Who says chicken salad has to be boring? This recipe re-creates the picnic classic as a vibrant and intensely flavored dish. The mayonnaise-based dressing is replaced with a quick vinaigrette made with mint, cilantro, and curry powder.

Chunks of avocado add creaminess, and red onion slices provides a biting crunch, resulting in a salad that is perfectly balanced in texture and taste. For the fit-friendly recipe, read more.



Chicken and Mango Salad
From Body and Soul magazineChicken and Mango Salad

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil plus more for grill grates, for the chicken
1/4 cup white-wine vinegar, for chicken
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, for chicken
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each)
1 mango, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped, for dressing
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, for dressing
1/4 cup mint leaves, for dressing
1 tablespoon curry powder, preferably, for dressing
1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar, for for dressing
1/4 cup olive oil, for dressing
Coarse salt and black pepper, for dressing
1 avocado, peeled, halved, pitted, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges, for salad
1 large bunch watercress, tough stems removed (3 cups) , for salad
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, for salad

Directions

  1. For the chicken: in a shallow pan large enough to hold chicken in a single layer, whisk together oil, vinegar, and mustard; add chicken, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile make the dressing: in a blender combine mango, cilantro, mint, curry powder, and vinegar. Puree until smooth. With the motor running, add oil; season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the grill to high; lightly oil the grates. Lift chicken from marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Grill until fully cooked and opaque throughout, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
  4. To serve: slice chicken crosswise. Arrange on a platter or four serving plates, along with avocado, watercress, and onion; serve the dressing on the side.

Serves 4.

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