Tropical California Avocado Chicken

Tropical California Avocado Chicken Recipe - A Delicious and Exotic Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 12

Introduction

Tropical California Avocado Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the sweetness of papayas, mangos, and raspberries. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is bursting with tropical flavors.

History

This recipe was inspired by the abundance of fresh produce available in California, particularly avocados. The combination of avocado with fruits like papaya and mango creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is perfect for a summer dish.

Ingredients

0.75 cup olive or avocado oil
0.33 cup red wine or raspberry vinegar
1.5 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp dried rubbed sage
3.5 lb (1.59 kg) boneless chicken breasts, fully cooked, skinned and cut into bite size pieces
1.5 gallons mixed salad greens
2 papayas, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 mangos, peeled, pitted and chopped
1.25 lb (567 g) fresh raspberries
3 tbsp fresh mint, minced
3 california avocados, seeded, peeled and sliced
1.5 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

How to prepare

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and sage until well blended.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, salad greens, papaya, mango, raspberries, and mint.
Add the dressing to the mixture and toss well to coat.
Divide the mixture into 12 portions.
Arrange avocado slices on top, sprinkle with walnuts, and serve.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Substitute the walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy addition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fully cook the chicken before adding it to the salad to ensure it is safe to eat.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.

- Be sure to toss the salad well to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

To fully cook the chicken, you can grill, bake, or poach it before adding it to the salad.

- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of vinegar in place of raspberry vinegar.

- If you don't have fresh raspberries, you can use frozen raspberries that have been thawed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the fruits and vegetables ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the avocado slices in a decorative pattern on top of the salad and sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also pairs nicely with a light and refreshing cocktail, such as a mojito or margarita.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture of the avocado will change. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 450 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 35 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Tropical California Avocado Chicken is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the fruits and avocados.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and mustard.

Summary

Tropical California Avocado Chicken is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tropical California Avocado Chicken is a vibrant and delicious salad that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. With a combination of fresh fruits, creamy avocados, and crunchy walnuts, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy the flavors of California with this tropical twist on a classic chicken salad.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Tropical California Avocado Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, a colorful picture caught my eye - a dish that looked so vibrant and delicious, I knew I had to try it.

The recipe called for fresh avocados, juicy chicken breasts, and a medley of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. It also included a unique blend of spices and herbs that promised to create a burst of flavor in every bite. I was intrigued by the combination of ingredients, as it was unlike anything I had ever cooked before.

As I read through the instructions, I realized that this recipe was not just a simple dish, but a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. I knew that I had to make it my own, adding my own personal touch and flair to create a masterpiece that would be remembered for years to come.

I set out to gather all the ingredients, carefully selecting the ripest avocados and the freshest fruits I could find. I spent hours in the kitchen, chopping, marinating, and simmering, each step bringing me closer to the final creation.

As the dish began to take shape, I could already smell the tantalizing aroma of the spices mingling with the sweet fruits and creamy avocado. I knew that this was going to be something truly special.

When the time came to taste the finished dish, I was filled with anticipation. I took a bite, savoring the explosion of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The tender chicken, the creamy avocado, the tangy fruits - it was a symphony of tastes that left me speechless.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure, a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. I couldn't wait to share it with my friends and family, to see the looks of delight on their faces as they tasted this exotic creation.

Over the years, I have made my own adaptations to the recipe, adding new ingredients and techniques that I have picked up along the way. Each time I make Tropical California Avocado Chicken, it brings back memories of that fateful day when I first discovered it in my grandmother's old cookbook.

I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that I have acquired over the years, learning from various sources and people who have shared their recipes and secrets with me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for food.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary adventures that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And as I take a bite of the delicious Tropical California Avocado Chicken that I have just prepared, I am reminded once again of the joy and satisfaction that cooking brings to my life.