Tropical Thai Chicken & Fruit Salad
This vibrant and refreshing Tropical Thai Chicken & Fruit Salad is a culinary delight that brings together the exotic flavors of Thailand with the sweetness of fresh tropical fruits. Succulent grilled chicken is marinated in a luscious coconut and citrus sauce, infusing every bite with rich flavors. Paired with juicy mango and pineapple, this salad offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an enticing dish for both adults and kids alike. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or as part of a hearty dinner alongside steamed rice, this salad is sure to impress with its colorful presentation and exploding flavors.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coconut Milk
14 ounces (Regular or light, stirred well)
Thai Red Curry Paste
1 tablespoon (Can substitute with 2 teaspoons Thai Sriracha sauce and 1 teaspoon red curry)
Orange Zest
2 teaspoons (Freshly grated)
Fresh Orange Juice
1/2 cup (Juiced from fresh oranges)
Chicken Breasts
4 pieces (Skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch chunks)
Mango
1 piece (Peeled, pitted, and cut into 1-inch chunks)
Pineapple
1 piece (Peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks)
Salad Greens
4 cups (Combination of 6 oz bag of iceberg lettuce and 3 oz of baby spinach leaves)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, red curry paste, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until well combined. Reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade for later use.
2
In a large ziplock bag, combine the chicken breast chunks with half of the marinade. In a separate bag, toss the mango and pineapple with the remaining marinade. Let both bags marinate at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.
3
Preheat your grill by preparing a charcoal fire or heating a gas grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4
Thread the marinated chicken and fruit separately onto skewers. Grill the chicken skewers for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Grill the fruit skewers for about 2 minutes per side, or until you see lovely grill marks.
5
Once grilled, remove the chicken and fruit from the skewers and place them on a bed of salad greens. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the entire dish for added flavor.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Thai Chicken & Fruit Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines exotic Thai flavors with sweet tropical fruits and succulent grilled chicken.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The salad features a balance of savory grilled chicken, rich coconut, citrus, and the natural sweetness of mango and pineapple.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What ingredients are used to make the marinade?
The marinade consists of coconut milk, red curry paste, orange zest, and fresh orange juice.
Can I use light coconut milk instead of regular?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use either regular or light coconut milk as long as it is stirred well.
What is a good substitute for Thai red curry paste?
You can substitute 1 tablespoon of red curry paste with 2 teaspoons of Thai Sriracha sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon of red curry.
How much orange zest is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange zest.
Should the orange juice be fresh?
Yes, for the best flavor, use 1/2 cup of juice freshly squeezed from oranges.
What type of chicken is recommended?
Skinless and boneless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe.
How should the chicken be cut?
The chicken breasts should be cut into 1-inch chunks for even marinating and grilling.
How do I prepare the mango for the salad?
The mango should be peeled, pitted, and cut into 1-inch chunks.
How is the pineapple prepared?
The pineapple should be peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks.
What kind of salad greens are used as a base?
A combination of iceberg lettuce and baby spinach leaves is suggested for the salad bed.
How long should the chicken and fruit marinate?
The chicken and fruit should marinate separately at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.
Should I marinate the chicken and fruit together?
No, the chicken chunks and the fruit chunks should be marinated in separate large ziplock bags.
How much marinade should I reserve for later?
You should reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade to use as a dressing over the finished dish.
How should the chicken be cooked?
The chicken chunks should be threaded onto skewers and grilled for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
How long does the fruit take to grill?
The fruit skewers should be grilled for about 2 minutes per side until grill marks appear.
What grill temperature is best for this recipe?
The grill should be preheated to a medium-high heat setting.
How do I prevent food from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grates before placing the skewers on the heat.
Can I use a gas grill for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a charcoal fire or a gas grill to cook the chicken and fruit.
Is this salad suitable for children?
Yes, the combination of sweet fruit and mild grilled chicken makes it an enticing dish for both adults and kids.
What can I serve with this salad for a heartier meal?
This salad can be served alongside steamed rice for a more substantial dinner.
How do I assemble the salad for serving?
Remove the grilled chicken and fruit from the skewers and place them on a bed of salad greens, then drizzle with the reserved marinade.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use Sriracha instead of red curry paste?
Yes, you can use a mix of Sriracha and red curry as a substitute if red curry paste is unavailable.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its use of fresh fruit, greens, and lean chicken.
What adds the citrus flavor to the marinade?
Freshly grated orange zest and fresh orange juice provide the citrus elements.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, it is best to serve the salad immediately after grilling to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
What makes the presentation of this dish colorful?
The bright yellow mango and pineapple, green salad base, and grilled chicken create a very colorful and appealing presentation.