Thai Chicken and Mango Salad Refreshing & Flavorful

Tim
Jun 25
4 min read

Updated: Jul 1

Thai Chicken and Mango Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and light yet satisfying dish that combines the richness of tender shredded chicken with the sweet juiciness of ripe mango, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and a zesty Thai-style dressing. Bursting with color and flavor, it's the perfect dish for warm-weather dining or anytime you want something bold, healthy, and packed with exotic flair.

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Colorful Thai salad with red peppers, purple onion, fresh cilantro yellow mango, green beans, cucumber, and chicken in a white fluted bowl on a light background. — A vibrant Thai salad featuring red bell peppers, mango, green beans, cucumbers, purple onions, and shredded chicken, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Region: Thailand

While this particular combination of chicken and mango may be a modern fusion, it draws heavily on traditional Thai flavor principles: balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in one dish. Salads in Thailand, known as "yam," often include fruits like green papaya or mango, proteins, herbs, and spicy-sour dressings. This salad mirrors those traditions while offering a globally appealing twist with familiar ingredients.

What makes this Thai Chicken and Mango Salad so Special ?

This dish stands out for its contrast of textures and flavors. The juicy mango brings sweetness; shredded chicken adds protein and richness; while crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs brighten every bite. The dressing is a perfect example of Thai culinary balance—lime for zing, fish sauce and soy sauce for umami, brown sugar for mellow sweetness, and chili for heat. Together, they create a symphony of flavor that's both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

Assorted ingredients on a table: chopped chicken, red peppers, green beans, mango, onion, cucumber, herbs, Thai salad dressing, chili peppers. Vibrant colors. — Thai Chicken and Mango Salad ingredients including Chicken, Red Peppers, Green Beans. Fresh Cilantro, Ripe Mango, Thai Salad Dressing, Chili Peppers, Purple (Red) Onion, and Cucumber ready to be combined into a beautiful tasty Salad.

Thai Chicken and Mango Salad - Recipe Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Salad contributes to the variety of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shredded Chicken: Use poached or grilled chicken breast, finely shredded by hand or fork. This lean protein soaks up the dressing well and provides substance to the salad.
Diced Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and hydrating, cucumber adds a soothing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the dressing's acidity and the heat of the chili.
Sliced Red Pepper: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of red color. The thin slices blend well with other ingredients, enhancing both taste and visual appeal.
Sliced Purple Onion: Provides a sharp, slightly spicy note. Thin slices keep the onion from overpowering the dish while adding a crunchy texture.
Green Beans: Blanched until tender-crisp, green beans add bite and earthy flavor. They also soak up the tangy dressing nicely.
Red Chili Pepper: Adds authentic Thai heat. Adjust the quantity to your spice tolerance. Remove seeds for a milder bite or leave them in for extra fire.
Fresh Cilantro: Offers a citrusy, herbaceous note that brightens the salad and ties the tropical flavors together.
Diced Mango: Choose ripe but firm mangoes. Their sweetness balances the acidity and heat while adding a juicy, tropical dimension.
Chopped Peanuts for Garnishing: Toasted peanuts add rich nuttiness and crunch, finishing the salad with a classic Thai touch.

Please see the Recipe Card below for more detail on the quantities for each ingredient.

Thai Chicken and Mango Salad - Dressing Ingredients

Here is what you will need to make the Dressing for the Salad:

Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Provides bright, citrusy tang that defines the dressing's character and enhances the freshness of the salad.
Fish Sauce: A staple of Thai cuisine, fish sauce brings a salty, umami depth that complements the sweet and sour elements.
Soy Sauce: Adds richness and saltiness, balancing the fish sauce with a slightly deeper umami note.
Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity and saltiness with a touch of mellow sweetness. Light brown sugar works best.
Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a lingering heat that elevates the dish without overwhelming it.
Please see the Recipe Card below for more detail on the quantities for each ingredient.

Key Steps in the preparation process of the Thai Chicken and Mango Salad

This amazing salad comes together with just a few essential kitchen tools: a sharp knife, mixing bowl and a pot for blanching the green beans. Below is a quick overview of the key steps, supported by helpful visuals to guide you through the process.

Prepare the Chicken: Poach or grill chicken breast, then shred it finely.

Blanch the Green Beans: Cook briefly in boiling water, then transfer to ice water to maintain crunch and color.
Slice and Dice Veggies & Mango: Prepare cucumber, red pepper, onion, mango, and chili pepper.
Mix the Dressing: Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes until the sugar dissolves.
Combine: In a large bowl, combine chicken, vegetables, mango, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over and toss well.
Garnish: Top with chopped peanuts and additional cilantro if desired.

More detailed instructions are available in the Recipe Card below.

Thai Chicken and Mango Salad Ingredient Alternatives and Options

This recipe offers a few flexible options .

Protein: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or shredded turkey.
Fruits: Try papaya or pineapple instead of mango.
Greens: Add shredded Napa cabbage or arugula for more volume.
Nuts: Use cashews instead of peanuts for a slightly different crunch.
Herbs: Thai basil or mint can be used in place of or alongside cilantro.

Be sure to check the Recipe Card below for full details and substitutions.

Thai Chicken and Mango Salad - Preparation, Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld. It makes a fantastic light lunch, a colorful starter, or a side dish to grilled meats or Thai curries. Pair it with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a fuller meal. A cold Thai iced tea, sparkling water with lime, or a crisp Riesling, Buttery Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, or Sauvignon Blanc makes for a perfect beverage companion.