Tropical Chicken Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing
This vibrant Tropical Chicken Salad combines succulent chicken breast with the sweet and juicy flavors of mango and lychee, perfectly complemented by crisp red peppers. Tossed in a creamy buttermilk dressing enhanced with fresh herbs, this refreshing salad makes for a delightful main course on a warm summer evening. With its colorful presentation and exciting medley of textures, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious meal that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1 inch cubes)
mangoes
2 (cut into 1/2 inch by 1 inch pieces)
lychees
12 (quartered (canned works fine))
red peppers
2 (cut into 1/2 inch strips)
green lettuce leaves
4-6 cups (washed and torn)
low-fat buttermilk
1/2 cup (none)
plain nonfat yogurt or low-fat yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon (none)
lemon
1/2 (juiced)
fresh dill or dried dill
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1 pinch (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the cooked chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2
Add the diced mangoes and quartered lychees to the bowl with the chicken and gently toss to combine.
3
In a small saucepan, bring water to a simmer and add the red pepper strips. Blanch them for about 1 minute, then remove from heat, rinse under cold water, and drain well.
4
Add the blanched red peppers to the bowl with the chicken and fruits, mixing until evenly distributed.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, yogurt, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6
If desired, you can prepare the chicken mixture and dressing in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
7
When ready to serve, drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat.
8
Prepare serving plates by creating a bed of green lettuce leaves. Scoop the dressed chicken and fruit mixture into the center of each plate.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the tropical flavors of your salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tropical Chicken Salad with Creamy Buttermilk Dressing?
It is a vibrant main course salad that combines succulent chicken breast with mango, lychees, and crisp red peppers, all tossed in a herb-infused buttermilk dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of chicken is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The cooked chicken should be cut into 1-inch cubes before being added to the mixing bowl.
Which fruits provide the tropical flavor in this dish?
The tropical flavor comes from 2 mangoes and 12 quartered lychees.
Can I use canned lychees?
Yes, canned lychees work perfectly fine for this recipe; just ensure they are quartered.
How should the mangoes be sliced?
Mangoes should be cut into pieces that are approximately 1/2 inch by 1 inch.
How are the red peppers prepared for the salad?
The red peppers are cut into 1/2 inch strips and blanched in simmering water for 1 minute.
What is the purpose of blanching the red peppers?
Blanching softens the pepper strips slightly while maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant color.
What should I do after blanching the peppers?
After 1 minute of simmering, remove them from heat, rinse under cold water, and drain well.
What are the ingredients in the creamy buttermilk dressing?
The dressing consists of low-fat buttermilk, yogurt, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, dill, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of either fresh dill or dried dill.
What kind of yogurt is recommended for the dressing?
You can use either plain nonfat yogurt or low-fat yogurt.
How much orange juice is needed for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice.
How much lemon juice is used?
The juice of 1/2 a lemon is used in the dressing mixture.
Is there any spice in the dressing?
Yes, a pinch of cumin is added to the dressing for a subtle depth of flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and fruit mixture and the dressing in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
How is the salad served?
It is served by scooping the dressed chicken and fruit mixture onto a bed of 4-6 cups of washed and torn green lettuce leaves.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
For the best texture, drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently just before serving.
Is this salad a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is a nutritious meal featuring lean protein and fresh produce, using low-fat dairy components for the dressing.
What is the texture of the Tropical Chicken Salad?
The salad offers a medley of textures, including succulent chicken, juicy fruits, and crisp blanched peppers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this recipe.
Is the buttermilk used in this recipe low-fat?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of low-fat buttermilk.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the dressing?
Yes, after whisking the dressing ingredients, you should adjust the salt and pepper to your personal taste.
What type of lettuce is best for the base?
The recipe suggests using 4-6 cups of washed and torn green lettuce leaves.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer dinner?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing main course perfect for warm summer evenings.
How do I mix the main ingredients?
You should combine the cubed chicken, diced mangoes, and lychees in a large bowl and toss gently.
Does the dressing contain oil?
No, the creaminess comes from a blend of buttermilk and yogurt rather than oil.
Can I use fresh lychees if they are available?
Yes, fresh lychees are an excellent choice; simply peel, pit, and quarter them before adding to the bowl.
What makes this salad a 'tropical' dish?
The inclusion of mango, lychee, and fresh orange and lemon juices gives it a signature tropical flavor profile.