🥭🍋 Mango Lime Chicken Salad (Mediterranean Style)
🌿 Description
This Mango Lime Chicken Salad blends grilled citrus-marinated chicken with sweet ripe mango, crisp vegetables, and a zesty olive-oil lime dressing. Inspired by Mediterranean principles, it’s light, protein-rich, anti-inflammatory, and naturally refreshing, making it perfect for lunch, warm-weather dinners, or meal prep. No heavy mayo—just clean fats, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavor.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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Zest & juice of 1 lime
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Salad
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2 ripe mangoes, peeled & diced
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4 cups mixed greens (arugula, romaine, or spinach)
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½ English cucumber, sliced
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
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¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional but very Mediterranean)
For the Lime Dressing
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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Juice of 1 lime
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1 tsp honey or maple syrup
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½ tsp Dijon mustard
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Salt & black pepper to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat chicken well and marinate at least 20 minutes (up to 8 hours). -
Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice. -
Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine greens, mango, cucumber, red onion, and herbs. -
Make the Dressing
Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper until emulsified. -
Assemble
Top salad with sliced chicken, drizzle with dressing, and finish with feta if using.
🥗 Mediterranean Nutrition Highlights
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Lean protein: grilled chicken
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Healthy fats: olive oil
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Antioxidants: mango, lime, herbs
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Low refined carbs & anti-inflammatory
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Naturally gluten-free
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Store chicken, salad, and dressing separately. Assemble just before serving for best freshness.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
Absolutely. It’s high-protein, fiber-rich, and low in processed carbs, which supports satiety and blood-sugar balance.
Q: What can I use instead of chicken?
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Grilled shrimp
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Baked salmon
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Chickpeas or white beans (plant-based option)
Q: Can I skip the feta?
Yes. The salad is delicious without it, or substitute with avocado for creaminess.
Q: What mango works best?
Ripe but firm mangoes like Ataulfo or Honey mangoes—sweet, juicy, and not stringy.
🌞 Serving Ideas
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Pair with whole-grain pita or sourdough
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Serve alongside lentil soup or hummus
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Wrap in lettuce cups or flatbread
