Grilled Chicken Mango Salad with Mango Cilantro Dressing

Juicy grilled chicken, sweet mango, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies—tossed in a bright, tropical mango-cilantro dressing that also works as the marinade. Fresh, filling, and perfect for hot summer days!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Grilled Chicken

1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup Mango Cilantro Dressing (below, used as marinade)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil (for grill)

Mango Cilantro Dressing / Marinade

1 ripe mango, peeled & chopped (about 1 cup)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, packed
2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 small garlic clove
¼ tsp cumin (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
2–4 tbsp water (to thin)

Salad Base

6 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spring mix)
1 large cucumber, sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
1 ripe avocado, diced
1 cup fresh mango cubes (extra, for texture)
Optional: thin red onion, jalapeño slices

Optional Toppings

Toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
Crumbled feta or cotija cheese
Lime wedges

Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Mango Cilantro Dressing

Add mango, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to a blender.
Blend until smooth. Add water a little at a time until pourable but still creamy.

Reserve ½ cup for marinating chicken. Keep the rest chilled for dressing.

2️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken in a bowl or zip bag. Add reserved dressing, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Marinate 30 minutes (up to 8 hours refrigerated).

3️⃣ Grill the Chicken

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil grates.
Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 165°F / 74°C.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

4️⃣ Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl or platter, add greens, cucumber, peppers, mango, and avocado.
Top with sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with remaining mango cilantro dressing.

Why This Salad Is So Good

Sweet + Savory Balance: Mango + lime + smoky grilled chicken
Creamy Without Dairy: Avocado & mango give body to the dressing
Meal-Prep Friendly: Chicken and dressing keep beautifully

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

Calories: ~420
Protein: ~38 g
Carbs: ~22 g
Fat: ~20 g

Allergen & Dietary Info

Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
Nut-Free (unless topped with nuts)
Paleo-Friendly
Whole30: Use compliant sweetener or omit honey

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or jalapeño to dressing
Shrimp Version: Marinate shrimp 15 minutes, grill 2–3 min/side
Vegetarian: Swap chicken for grilled halloumi or chickpeas
Low-Carb: Skip mango cubes in salad, keep dressing light

Q & A

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
A: Yes—bake at 400°F / 205°C for 20–25 minutes.

Q: How long does the dressing last?
A: Up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Q: Can I use frozen mango?
A: Absolutely—thaw first for best texture.

Q: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Yes! Store components separately; add avocado and dressing just before serving.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.