Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad

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Mango and avocado may seem unlikely partners, but they have one thing in common: an affinity for cilantro. Here the herb ties them together in an unusual and unusually delicious dish. The salad makes a fine light meal all by itself. More Terrific Salads

Chicken, Mango, and Rice Salad
Photo: © Melanie Acevedo
Yield:
4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups rice, preferably short grain

  • 1 1/3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4)

  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon cooking oil

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

  • 3/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

  • 3/4 cup chopped red onion

  • 1 mango, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice

  • 1 avocado, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice

  • 3 1/2 tablespoons lime juice (from about 2 limes)

  • 3/4 cup chopped cilantro

Directions

  1. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the rice until just done, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Drain thoroughly.

  2. Coat the chicken with the 1 tablespoon oil. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over moderate heat. Cook the breasts until just done, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Alternatively, heat the tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan and season and cook the chicken as directed above. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, cut it into 1/2-inch dice.

  3. Toss the rice with the chicken, onion, mango, avocado, the 1/3 cup oil, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, the lime juice, and cilantro.

Suggested Pairing

With its fruit, richness, and flavor, Australian Sémillon will match this dish blow for blow.

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