The Ultimate Mango Chicken Salad: A Healthy Recipe You’ll Crave

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens on a warm evening when you want a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and refreshingly light. You’re craving something delicious, but the thought of turning on the oven feels like a chore. I’ve been there more times than I can count. That’s exactly when I turn to this recipe, my family’s absolute favorite Mango Chicken Salad.

This isn’t your average, boring chicken salad. We’re talking about tender chunks of chicken, sweet and juicy mango, a bit of crunchy celery and onion, all tossed in a dreamy, creamy dressing with a hint of lime. It’s a tropical vacation in a bowl! This recipe is my solution for a perfect, no-fuss meal that feels a little bit special. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that is sure to become a staple in your home. I promise, it’s easier than you think.

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 15M
• Cooking Time: 20M
• Total Time: 35M
• Type of dish: Salad, Main Course, Lunch
• Cuisine: American
• Recipe Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: 350-450 kcal per serving (estimated)

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Mango Chicken Salad Recipe

Let’s be honest, the world has enough bland chicken salads. This recipe is designed to be the opposite of that. The sweetness of the mango is a perfect partner for the savory chicken. The creamy dressing, which we’ll make with a Greek yogurt base, keeps things light and adds a wonderful tang.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to get it just right. The secret isn’t in a long list of complicated ingredients. It’s about using fresh, simple components and understanding how they work together. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a formula for a perfect summer salad recipe that you can rely on again and again.

The Key Ingredients for Perfect Mango Chicken Salad

Great cooking starts with great ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy here, just good quality basics. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why each element is important.

For the Salad

• Cooked Chicken: You’ll need about three cups of cooked, shredded or cubed chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken (my favorite time-saver!), or you can poach your own. Poaching is just gently simmering the chicken in water or broth. It’s my secret for incredibly tender, moist chicken every single time because the gentle heat prevents it from getting tough.
• Ripe Mango: This is the star! You need one large, ripe mango. Look for one that has a little give when you gently press it, much like a peach or avocado. It should also smell sweet and fragrant near the stem. We want it ripe for sweetness but still firm enough to hold its shape when diced.
• Celery: For that essential, satisfying crunch.
• Red Onion: It adds a bit of sharp, savory flavor that cuts through the sweetness and creaminess. Here’s a little tip: If you find raw onion too sharp, just soak the diced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes. Then, drain it well. This simple step mellows its bite without losing the flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: This adds a bright, herby freshness that ties everything together. If you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh mint or parsley would also be lovely.

For the Creamy Dressing

• Plain Greek Yogurt: I prefer using full-fat or 5% Greek yogurt. It creates a rich, creamy dressing that’s tangy and full of protein. It’s the foundation of this healthy chicken salad recipe.
• Mayonnaise: Just a touch of good-quality mayonnaise adds a silky smoothness that yogurt alone can’t achieve. It’s about balance.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best! The acidity brightens up all the other flavors and keeps the salad tasting light.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A little bit of sweetness to balance the tang of the yogurt and lime. Just a teaspoon or two will do the trick.
• Salt and Pepper: To make all the flavors pop.

Essential Kitchen Tools

You don’t need any special equipment for this recipe, which is part of its beauty.

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
• Small Bowl (for the dressing)
• Whisk or Fork
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make It Together!

Alright, let’s get to the fun part. I’ll walk you through each step. It’s a simple process of prep and assembly.

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

If you’re not using a rotisserie chicken, now is the time to cook your chicken breasts. As I mentioned, I love poaching for this. Simply place two boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a saucepan and add enough water or chicken broth to cover them. Bring it to a gentle simmer—don’t let it furiously boil! Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Let it cool down a bit before dicing or shredding it.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dreamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and a touch of honey. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Give it a taste. This is your chance to adjust the flavors. Does it need more salt? A little more lime? Trust your taste buds! Season with salt and pepper, then set it aside.

Step 3: Prep Your Fruit and Veggies

Now for the colorful part. Dice your mango, celery, and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces (about a 1/2-inch dice is perfect). Remember my tip about soaking the red onion if you like a milder flavor! Chop your fresh cilantro. The goal is to have everything roughly the same size so you get a little bit of everything in each bite.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

This is the moment of truth! In your large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced mango, celery, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Pour that beautiful, creamy dressing over the top.

Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Be gentle here—we don’t want to mash the mango! And that’s it. Your stunning Mango Chicken Salad is ready.

My Favorite Ways to Serve This Salad

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Here are a few ways my family loves to eat it:

• In Lettuce Cups: For a light, gluten-free, and keto-friendly option, scoop the salad into crisp butter lettuce or romaine leaves.
• As a Sandwich or Wrap: This is a classic for a reason. Pile it high on some hearty whole-grain bread or roll it up in a soft tortilla for a perfect packed lunch.
• With Crackers: Set out a bowl of the salad with an assortment of your favorite crackers for a fantastic appetizer or light snack.
• On a Bed of Greens: For a more substantial salad, serve a generous scoop over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula.

A Recipe to Cherish

This Mango Chicken Salad is more than just food; it’s the taste of summer, a quick solution on a busy night, and a healthy meal that feels like a treat. Having recipes like this in your back pocket is what makes home cooking so rewarding. It’s proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly wonderful for the people you love.

I hope you enjoy making and eating, this salad as much as I do. Happy cooking!

The Absolute Best Thai Chicken Salad (Ready in 30 Minutes!)