Imagine a refreshing salad that combines the vibrancy of fresh cucumbers, the savory taste of chicken, and the tangy sweetness of honey-mustard dressing. A culinary concerto of flavors and textures, this chicken salad with cucumber and honey-mustard dressing is a delight for the senses and a healthy, satisfying meal.
This recipe incorporates a combination of commonly found ingredients and some that might require a quick trip to the supermarket. The star here is the mango, a tropical fruit that adds a sweet, slightly tart, and smooth touch to the salad. When shopping, look for mangoes that are slightly soft to touch and exude a fruity aroma. Unripe mangoes are firm and often green, but they can be ripened at home in a paper bag at room temperature.
Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Cucumber and Honey-Mustard Dressing
Lime juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey mustard.
Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing a creamy, rich base.
Honey mustard: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
Salt and Black pepper: Seasonings to enhance the flavors of the salad.
Olive oil: Used in the dressing for its rich and fruity flavor.
Chicken: The protein source of the salad, which can be grilled, roasted, or poached.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
Red bell pepper: Gives a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and a vibrant color.
Red onion: Offers a sharp flavor and crunch.
Mango: Adds a tropical, sweet element to the salad.
Fresh tarragon: An aromatic herb that complements the salad's fresh flavors.
Mixed salad greens: The base of the salad, providing various textures and flavors.
One reader, Barbra Seals says:
This chicken salad with cucumber and honey-mustard dressing recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dressing is simply divine. The combination of tender chicken, crisp cucumber, and tangy dressing is a match made in culinary heaven. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that I can't get enough of!
Cooking Techniques for Chicken Salad With Cucumber and Honey-Mustard Dressing
Whisking the dressing: Combine lime juice, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and black pepper in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing.
Tossing the chicken salad: In a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, toss the chicken, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, mango, and tarragon with half of the prepared dressing.
Tossing the greens: Toss the mixed salad greens into the remaining dressing until well coated.
Checking mango ripeness: The skin of a ripe mango is yellow and red, and its flesh yields to gentle pressure. If the mango is underripe, place it in a paper bag at room temperature to ripen. Once ripe, it can be refrigerated for a couple of days before use.
How To Make Chicken Salad with Cucumber and Honey-Mustard Dressing
Crisp bell peppers, fresh cucumbers, and juicy chicken is tossed in a thick sweet and rich dressing to yield a flavorful and delightful chicken salad meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbsplime juice,(from about 1 lime)
- 1tbspmayonnaise
- 2tsphoney mustard
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- ½cupolive oil
- 2cupschicken,diced, cooked
- 1cucumber
- 1red bell pepper
- 2tbspred onion,minced
- 1large mango
- 2tspfresh tarragon,chopped
- ½lbmixed salad greens,(about 4 quarts)
Instructions
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In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lime juice, mayonnaise, mustard, salt and black pepper. Add the oil slowly, whisking.
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In a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, toss the chicken, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, mango and tarragon with half the dressing. Toss the greens into the remaining dressing.
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Put the greens on plates and top with the chicken salad.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 513.28kcal
- Fat: 41.11g
- Saturated Fat: 7.32g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 24.98g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.97g
- Carbohydrates: 23.47g
- Fiber: 3.71g
- Sugar: 17.66g
- Protein: 15.73g
- Cholesterol: 53.91mg
- Sodium: 408.92mg
- Calcium: 63.59mg
- Potassium: 627.52mg
- Iron: 1.99mg
- Vitamin A: 346.86µg
- Vitamin C: 87.55mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting the Honey-Mustard Dressing
When preparing the chicken for this salad, it's best to grill or roast it for maximum flavor. However, if you're short on time, you can also use pre-cooked chicken or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones before dicing it into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that every bite of your salad has a perfect balance of chicken, cucumber, mango, and honey-mustard dressing.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables and chicken the night before to save time on the day of serving.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts to cut down on cooking time.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife will make chopping and slicing ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Before you start, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the chicken is marinating, use that time to prepare the salad greens and other ingredients to maximize efficiency.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Salad with Cucumber and Honey-Mustard Dressing Recipe
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to the dish.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to mayonnaise, while also adding a boost of protein.
honey mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard and honey: Mixing Dijon mustard and honey together can replicate the sweet and tangy flavor of honey mustard.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken - Substitute with grilled tofu: Grilled tofu can provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can offer a similar crisp texture and mild flavor to cucumber in the salad.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell pepper can provide a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color similar to red bell pepper.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onion.
mango - Substitute with peach: Peach can provide a similar level of sweetness and juiciness to the salad.
tarragon - Substitute with dill: Dill can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to tarragon.
mixed salad greens - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can offer a tender, mild base for the salad.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Salad With Cucumber and Honey-Mustard Dressing
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each ingredient is showcased beautifully on the plate.
- Incorporate color contrast: Utilize the vibrant hues of the salad ingredients to create an eye-catching and visually stimulating presentation.
- Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the dish exudes elegance and sophistication.
- Emphasize freshness: Highlight the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a way that conveys a sense of vibrancy and vitality.
- Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to create a balanced and visually striking composition on the plate.
- Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate and edible flowers as a garnish, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.
- Consider plate selection: Choose the appropriate plate to complement the colors and textures of the salad, enhancing the overall presentation.
- Employ artistic drizzling: Skillfully drizzle the honey-mustard dressing over the salad, using artistic flair to create an enticing visual effect.
- Incorporate height: Create dimension by stacking or layering certain elements of the salad, adding visual interest and sophistication to the presentation.
- Attention to detail: Pay meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring that the presentation reflects the artistry and precision expected in a Michelin-starred setting.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as dressings and sauces.
- Glass or stainless-steel bowl: Used for mixing and tossing ingredients together.
- Knife: Essential for cutting and preparing the chicken, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and mango.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Salad spinner: Useful for washing and drying the salad greens.
- Paper bag: Used for ripening underripe mangoes at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: Used for storing ripe mangoes before using.
- Wine glass: For serving the recommended wine to accompany the salad.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Chicken Salad
To store leftover chicken salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld and develop over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, mix the dressing and store it separately from the chicken, vegetables, and @mango. Combine the ingredients just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken salad for up to 2-3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the cucumber and bell pepper may change after thawing, becoming slightly softer.
To freeze, place the chicken salad in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
When ready to enjoy the frozen chicken salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If the dressing appears separated, give it a good stir to recombine the ingredients.
If you have leftover mixed salad greens, store them separately from the chicken salad in a plastic bag or container lined with paper towels. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture, helping the greens stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Interesting Trivia About Chicken Salad
The mango used in this chicken salad recipe adds a tropical twist to the dish, complementing the flavors of the honey-mustard dressing.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this chicken salad with cucumber and honey-mustard dressing recipe is quite favorable. The use of affordable ingredients like chicken, cucumber, and mixed salad greens keeps the overall cost reasonable. The addition of mango and tarragon adds a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank. With an approximate cost of $20, this recipe offers a delightful and nutritious meal for a household of four. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Chicken Salad Recipe Healthy?
The chicken salad with cucumber and honey-mustard dressing recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and fruits. The chicken provides lean protein, while the cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and mixed salad greens contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The mango adds a touch of natural sweetness and additional nutrients. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier.
The dressing contains mayonnaise and a significant amount of olive oil, which can increase the overall calorie and fat content of the dish. To make the recipe healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the dressing or replace some of it with a lower-calorie alternative like chicken broth or water
- Use a low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce the fat content and increase the protein
- Add more vegetables to the salad, such as tomatoes, carrots, or avocado, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use whole grain bread or lettuce wraps instead of serving the salad on a bed of greens to incorporate more complex carbohydrates
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt or fat, such as basil, cilantro, or cumin
Editor's Opinion on This Chicken Salad Recipe
This chicken salad with cucumber and honey-mustard dressing recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tangy lime juice and honey-mustard dressing perfectly complement the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. The addition of mango adds a sweet and tropical twist, while the fresh tarragon provides a subtle hint of licorice flavor. The wine recommendation is a thoughtful touch, offering a perfect pairing for this refreshing and vibrant salad. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements, making it a delightful choice for a light and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Chicken Salad with Cucumber and Honey-Mustard Dressing Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring succulent chicken, crisp cucumber, and sweet mango paired with a zesty lime juice and creamy mayonnaise dressing. The addition of honey mustard lends a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, while the use of tarragon adds a refreshing herbal note. With the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, this dish promises a tantalizing experience for your taste buds. Trust in the quality of this recipe to elevate your culinary journey.
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