May 15 2009
Two Lunch Ideas: Chicken Salad with Mango Dressing and Cranberry-Apple Chicken Salad Sandwich
It’s about time I posted some lunch ideas, right? I have been noticing myself ordering a lot of salads at different restaurants recently, so I decided to make my own version. Below you will see the steps to create a Mango Salad Dressing, and Cranberry-Apple Chicken Salad Sandwich. I utilized what I had on hand at home to create these lunches, with the key ingredient being boiled chicken. I took about 4-5 pieces of chicken thighs (skin removed, of course) and boiled it on the stove. Then I shredded them into pieces. See below for the rest of the steps!
I had a lot of mangoes at home and I needed to eat it, so I thought why not try a mango dressing? Use about 1/2 cup of mangoes and a few snippets of chives.
In a small blender, add the mangoes, chives, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp salad oil, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth like this. (I used the imitation Magic Bullet, haha).
I got some salad from the garden, and added the chicken, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and drizzled the mango dressing on top. The dressing isn't sweet like you think - it's got a tangy kick from the rice vinegar. Overall, it's not too shabby!
Since I still had extra chicken, I decided to make something else for lunch the next day - a chicken salad sandwich - yes, my first attempt! In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, diced apples, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, parsley, and dill.
Along with the dry ingredients, add some dijon mustard, lemon juice, and of course, mayonnaise. I eyeballed everything, so you'll just have to make your own judgments. I suggest going easy on the mayo though, I think I got a little too excited.
Don't forget to add salt and pepper and mix well. And that's it! Can't get any quicker than this! No cooking necessary (except the chicken), so it's really simple and easy.
I love the taste of dill, so it's a great addition to this recipe. While you're at it, cut a few apple slices to complete your lunch.
For those who are on a low-carb diet, you can prepare chicken salad lettuce wraps instead. I was pleasantly pleased with the outcome, so it's definitely something I can make again in the future.
Wow, those cut up mangoes looks so juicy!!! =9
Ha!! I thought I saw the magic bullet, but then I was like, no base should be silver! I have the OG, but whatever works… love it to make fruit shakes and mini preps like your recipe…
Mango dressing=good. We’ve had it before on salad, and it’s awesome. Seems like it’s more awesome over chicken.
Congrats on your nomination for Finest Foodies Fridays. Your photos are great.
Hi Joan!! Thanks so much for letting us know we got picked for Finest Foodies Fridays!! That’s so awesome =) If it weren’t for your comment, we never would’ve known!
OH MY…I am glad I get your blog through feed! My first ‘gourmet’ chicken salad at 20 was similar to this, and I was hooked; both of these look darn good!
Congrats to you!
Love your sense of humor – the “I used the Magic Bullet imitation, haha” and “go easy on the mayo though. I think I got a little too excited”. LOL! Love the pics of the site and love your quirky but awesome directions. Keep cooking and posting!!
SN
The picture of those juicy mangoes had my mouth watering already, and I hadn’t even seen the rest of the pictures! I’m going to have to try that dressing!