This vibrant and satisfying Cajun Chicken Mango Salad is much more than just a side dish—it’s a complete, hearty meal packed with flavor, fresh ingredients, and healthy goodness. Featuring succulent, juicy chicken seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, sweet tropical mango, creamy avocado, and a medley of crisp vegetables, this salad is designed to delight your taste buds while keeping you nourished. It’s naturally gluten-free, paleo-friendly, low-carb, and even Weight Watchers (WW) compatible, making it a fantastic choice for a wide array of dietary preferences and health goals.

We all crave meals that are both wholesome and convenient, especially on busy weeknights. This Mango Chicken Avocado Salad perfectly fits the bill, transforming a simple salad into a robust and exciting dinner. While it’s a delightful dish any time of year, it truly shines as a summer meal. The option to grill the chicken outdoors on the BBQ infuses it with an irresistible smoky char that complements the fresh, vibrant flavors of the salad components beautifully. This recipe was first introduced to me a few years ago when my daughter attended a cooking class. Its unique blend of ingredients and incredible taste immediately made it a household favorite, inspiring me to recreate and share my own version with you. For the ultimate experience, pair it with our recommended Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing and a refreshing Strawberry Italian Soda.

🍒 What Our Readers Are Saying!

“Made this for supper last night. Delicious and fresh combination of ingredients! We had to use fresh mango but worked out great anyway! And loved the combination of the lime-honey cilantro dressing!!!!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for a Perfect Salad

Crafting the perfect Cajun Chicken Mango Salad starts with understanding each ingredient and how it contributes to the overall flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for this incredibly fresh and satisfying recipe:

• Chicken Breast (Boneless and Skinless): The star of our salad! Opt for high-quality, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein source that cooks quickly and absorbs the Cajun seasoning beautifully. Grilling the chicken is highly recommended as it imparts a wonderful smoky flavor and creates those appealing grill marks. If an outdoor BBQ isn’t an option, an indoor stovetop grill or even a hot cast-iron skillet will work wonders. The key is to get a nice sear while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside.
• Dried Mangos: This might seem unconventional, but dried mango is a game-changer for this recipe. Finding consistently ripe fresh mango can be a challenge, especially depending on your location and the season. Dried mango offers a concentrated sweetness and a delightfully chewy texture that adds a unique dimension to the salad, contrasting beautifully with the crisp vegetables and creamy avocado. It provides a burst of tropical flavor that truly makes this salad shine.
• Spring Mix: For the base of our salad, we use a vibrant spring mix. This blend typically includes tender baby lettuces, spinach, and often other leafy greens like arugula, endives, radicchio, chard, and flat-leaf kale. Not only does it offer a diverse nutritional profile, but its varied colors and textures also make the salad visually more appealing and add a pleasant depth of flavor compared to plain lettuce.
• Creamy Avocado: A crucial component, ripe avocado adds a rich, buttery texture and healthy fats, balancing the spice of the Cajun chicken and the sweetness of the mango. Its creaminess is essential for that perfect mouthfeel.
• Other Fresh Vegetables: Don’t forget the crisp red bell pepper (finely julienned or chopped for easy eating), the sharp bite of red onion, the milder zest of green onions, and the sweet burst of grape or cherry tomatoes. These vegetables add essential crunch, color, and vital nutrients to the salad.

*See the comprehensive recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and precise quantities.

📖 Versatile Variations & Easy Substitutions

One of the best things about this Cajun Chicken Mango Salad is its flexibility. Feel free to customize it to your liking, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations and substitutions:

• Different Greens: While spring mix offers a great variety, you can easily swap it out. Consider using crisp romaine lettuce for a satisfying crunch, delicate fresh baby spinach for a milder flavor, or another type of mixed green blend that you enjoy. Each choice will slightly alter the texture and subtle taste of the salad base.
• Fresh Mango Option: If you are lucky enough to find a perfectly fresh, ripe mango, and you prefer its softer texture and vibrant juiciness, then by all means, substitute it for the dried mango. Just ensure it’s at its peak ripeness for the best flavor and sweetness. When using fresh mango, cut it into bite-sized cubes.
• Add Pomegranate Seeds: If you opt for fresh mango, I highly recommend incorporating pomegranate seeds. This was actually part of the original recipe and works wonderfully. The tart, juicy burst of pomegranate seeds provides a fantastic textural contrast and tangy flavor, making up for the chewiness you’d miss from the dried mango. It also adds a beautiful pop of color!
• Make it Vegetarian: This salad is easily adaptable for a vegetarian diet. Simply omit the chicken entirely. To ensure you still get a satisfying protein boost and textural element, consider adding toasted slivered almonds, chickpeas, black beans, or even grilled halloumi cheese.
• Kid-Friendly Adjustments: This salad is often a hit with children due to its sweet and savory flavors. For younger kids, however, the chewy texture of dried mango might be difficult for them to eat. In this case, definitely use fresh mango, cut into very small, manageable pieces. You might also reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning on the chicken if your children are sensitive to spice.
• Spice Level Customization: Cajun seasoning blends can vary greatly in heat. If you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of extra cayenne pepper to the chicken or the dressing. For a milder version, use a less spicy Cajun blend or reduce the amount of seasoning.

💡 Top Tip for Grilling

When grilling your chicken, there’s no need to douse it in oil. To keep this dish light and reduce unnecessary calories, I always spray my grill pan or outdoor grill grates with a non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the chicken doesn’t stick while still achieving those beautiful grill marks and a perfectly cooked, juicy interior without adding extra fat.

🔪 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Mango Chicken Salad

Creating this flavorful Cajun Chicken Mango Salad is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for any weeknight. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:

1. Step 1: Season and Grill the Chicken. Begin by thoroughly seasoning both sides of your boneless, skinless chicken breast with a generous sprinkle of Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and, as per our top tip, spray it with a non-stick cooking spray. Grill the chicken breast for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s beautifully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The absolute best way to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking (which can lead to dry chicken) is to use an instant-read thermometer (affiliate link). Your thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into strips. This resting period is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy.

2. Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vibrant spring mix, finely chopped green onions, thinly sliced red onion, juicy grape tomatoes, and the delightful dried mango pieces, along with the crisp red bell pepper. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed to create a colorful and textured foundation for your salad.

3. Step 3: Combine and Serve. Gently toss the salad ingredients together. Then, artfully arrange the sliced grilled chicken and the creamy avocado slices on top of the mixed greens and vegetables. For a quick and easy method to slice avocado beautifully, as often seen in my photos, you can watch this video on slicing perfect avocado! It’s the technique I personally use to get those appealing, uniform slices.

*Helpful Hint: If you’re using dried mango, chopping it can sometimes be a bit sticky and challenging. For a much easier and faster process, chop your dried mango in a food processor (affiliate link). A few quick pulses will get it perfectly prepared for your salad!

✅ Expert Recipe Tips for Success

To ensure your Cajun Chicken Mango Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some invaluable tips from the kitchen:

• Always Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: The absolute secret to cooking chicken that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor is to avoid overcooking it. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). As soon as it hits this temperature, remove the chicken from the heat to prevent it from drying out.
• Rest the Chicken Before Slicing: Patience is a virtue, especially after grilling! Once your chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a good 5-10 minutes. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and tender. Slicing immediately will cause the juices to run out, leaving you with dry chicken.
• Soften Dried Mango (Optional): While dried mango adds a fantastic chewiness, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, or if your dried mango is particularly firm, you can pre-soak it. Place the chopped dried mango in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the salad. Drain thoroughly before mixing.
• Chop Dried Mango in a Food Processor: Dried mango can be quite sticky and challenging to chop uniformly by hand. Save yourself time and effort by using a food processor. A few quick pulses will chop it efficiently and evenly, making it much easier to incorporate into the salad.
• Prep Ahead for Convenience: This salad is ideal for meal prep! To streamline your weeknight dinner assembly, you can grill the chicken, chop all the vegetables, and prepare the dressing a day or two in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, all you have to do is combine and dress just before serving, ensuring everything remains fresh and crisp.
• Keep Avocado Fresh and Green: Avocado is best when freshly cut, but if you need to prep it a little ahead of time, toss the slices or chunks in a small amount of lime or lemon juice. The acidity helps to prevent browning, keeping your avocado looking appealingly green.
• Customize the Spice Level: Cajun seasoning blends vary widely in their heat intensity. If you’re unsure about the spice level of your particular blend, start with a slightly smaller amount on the chicken. You can always add more during cooking or sprinkle a little extra on the finished salad. Alternatively, consider making your own Cajun seasoning blend to precisely control the spice to your preference.

🎥 Watch: How to Perfectly Slice an Avocado

Achieving beautifully fanned or neatly diced avocado can elevate the presentation of your salad. If you’d like to master a quick and easy method for slicing avocado, similar to the attractive presentation shown in my photos, then make sure to watch this helpful video on slicing pretty avocado! It demonstrates the precise technique I use to get those perfect, photo-worthy avocado slices every time.

👪 Adjusting Serving Sizes

This versatile Cajun Chicken Mango Salad recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 generous servings, making it ideal for a family meal or for having delicious leftovers throughout the week. However, we understand that meal planning varies for everyone. You can easily adjust the recipe quantities to suit your needs, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd. Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired number of servings. The ingredient quantities will automatically scale up or down, ensuring you have the right proportions every time.

🔢 Weight Watchers Friendly @ 3 WW Points!

For those following the Weight Watchers program, you’ll be delighted to know that this Cajun Chicken Mango Salad is incredibly WW friendly, coming in at just 3 WW points per serving! It’s a fantastic option for a satisfying and flavorful meal without derailing your points budget. The chicken and avocado provide healthy fats, making it a balanced choice. If you’re looking to further reduce the points, opting for fresh mango instead of dried can help. Remember, the point value is calculated for the salad ingredients as listed; be sure to account for the WW points of whatever dressing you choose to use with your salad, as dressing points can vary significantly.

🥖 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken, Mango, and Avocado Salad

While this Chicken Mango and Avocado Salad is robust enough to be a satisfying meal all on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to round out your dinner. The key is to choose accompaniments that complement its vibrant flavors without overpowering them.

Without a doubt, this salad finds its perfect match with my homemade Honey Lime Cilantro Dressing (as shown in the photos). This dressing was specifically developed to enhance the sweet, spicy, and creamy elements of this salad, creating a harmonious and unforgettable flavor profile. Its bright, zesty notes and hint of sweetness cut through the richness of the avocado and chicken beautifully.

If you’re looking to add a little something extra, fresh bread is always a welcome addition. Consider serving it with a slice of my savory Bread Machine Onion & Olive Bread or some delightful Bread Machine Italian Breadsticks to soak up any leftover dressing. For those seeking a lighter, low-carb bread option that’s also 0 WW points, my Everything Bagel Cloud Bread Recipe is an excellent choice.

And to complete your meal, don’t forget dessert! For a classic spring or summer treat, a slice of Sour Cream Rhubarb Pie would be absolutely divine with this salad. If you’re maintaining a Weight Watchers friendly diet, my Old Fashioned Fruit Salad recipe with Honey Lime Dressing offers a refreshing and healthier dessert option.

🌡️ Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your Cajun Chicken Mango Salad tasting its best and prevent sogginess, proper storage is key. It’s highly recommended to store the various components separately. Keep the salad greens and vegetables (spring mix, tomatoes, onions, peppers, mango) in one airtight container, the sliced grilled chicken in another, and the avocado in a third (tossed with a little lime juice to prevent browning). Store your dressing separately as well. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply recombine the fresh ingredients, add the chicken and avocado, and drizzle with dressing. Stored this way in the refrigerator, the salad components will remain fresh for up to 2 days. Please note that these ingredients, particularly the fresh vegetables and avocado, do not stand up well to freezing, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

🥗 Discover More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you loved this Cajun Chicken Mango Salad, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide selection of other delightful and easy-to-make salad recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From hearty main courses to refreshing sides, there’s something for every palate:

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