Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad

Caribbean Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad Recipe - Ingredients and Preparation Method

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The combination of juicy mango, creamy avocado, tender chicken, and fragrant cilantro creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional chicken and rice dishes, incorporating tropical flavors like mango and avocado to create a unique and delicious salad. The combination of sweet and savory ingredients makes this dish a favorite among those who enjoy fresh and vibrant flavors in their meals.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of uncooked rice, preferably short grain
1.33 lb (603 g) of boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp of oil
1.25 tsp of salt
0.75 tsp of fresh ground pepper
0.75 cups of chopped red onions
1 mango, peeled and cut into 0.5 inch dice
1 avocado, peeled and cut into 0.5 inch dice
3.5 tbsp of lime juice (about 2 limes)
0.75 cups of chopped cilantro

How to prepare

Cook the rice until it is done, then rinse it with cold water.
Coat the chicken with 1 tbsp of oil and season it with 0.25 tsp of salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken until it is done.
Once the chicken has cooled down enough to handle, dice it into 0.5-inch pieces.
In a bowl, combine the rice, chicken, onion, mango, avocado, remaining 1 tbsp of oil, remaining salt and pepper, lime juice, and cilantro.
Chill the mixture for at least 1 hour before serving.
Revision: Since I posted this recipe, I have been trying to reduce my consumption of empty carbohydrates. So now, when I make this dish, I use little to no rice and increase the amount of other ingredients. It still tastes great, especially after marinating for a while.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this salad, you can omit the chicken and add extra avocado or tofu for protein.
You can also add other fruits like pineapple or papaya for a different flavor profile.
For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the salad.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice until it is just tender, but not mushy. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming sticky.

- Marinating the chicken in oil, salt, and pepper before cooking helps to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist and tender.

- Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more delicious and cohesive dish.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served on its own as a light and refreshing meal, or paired with a side of mixed greens or grilled vegetables for a more substantial dish. It is also delicious when served with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for added crunch.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include cooking the rice until tender, grilling or sautéing the chicken until cooked through, and combining all the ingredients in a bowl to chill before serving. These techniques help to create a flavorful and well-balanced dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mango on hand, you can substitute it with pineapple or papaya for a similar tropical flavor. You can also use cooked shrimp or tofu in place of the chicken for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld together and develop over time, making it even more delicious when served.

Presentation Ideas

To make this salad look more visually appealing, you can garnish it with extra cilantro leaves, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Serving it in a large bowl or on a platter with a colorful array of vegetables can also make it more visually appealing.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light and refreshing beer, like a pilsner or wheat beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of iced tea or sparkling water with a splash of lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Be sure to stir the salad well before serving to distribute the flavors evenly.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this salad contains around 400 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option. The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in this dish provides a well-rounded source of energy for your body.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the rice, mango, and avocado. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to fuel your daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of this salad contains around 15 grams of fat, mainly from the avocado and oil used in cooking the chicken. Fats are essential for the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, as well as for providing long-lasting energy.

Proteins

With approximately 30 grams of protein per serving, this salad is a great source of this essential nutrient. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, as well as for supporting a healthy immune system.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the mango and lime juice, vitamin A from the avocado, and iron from the chicken. These nutrients are important for supporting overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies or dietary restrictions before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad is a well-balanced and nutritious meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

This Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a mix of sweet and savory flavors, tender chicken, and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad. It was given to me by a dear friend who had traveled to Thailand and brought back not only beautiful souvenirs but also a wealth of culinary knowledge. As she excitedly shared the recipe with me, I could see the love and passion she had for the flavors and ingredients that made up this exotic dish.

I was immediately intrigued by the combination of ingredients - the tender chicken, the sweet mango, and the fragrant rice all coming together in a colorful and vibrant salad. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

My friend patiently guided me through the process, explaining each step and sharing tips and tricks she had picked up along her travels. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a blend of spices and herbs, how to cook the rice until it was fluffy and fragrant, and how to slice the mango into delicate strips that would add a burst of sweetness to the dish.

As I followed her instructions, I was filled with a sense of joy and satisfaction. There was something magical about bringing together these diverse ingredients and creating something beautiful and delicious. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to different cultures and traditions, to bring us closer to one another through shared meals and shared experiences.

After hours of preparation and cooking, the salad was finally ready. I plated it up carefully, arranging the chicken, mango, and rice in a colorful and appetizing display. The aroma that wafted up from the plate was intoxicating, a heady mix of spices, herbs, and fruits that made my mouth water in anticipation.

I took a bite, savoring the flavors that exploded on my tongue. The tender chicken was perfectly seasoned, the sweet mango added a burst of freshness, and the fluffy rice provided a comforting base for all the other ingredients. It was a symphony of tastes and textures, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that left me craving more.

As I shared the salad with my family, I could see the delight in their eyes as they took their first bites. They too were amazed by the complexity and depth of flavors in this seemingly simple dish. It was a moment of connection and joy, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.

Since that day, I have made this Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad many times, each time with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the friend who shared the recipe with me. It has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that never fails to impress and delight those who are lucky enough to taste it.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that first magical encounter with the recipe, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the people who have shared their culinary knowledge with me over the years. Each recipe, each dish, is a gift that connects me to different cultures, traditions, and memories. And for that, I am truly thankful.