Chicken, Mango, and Avocado Salad: A Refreshing Twist on Healthy Eating

If you’re craving a vibrant, nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavor and color, this Chicken Mango and Avocado Salad is your go-to. Juicy grilled chicken, ripe mangoes, creamy avocado, and crisp greens come together to create the ultimate feel-good meal, perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next backyard get-together.

Even better, this salad is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with fiber and protein. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.

If you love vibrant salads like this, you’ll also enjoy our Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad, packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Mango & Avocado Salad

This salad isn’t just another trendy bowl, it delivers on all fronts:

• Flavor harmony: savory chicken + sweet mango + buttery avocado
• Textural balance: juicy, crisp, and creamy all in one bite
• Packed with nutrients: fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamin C
• Quick to make: comes together in under 30 minutes
• Meal-prep friendly: stores well and perfect for packed lunches

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 large ripe mango, diced
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 2 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cucumber, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, chili flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime.
• Grill on a skillet or outdoor grill until golden and fully cooked.
• Let it rest before slicing to retain juices.

2. Prepare the Produce

• Dice the mango. (Pro tip: see this mango cutting guide)
• Slice the avocado and drizzle with lime juice to prevent browning.
• Wash and chop your greens and other veggies.

3. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine greens, cucumber, onion, mango, and chicken.
• Gently fold in the avocado.

4. Dress & Serve

• Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Drizzle over the salad, toss lightly, and serve fresh.

Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this Chicken Mango and Avocado Salad is how versatile it is. Whether you’re craving something with a bit more heat, aiming to make it plant-based, or simply working with what you have in your fridge, this salad is endlessly adaptable. Here are some easy and flavorful ways to make this dish your own:

1. Spicy Kick

If you enjoy a little heat, add:

• Finely diced jalapeños
• A sprinkle of red chili flakes
• Thin slices of fresno chili
• A dash of hot sauce in the dressing for extra punch

📝Note: This variation pairs especially well with a cooling lime-yogurt drizzle or extra avocado to balance the spice.

2. Asian-Inspired Twist

Add an umami-rich flair with:

• Sesame oil instead of olive oil
• A splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce substitute
• Fresh cilantro and scallions for brightness
• Toasted sesame seeds as a garnish

📝Note: This version works well with edamame, shredded cabbage, or soba noodles too!

3. Tropical Vibes

Take the tropical theme up a notch with:

• Chunks of pineapple or papaya
• A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes
• A few mint leaves for a refreshing finish

📝Note: This is perfect for summer picnics or served alongside coconut rice.

4. Vegan or Plant-Based Option

Easily swap out the chicken with:

• Grilled or baked tofu strips
• Pan-seared tempeh
• Roasted chickpeas for crunch and protein
• Grilled portobello mushrooms for a meaty bite

📝Note: Still packed with protein and just as satisfying, without the meat.

5. Crunchy Add-Ons

Add texture and depth with:

• Toasted almonds
• Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• Crispy shallots or fried garlic chips
• Chopped roasted cashews for a Thai-inspired finish

📝Note: These toppers take your salad from great to gourmet with very little effort.

What to Serve With This Salad

While this Chicken Mango and Avocado Salad is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, the right side dishes and drinks can transform it into a well-rounded spread, whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping, or enjoying a solo lunch on the patio.

Here are some flavorful pairings that elevate the experience without overpowering the fresh ingredients in your salad:

1. Add a Grain for Heartiness

Balance the lightness of the salad with a scoop of wholesome grains:

• Quinoa – high in protein and slightly nutty, perfect for meal prep
• Wild rice – chewy, earthy, and full of texture
• Farro or bulgur – adds extra fiber and bite if you’re craving something heartier

📝Note: Serve warm or cold depending on the season, it makes a great grain bowl base too.

2. Bread and Crackers on the Side

Crunchy or soft, the right bread can complement the creaminess of the avocado and dressing:

• Whole grain flatbread – great for dipping or scooping
• Seeded crackers – add crunch without needing extra prep
• Pita wedges – lightly toasted for texture and warmth

📝Note: Add a spread like hummus or baba ganoush to dip and elevate your bread pairing.

3. Dip It Up

For a Mediterranean vibe, serve the salad with:

• A scoop of hummus – adds plant-based protein and earthy richness
• Tzatziki sauce – cool, tangy, and perfect alongside spicy or grilled variations
• Guacamole or citrusy yogurt dip – adds even more creaminess and flair

4. Refresh With Light Drinks

Round out your fresh, vibrant salad with a crisp, hydrating drink that complements its tropical flavors. Be sure to check out our 5 Must-Try Tropical Smoothies, they’re perfect to sip alongside this refreshing salad!

Here are some other great beverage options to try:

• Sparkling Citrus Water – Infused with lime, cucumber, or orange slices for a bright, zesty touch
• Iced Mint Tea – Naturally refreshing and calming, ideal for warm days
• Lemon-Ginger Kombucha – Offers a zingy kick and gut-healthy probiotics
• Cold-Pressed Watermelon Juice – Lightly sweet and irresistibly summery

💡 Pro Tip: Drinks infused with citrus or fresh herbs help balance the natural sweetness of the mango and the creamy richness of the avocado, making your meal feel even lighter and more refreshing.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

One of the greatest perks of this Chicken Mango and Avocado Salad is how easily it fits into a meal prep routine, especially if you’re looking for a vibrant, make-ahead lunch that still tastes fresh.

That said, a few smart storage strategies will help preserve the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of your ingredients, especially delicate ones like mango and avocado. Here’s how to keep everything crisp, juicy, and ready to enjoy:

1. Keep the Salad Undressed

• Store the greens, chicken, mango, cucumber, and onion together in a large airtight container.
• Leave out the dressing and avocado until you’re ready to serve.
• Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without getting soggy.

2. Handle Avocado with Care

• Chop the avocado into chunks and toss gently in fresh lime juice to slow oxidation.
• Store separately in a small airtight container.
• For best results, add avocado right before serving to maintain its color and creamy texture.

💡 Pro tip: Want to make it even easier? Slice avocado directly over your bowl just before you eat, it saves time and reduces prep cleanup!

3. Store the Dressing Separately

• Whisk your vinaigrette or citrus dressing in advance and keep it in a small sealed jar or container.
• Shake well before each use.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days and can double as a marinade or dip.

4. Prep Chicken Ahead of Time

• Grill or pan-sear your chicken breasts up to 3–4 days in advance.
• Store whole or sliced in a separate container.
• Warm gently or serve cold depending on preference, it tastes great both ways!

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g (mostly heart-healthy fats)
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 7g
• Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use canned mango or frozen avocado?

You can, but the texture will be softer. Fresh mango and avocado offer the best results.

Q2: What’s the best chicken to use?

Grilled or leftover rotisserie chicken works best. You can also use shredded poached chicken if you prefer.

Q3: Can I make this ahead for lunch?

Yes! Just keep the dressing and avocado separate until you’re ready to eat.

Q4: Is this recipe good for weight loss?

Absolutely. It’s high in protein, full of fiber, and low in processed ingredients.

Q5: What dressing works best?

A simple lime-olive oil vinaigrette is perfect, but honey mustard or chili-lime also works beautifully. For inspiration, see these healthy salad dressing ideas.

Final Thoughts: A Salad That Does It All

In a world full of complicated recipes and processed shortcuts, the Chicken Mango and Avocado Salad stands out as a refreshingly simple, nutrient-packed, and flavor-forward meal that truly does it all. It’s the kind of dish you turn to when you want something wholesome yet exciting, quick but not boring, and beautiful enough to serve to guests without breaking a sweat.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, planning a vibrant picnic lunch, or simply craving something light and energizing after a long day, this salad delivers a tropical-meets-clean-eating punch every time. The sweet mango, creamy avocado, and juicy grilled chicken come together in perfect harmony, supported by crisp greens, bright citrus, and your favorite mix-ins.

Best of all? It’s endlessly customizable. From spicy chili-lime versions to vegan-friendly twists, there’s always a way to make it your own.

So go ahead, grab a ripe mango, fire up the grill, and toss together your new favorite salad bowl. With this in your back pocket, healthy eating never has to be boring again.

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