Almond Free Tropical Chicken Salad with Mango
Bright, juicy, and packed with fresh produce, this tropical chicken salad is the kind of dish that makes a weeknight feel like a vacation. Gently poached chicken — simmered with fresh ginger slices until perfectly tender — gets shredded and tossed with sweet mango, crisp cucumber, shredded carrot, and fragrant cilantro. The dressing ties everything together beautifully: coconut aminos, fresh lime juice, olive oil, grated ginger, and a touch of turmeric create a tangy, golden vinaigrette with real depth. Many store-bought dressings and pre-made salad kits sneak in nut-based oils or toppings that can be hard to spot on a label, but every single ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify. Served in butter lettuce cups, it doubles as a stunning handheld meal that looks far more impressive than the effort required. The balance of sweet fruit, savory chicken, and zippy lime makes this one of those recipes you'll find yourself craving on repeat.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the chicken
- 1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 slices fresh ginger (each about ¼ inch thick)
For the dressing
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For the salad
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced into ¾-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
- 1 english cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup)
- 4 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly torn
For serving
- 4 large butter lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken breasts in a medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Add the salt and ginger slices. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 14–16 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- 2
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Discard the poaching liquid and ginger slices.
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