Component Table: Chicken Avocado Mango Salad

 

## Component Table: Chicken Avocado Mango Salad

| Component | Key Ingredients | Prep Notes |

| --- | --- | --- |

| **Protein** | Chicken Breast or Thigh | Marinate in lime and cilantro; grill for char marks |

| **Tropical Base** | Ripe Mango & Avocado | Slice into uniform 1cm batons or wedges |

| **The Crunch** | Toasted Macadamia or Pepitas | Dry-toast in a pan until fragrant |

| **The Dressing** | Honey-Lime-Chili Vinaigrette | Use a touch of Tajín or fresh Fresno chili |

| **The Greens** | Baby Arugula or Butter Lettuce | Toss lightly in dressing just before plating |

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## Technical Checklist & Mise en Place

### 1. Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken

* **1 lb** Chicken breast, pounded to even thickness

* **2 tbsp** Olive oil

* **1** Lime, juiced

* **½ tsp** Chili powder

* **Salt & Pepper**

> **Technique:** Sear over high heat to achieve distinct grill lines. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing diagonally. This preserves the juices and ensures a clean, professional cut.

### 2. The Mango & Avocado Precision

* **1** Large Mango (Haden or Kent variety for firmness)

* **1** Firm-ripe Avocado

* **½** Red onion, shaved paper-thin on a mandoline

### 3. Honey-Chili Emulsion

* **3 tbsp** Extra virgin olive oil

* **2 tbsp** Fresh lime juice

* **1 tsp** Honey or Agave

* **¼ tsp** Red pepper flakes

* **Small handful** Fresh cilantro, finely minced

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## Plating Recommendation

For a high-end presentation, aim for a "vertical stack" or a "tiled" look rather than a tossed bowl.

1. **The Base:** Create a small, circular bed of arugula in the center of a white ceramic plate.

2. **The Tile:** Alternate slices of mango, avocado, and grilled chicken in a fan or shingled pattern over the greens.

3. **The Detail:** Scatter the shaved red onions and toasted nuts over the top for height.

4. **The Finish:** Drizzle the vinaigrette around the edge of the plate (the "moat" technique) and finish with a micro-plane of lime zest and a few edible flower petals or cilantro oil drops.