you’ll fall in love with it too!

Why You’ll Love This Mango Chicken Salad Recipe with Homemade Dressing

• Fresh ingredients you can feel good about.
• Full of flavor — the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
• Healthy and filling, but still light enough for warm days.
• Easy to customize — swap ingredients to fit what you have.
• Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free or keto-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Mango Chicken Salad

this Recipe

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Mango Chicken Salad:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts (grilled or rotisserie), sliced
• 1 large ripe mango, diced
• 4 cups mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, and romaine)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Tip: Pick a mango that feels slightly soft when you press it. If it’s too hard, it’s not ripe yet!

For the Homemade Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Why Fresh Lime Juice?
Fresh lime juice gives a cleaner, brighter flavor compared to bottled versions. Trust me, it’s worth it.

How to Make Mango Chicken Salad with Homemade Dressing (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Season chicken breasts lightly with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Grill over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

• In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, diced mango, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.

Step 3: Whisk the Homemade Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Whisk or shake until emulsified (smooth and blended).

Step 4: Assemble and Toss

• Top the salad with the sliced chicken.
• Drizzle the homemade dressing over the top just before serving.
• Gently toss everything together and enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Mango Chicken Salad

• Chill your salad plates to keep the salad cool and crisp longer.
• Slice mango neatly by cutting around the seed, scoring the flesh, and flipping the skin inside out.
• Substitute proteins like shrimp, tofu, or turkey if you prefer.
• Keep the dressing separate if you’re meal-prepping, to avoid soggy greens.

Delicious Variations You’ll Want to Try

Tropical Twist

• Add pineapple chunks and sprinkle a little shredded coconut for a fun, tropical flavor.

Spicy Mango Chicken Salad

• Toss in some sliced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a fiery kick.

Creamy Avocado Dressing Option

• Blend half an avocado with lime juice, olive oil, and a splash of water for a rich, creamy dressing alternative.

Nutritional Benefits of Mango Chicken Salad

Nutrient	Approx. Per Serving
Calories	400-450
Protein	32g
Carbs	18g
Fat	24g

• Chicken: High-quality lean protein.
• Mango: Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Avocado: Full of healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Olive oil: Anti-inflammatory properties.

This salad isn’t just tasty — it’s seriously good for you.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

• Serve alongside garlic bread or toasted pita.
• Pair with a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lime.
• Great for picnics, barbecues, or light summer dinners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Mango Chicken Salad

• Overdressing — Always drizzle, then toss lightly. Add more dressing if needed.
• Cutting mango too early — It can brown and turn mushy.
• Using underripe mangoes — They’ll taste sour and ruin the sweet balance.

Storing Leftovers: How to Keep Your Mango Chicken Salad Fresh

• Store salad ingredients and dressing separately in airtight containers.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• If storing assembled, avoid adding avocado until serving time to prevent browning.

FAQ: Mango Chicken Salad Recipe with Homemade Dressing

Can I make Mango Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep everything ahead but store the dressing separately. Assemble just before eating for best freshness.

What’s the best substitute if I don’t have fresh mangoes?

Use thawed frozen mango chunks or even ripe peaches. They’ll give a similar sweet flavor.

How do I keep avocados from browning in my salad?

Toss avocado cubes with a little lime juice before adding them to the salad.

Can I make this salad dairy-free or keto-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s naturally dairy-free.
For keto, reduce the mango amount and add more avocado or grilled chicken.

Conclusion

This Mango Chicken Salad Recipe with Homemade Dressing has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s light yet filling, sweet yet savory, and endlessly adaptable.
Whenever I want something refreshing that doesn’t feel like “just another salad,” I reach for this recipe.

Give it a try — I’d love to hear what delicious twists you create with it!

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