The Ultimate Thai Mango Chicken Salad: A Burst of Sweet & Savory Flavors

Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Thailand with this incredibly refreshing and exquisitely flavorful Thai Mango Chicken Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a tantalizing symphony of textures and tastes, featuring succulent grilled chicken, generously marinated and perfectly charred, paired with the juicy sweetness of ripe mangoes. A colorful medley of crisp, fresh vegetables forms the perfect base, all brought together by a creamy, nutty dressing that bursts with authentic Thai spices and aromatics. Every forkful offers a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, tangy, and a hint of spicy goodness, making it an unforgettable dining experience. Discover the delectable magic of this chicken salad with mango – a dish that promises to invigorate your palate and impress your guests.

This sensational Mango Thai Chicken Salad recipe is a dream come true for those seeking quick, healthy, and exceptionally delicious meals. It features tender chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer) marinated in a rich, aromatic blend of soy sauce, a touch of sriracha for a gentle kick, fresh ginger, and pungent garlic. Grilling the chicken not only imparts a wonderful smoky flavor but also adds beautiful grill marks and a satisfying texture. What makes this recipe truly stand out is its efficiency – it can be prepared from start to finish in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, effortless meal prep, or a light yet satisfying lunch. Prepare to be transported to the tropical paradise of Thailand with every vibrant, satisfying bite of this Mango Thai Chicken Salad!

If you’re a connoisseur of Thai cuisine and eager to explore more vibrant flavors, be sure to try some of my other popular recipes: my Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry, savory Thai Chicken Meatballs, the wholesome Red Thai Vegan Curry, or the ever-popular Sweet Thai Chili Chicken Stir Fry. Each recipe is crafted to bring authentic Thai tastes right to your kitchen.

Why This Thai Mango Chicken Salad Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This Thai Mango Chicken Salad isn’t just another dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors designed to delight. Here’s why you’ll want to make it a staple in your culinary repertoire:

• A Symphony of Flavors: Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience. The chicken is marinated in a dynamic blend of savory soy sauce, fiery sriracha, warming ginger, and aromatic garlic, which, when grilled, creates a wonderfully smoky and spicy foundation. This robust flavor is perfectly complemented by the natural, sun-kissed sweetness of juicy mango slices, adding a refreshing tropical twist. The grand finale is the luscious peanut dressing, a creamy concoction that ties all the vibrant elements together, elevating the entire salad to a new level of deliciousness with its nutty, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.
• Healthy and Nutritious Powerhouse: If you’re looking for a meal that aligns with your health goals without sacrificing taste, this salad is your answer. It’s brimming with lean, protein-packed grilled chicken, an abundance of fresh, crisp fruits, and a rainbow of colorful vegetables. This combination ensures a meal that is not only incredibly satisfying but also rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, helping you feel energized and nourished.
• Incredibly Versatile & Perfect for Any Occasion: This salad is remarkably adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions. Whether you need a quick, wholesome lunch to fuel your workday, an impressive yet easy dinner for guests, or a convenient option for weekly meal prepping, this recipe delivers. It’s also fantastic for picnics, potlucks, or as a light appetizer. Its vibrant appearance and irresistible taste make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
• Quick & Easy to Prepare: In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. This recipe respects that, coming together in approximately 30 minutes. The simple steps, from marinating to grilling and assembling, are straightforward and require minimal fuss. This speed and ease of preparation mean you can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for even the busiest schedules.

Essential Ingredients for Your Thai Mango Chicken Salad

Crafting this incredible Thai Mango Chicken Salad starts with selecting the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the harmonious balance of tastes and textures that defines this dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

For the Flavorful Grilled Chicken Marinade

The chicken is the star, and a good marinade ensures it’s packed with flavor and moisture before hitting the grill.

• Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and healthy option, or use chicken tenderloins for quicker cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also an excellent choice, offering richer flavor and juicier texture. Always trim any excess fat for the healthiest meal.
• Soy Sauce: This provides a fundamental savory, umami base. We recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to better control the overall saltiness of the dish. For those following a gluten-free diet, tamari or liquid aminos are perfect substitutes that maintain the flavor profile.
• Sriracha: A beloved hot sauce that adds a delicious, garlicky heat. You can easily adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your personal spice preference – add more for an extra kick or less for a milder flavor.
• Aromatics: Freshly grated ginger root infuses the marinade with a zesty, warm, and slightly spicy aroma, adding depth and complexity. Freshly grated garlic provides a pungent, savory punch that is essential to Thai-inspired flavors. If fresh isn’t available, you can substitute with ½ teaspoon of ground ginger and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Salt: A crucial seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the marinade and chicken. Adjust to taste, keeping in mind the sodium content of the soy sauce.
• Ground Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spiciness and an extra layer of depth to the chicken. Like Sriracha, feel free to adjust the amount based on your desired spice level.
• Olive Oil: Used in the marinade to help tenderize the chicken and prevent it from sticking to the grill. Choose your favorite light, neutral-flavored oil; olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil work well.

Crafting the Creamy Thai Peanut Dressing

The rich, creamy peanut dressing is truly what ties this salad together, adding a luxurious texture and an explosion of signature Thai flavors.

• Peanut Butter: The cornerstone of the dressing, providing a rich, creamy, and distinctly nutty base. For allergy considerations or if you prefer a different taste, almond butter or tahini can be excellent alternatives, though they will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: Essential for imparting a bright, tangy, and subtly sweet acidity to the dressing, balancing the richness of the peanut butter. If rice vinegar is not on hand, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as effective substitutes.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a deep salty and umami flavor that is characteristic of Thai dressings. Again, opt for tamari or coconut aminos if you require a gluten-free option.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a must for its refreshing, vibrant, and citrusy kick, adding a wonderful zing to the dressing. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute if fresh limes are unavailable, though lime offers a more authentic Thai zest.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that perfectly balances the savory, tangy, and spicy elements of the dressing. Maple syrup or agave nectar are suitable vegan-friendly alternatives.
• Sesame Oil: A small amount of toasted sesame oil adds a distinctively nutty and aromatic flavor that is crucial for an authentic Thai taste. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can omit it, or consider garnishing the salad with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to capture some of that nutty essence.
• Additional Aromatics: Similar to the chicken marinade, a touch of grated fresh ginger and garlic further enriches the dressing with depth and warmth, creating a cohesive flavor profile throughout the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, ensuring all the flavors are perfectly seasoned.

The Vibrant Salad Base

The fresh vegetables and fruit provide the crunch, color, and refreshing elements that make this salad so satisfying.

• Green Cabbage: Offers a wonderful crisp texture and a fresh, mild flavor, forming a substantial base for the salad. Napa cabbage or romaine lettuce can be used as delightful substitutes if preferred.
• Red Cabbage: Adds a beautiful pop of vibrant color and a slightly peppery, robust flavor that contrasts nicely with the green cabbage. If unavailable, simply use more green cabbage or consider thinly sliced kale for a similar earthy crunch.
• Ripe Mango: The star fruit of the salad, providing irresistible juiciness and natural tropical sweetness that beautifully complements the savory chicken and nutty dressing. Ensure it’s ripe and slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor. If mangoes are out of season, ripe papaya or pineapple can be exciting substitutes.
• Red Bell Pepper: Contributes a crisp texture, a touch of sweetness, and another splash of bright color to the salad. Feel free to use other colorful bell peppers or thinly sliced cucumber for a different crunch.
• Carrot: Shredded or thinly sliced carrots add a satisfying crunch and a subtle natural sweetness, enhancing the salad’s freshness. You can add more carrots for extra texture or julienned daikon radish for a unique peppery bite.
• Red Onion: Provides a mild onion flavor and a welcome hint of sharpness, adding complexity to the overall taste. If you’re sensitive to the bite of raw onion, thinly slice and soak the red onions in cold water for a few minutes; this mellows their flavor beautifully.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a bright, herbaceous, and distinctly fresh taste that is quintessential to Thai cuisine. If cilantro is not to your liking, fresh mint or basil leaves can provide a different yet equally delightful aromatic profile.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Thai Mango Chicken Salad at Home

Creating this magnificent Thai Mango Chicken Salad is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps to bring this vibrant dish to life in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Marinating and Grilling the Chicken

The foundation of this salad is the perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken. This step infuses the chicken with deep, savory, and subtly spicy notes.

• Begin by gently patting dry your chicken breasts with a kitchen towel. This helps the marinade adhere better and promotes a superior sear during grilling.
• In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, sriracha, grated ginger, grated garlic, salt, ground pepper, and olive oil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create your aromatic marinade.
• Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. For optimal flavor penetration and tenderization, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For an even more intense flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to 4 hours or even overnight.
• Once marinated, heat a grill pan or prepare your outdoor grill to medium heat. A well-heated grill is key for those coveted grill marks.
• Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). You should see beautiful char marks developing.
• Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and transfer it to a clean plate. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps keep the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Preparing the Irresistible Peanut Dressing

While the chicken rests, turn your attention to the creamy, flavorful dressing that will bring the entire salad together.

• In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, grated garlic, salt, and ground pepper.
• Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of warm water until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
• Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more lime for tang, honey for sweetness, or sriracha for heat. Set the prepared dressing aside.

Step 3: Assembling Your Vibrant Mango Chicken Salad

Now comes the exciting part – bringing all the components together to create your colorful masterpiece.

• Thinly slice or chop the rested grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the roughly chopped green cabbage, red cabbage, thinly sliced ripe mango, sliced red bell pepper, thinly sliced carrot, and sliced red onion. Toss these vibrant ingredients gently to distribute them evenly.
• Arrange the mixed salad base on individual serving plates or a large platter. Top generously with the sliced grilled chicken.
• Drizzle the prepared creamy peanut dressing over the chicken and salad just before serving.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

A final touch adds freshness and visual appeal.

• Garnish the entire salad with a generous sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro. This adds a bright, herbaceous aroma and a pop of green.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible fusion of flavors and textures in your homemade Thai Mango Chicken Salad!

Expert Tips for the Best Thai Chicken Salad Every Time

To ensure your Thai Mango Chicken Salad reaches its full potential and truly dazzles your taste buds, consider these expert tips and tricks:

• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Always grill your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken without overcooking it, which can lead to dryness.
• Maximize Marinade Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more intense and delicious its flavor will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but for truly exceptional results, allow the chicken to marinate in the soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, and garlic blend for 2-4 hours, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, yielding a more tender and aromatic chicken.
• Select a Perfectly Ripe Mango: The quality of your mango significantly impacts the salad’s sweetness and overall appeal. Choose a mango that is slightly soft to the touch, has a vibrant color (depending on the variety), and emits a sweet, fragrant aroma near the stem. A perfectly ripe mango will provide the ideal balance of sweetness and tanginess.
• Strategic Ingredient Prep: Save precious time during assembly by doing your chopping and slicing in advance. The cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, red onion, and mango can all be prepped ahead of time and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the salad a breeze when you’re ready to serve, perfect for meal prepping.
• Don’t Skimp on the Dressing (or Double It!): The creamy peanut butter dressing is a highlight of this salad. If you’re a fan of extra dressing, or anticipate leftovers, consider doubling the recipe for the dressing. Having extra on hand allows you to generously coat the salad to your taste preference and keep it fresh if storing components separately.
• Prevent Soggy Greens: To maintain the crispness and freshness of your salad vegetables, always wait until you are ready to eat before tossing the salad with the dressing. Dressing the salad too early can cause the veggies to become soggy, diminishing their delightful crunch.
• Personalize Your Garnish: Feel free to add your own personal touch to the salad. Beyond cilantro, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts for extra crunch, toasted sesame seeds for an additional nutty aroma, or even fresh herbs like mint or basil for a different layer of fragrance and flavor. Thinly sliced red chili can also add a beautiful, fiery visual.
• Excellent for Meal Prepping: This salad is truly fantastic for meal prepping throughout the week. You can prepare all the individual components in advance: grill the chicken, make the dressing, and chop all the vegetables. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready for a quick and convenient meal, simply assemble a portion and drizzle with dressing.
• Chill for Ultimate Refreshment: For the most invigorating experience, especially on a warm day, chill the assembled salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and intensifies the refreshing sensation.
• Creative Leftover Ideas: If you find yourself with any delightful leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), get creative! The flavorful chicken and salad mixture can be repurposed in various ways. Consider using them as a delicious filling for wraps or sandwiches, a vibrant topping for a bed of steamed rice or noodles, or even as a flavorful addition to spring rolls. The flavors will continue to develop, making for an equally delicious next-day meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Mango Chicken Salad

Explore More Delicious Chicken Salad Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Thai Mango Chicken Salad, you’ll be thrilled to discover more exciting chicken salad creations. Each recipe brings its own unique twist to this versatile dish:

• Classic Homemade Chicken Salad
• Zesty Santa Fe Chicken Salad
• Hearty Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad
• Flavorful Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
• Authentic Greek Chicken Salad

I genuinely hope you relish every recipe I share with you, and this delicious Thai Mango Chicken Salad recipe is no exception. I encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share your experience with friends and family!

If you try this delightful recipe and loved it as much as I do, please take a moment to leave a star rating and a comment below. Your feedback means the world to me! Use my hashtag to share your delicious recreations on Instagram so I can see your culinary masterpieces! Also, make sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST for all my latest social posts, kitchen tips, and exciting new recipes. Happy cooking!

Thai Chicken Mango Salad

This Thai mango chicken salad recipe is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. You’ll love the delectable fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy goodness that awaits you with every forkful of this chicken salad with mango!

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lb chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Dressing

• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper

For the Salad

• 2 cups green cabbage, roughly chopped
• 2 cups red cabbage, roughly chopped
• 1 whole ripe mango, thinly sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• ½ small red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Pat dry the chicken breasts with a kitchen towel. Marinade the chicken with soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill; add the chicken breasts and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with beautiful grill marks. Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and set it aside.
3. Prepare the dressing; in a bowl, combine peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
4. Prepare the salad ingredients by chopping and slicing as directed, then mix them in a large bowl. Add the cooked chicken on top and drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad.
5. Garnish the salad with chopped cilantro and serve immediately for optimal freshness.

Notes

• To ensure maximum flavor, allow the chicken to marinate in the soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, and garlic blend for at least 30 minutes or even overnight if possible. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors.
• Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for safe consumption and optimal tenderness.
• Choose a ripe mango that is slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet aroma. This will give your salad the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
• Save time by chopping and slicing the cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, red onion, and mango in advance. Store them separately until ready to assemble.
• If you’re a fan of extra dressing, consider doubling the recipe. The peanut butter dressing adds a delightful creaminess, and having extra on hand allows you to adjust to your taste.
• To keep the salad fresh and crisp, wait until you’re ready to eat before tossing it with the dressing. This prevents the veggies from becoming soggy.
• Feel free to add your own personal touch to the salad. Consider garnishing with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or add fresh herbs like mint or basil to enhance the flavors and add texture.
• This salad is excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare all the components in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble just before serving.
• For the most refreshing experience, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• If you have any leftovers, consider using them in wraps, sandwiches, or as a topping for rice or noodles. The flavors will continue to develop, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 533kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 43g
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 109mg
• Sodium: 1570mg
• Potassium: 910mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 19g
• Vitamin A: 4733IU
• Vitamin C: 101mg
• Calcium: 87mg
• Iron: 3mg