### Mango Chicken Salad: A Zesty Treat
This lively salad features succulent mango, juicy chicken, and an assortment of crisp vegetables, all mixed together with a zesty Asian dressing and garnished with toasted peanuts. It’s an ideal dish for those looking for a cool and healthy meal.
#### Flavor Profile
The salad presents a cheerful, tropical, and subtly savory taste, achieving an excellent harmony of sweetness, acidity, and freshness in every bite.
#### Suggested Tools
– A **vegetable chopper** for straightforward preparation.
– **Storage containers** to keep ingredients organized and fresh throughout the week.
#### Ingredient Alternatives
For a nut-free alternative, try using pepitas, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or homemade croutons in place of peanuts.
### Ingredient Suggestions
– **Mango**: Choose a ripe, unblemished mango that gives slightly when pressed. If opting for frozen mango, ensure it is thawed prior to dicing.
– **Chicken**: Rotisserie chicken is a quick choice, but sliced chicken thighs or grilled breasts are good options as well.
– **Vegetables**: Go for vibrant selections like red bell peppers, green or red onions, and English cucumbers for extra crunch.
– **Greens**: A bag of shredded coleslaw and salad mix can streamline prep time.
– **Dressing**: You can buy a dressing or whip up your own. A Thai-inspired sesame ginger dressing or a cilantro lime dressing can enhance the flavor.
### Simple Salad Variations
– **Fruits**: If mangoes aren’t available, consider mango chutney, diced peaches, nectarines, strawberries, or blueberries.
– **Vegetables**: This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover vegetables like peas, corn, asparagus, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
– **Proteins**: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, tuna, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
– **Toppings**: Elevate your salad with pickled red onion, crumbled feta, diced avocados, chopped bacon, or pickled jalapeños.
### Maintain Freshness
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping the salad, toppings, and dressing separate. This allows you to relish it as a fresh salad or incorporate it into pita pockets or wraps for a speedy lunch.
### Nutrition Facts (per serving)
– **Calories**: 367
– **Carbohydrates**: 21g
– **Protein**: 26g
– **Fat**: 22g
– **Saturated Fat**: 3g
– **Cholesterol**: 62mg
– **Sodium**: 612mg
– **Potassium**: 836mg
– **Fiber**: 5g
– **Sugar**: 14g
– **Vitamin A**: 8319 IU
– **Vitamin C**: 88mg
– **Calcium**: 87mg
– **Iron**: 2mg
### Final Thoughts
This Mango Chicken Salad is not just visually appealing but also a wholesome choice that can be easily adapted to your preferences. Savor the lively flavors and fresh ingredients that make this dish a remarkable pick for any meal!