Vietnamese Chicken and Mango Salad

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and healthy ingredients, making it a favorite for those seeking delicious yet nutritious meals. One delightful and wholesome Vietnamese dish that is perfect for lunch is the Chicken and Mango Salad. This salad artfully combines tender, poached or grilled chicken with sweet, juicy mango and an array of crisp vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Tossed in a tangy lime dressing with hints of fish sauce, garlic, and chili, it offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors that refresh the palate and satisfy your hunger.

Moreover, this Chicken and Mango Salad is packed with essential nutrients, featuring lean protein from the chicken, vitamins from the fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from ingredients like avocado or peanuts. The combination of protein and fiber ensures that this meal not only tastes amazing but also keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the day. It’s an excellent way to fuel your body while enjoying the distinctive flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this Chicken and Mango Salad is a refreshing and nutritious choice that will easily become a staple in your meal rotation. Follow this recipe to experience the best of Vietnamese culinary simplicity and wholesomeness.

Vietnamese Chicken and Mango Salad

Recipe by Laica LimCourse: Lunch/Dinner

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional, for garnish)

• For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

Directions

• Cook the Chicken
• First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Grill or poach the chicken breasts until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes per side for grilling or 15-20 minutes for poaching).
• Lastly, let the chicken cool, then shred or thinly slice it.
• Prepare the Salad Ingredients
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mango slices, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and sliced red bell pepper.
• Add the chopped cilantro and mint, mixing everything together.
• Make the Dressing
• In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, red chili (if using), and sesame oil until well combined.
• Assemble the Salad
• First, pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
• Second, transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.
• Lastly, garnish with chopped peanuts if desired.

fun facts about the Vietnamese Chicken and Mango Salad

1. Sweet and Savory Combo: The unique combination of sweet mango and savory chicken creates a delicious contrast of flavors. This balance between sweetness and umami is a hallmark of Vietnamese cuisine, making the salad refreshing yet satisfying.
2. Packed with Nutrients: Mango is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, while chicken provides lean protein. Together, they create a nutrient-dense meal that supports immune health and muscle recovery, making this salad both delicious and good for you.
3. Fresh Herbs Are Key: Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil are essential in Vietnamese dishes. In this salad, they add a burst of freshness, lifting the flavors and making each bite more vibrant and aromatic.
4. Tangy Lime Dressing: The dressing is typically made with lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, and chili, which are staples in Vietnamese cuisine. This tangy, zesty dressing provides a lively punch, balancing the sweetness of the mango and the richness of the chicken.
5. Naturally Gluten-Free: Since this Chicken and Mango Salad doesn’t rely on grains or gluten-based products, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
6. Inspired by Street Food: The flavors and simplicity of this dish are inspired by Vietnamese street food, where fresh ingredients are used to create quick, flavorful meals. The salad’s bright and bold flavors reflect the vibrant street food culture of Vietnam.
7. Perfect for Hot Days: With its light, refreshing ingredients and tangy dressing, this salad is ideal for hot weather. It hydrates and energizes without weighing you down, making it a perfect summer dish.
8. Customizable: This Chicken and Mango Salad is easily customizable. You can add other tropical fruits like papaya, crunchy roasted peanuts for texture, or even crispy fried shallots for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

The Vietnamese Chicken and Mango Salad is a delicious and healthy lunch option that beautifully combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of Vietnam. Tender, juicy chicken paired with sweet, ripe mango, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs like mint and cilantro creates a refreshing and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those looking for a light yet filling dish that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

Additionally, the salad’s combination of lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich vegetables, and the natural sweetness of mango offers a well-balanced meal that keeps you energized throughout the day. The tangy lime dressing, often made with fish sauce, adds a burst of flavor that elevates every bite. Whether you’re aiming to eat cleaner or simply enjoy a fresh, zesty meal, this salad is sure to become a favorite for its balance of taste, texture, and nutrition.