Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a stunning culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. This Summer Salad of Grilled Chicken, Spinach, and Mango is your ticket to a vibrant, flavor-packed lunch or dinner that combines the smoky richness of perfectly grilled chicken, the fresh crispness of spinach, and the sweet, tropical burst of ripe mango. Prepare to elevate your salad game and impress everyone at your table with this mouthwatering recipe that's as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This helps keep the meat tender and moist.
- While chicken is resting, wash the fresh spinach leaves and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange spinach as the base layer in a large serving bowl.
- Dice the ripe mango into small, uniform cubes. Thinly slice the red onion using a sharp knife.
- Slice the grilled chicken breasts against the grain into thin, even strips.
- Arrange the sliced chicken, diced mango, and red onion over the spinach leaves.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly across the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients and coat with dressing. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.
Tips
- Choose a ripe, but firm mango for the best texture and sweetness.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling to ensure maximum juiciness.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken at 165°F.
- Slice chicken against the grain for more tender, easier-to-eat pieces.
- Add the dressing just before serving to keep spinach leaves crisp.
- For extra flavor, consider briefly toasting some pine nuts or almonds as a crunchy topping.
- If you don't have a grill, a grill pan or even a skillet works great for cooking chicken.
- Prep ingredients in advance to make assembly quick and easy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
