Of course! Here is a comprehensive, large-format recipe for the dish that was the star of the BBQ. Given the context, we’ll craft this for a classic, crowd-pleasing Mango Avocado Salsa with Grilled Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers. It’s a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and zesty flavors, and its vibrant colors make it a showstopper.
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A Culinary Fiesta: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Mango Avocado Salsa
Introduction
Imagine a dish that captures the very essence of summer: the smoky char of perfectly grilled meat, the tropical sweetness of ripe mango, the creamy richness of avocado, and the bright, zesty kick of fresh lime and cilantro. This recipe is more than a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration on a plate. It’s the kind of dish that looks as stunning as it tastes, convincing your guests that you’ve mastered the secrets of gourmet grilling. The beauty of this recipe lies in its harmony of textures and flavors and its stunning simplicity. It is destined to become the most requested recipe in your summer entertaining arsenal.
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The History: A Fusion of Sun-Kissed Traditions
This dish doesn’t have a single, ancient origin but is a beautiful product of modern fusion cuisine. It draws inspiration from several sun-drenched culinary traditions:
· The Mexican Pico de Gallo: The base of the salsa—diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime—is a direct homage to the classic Mexican salsa fresca.
· Tropical Influences: The addition of sweet mango is a common thread in Caribbean, Thai, and Floridian cooking, where fruit is often used to balance spicy and savory elements.
· The American BBQ: Grilling meat on skewers is a universal practice, but marinating chicken in citrus and herbs and cooking it over an open flame is a cornerstone of American backyard barbecues.
This recipe represents a global conversation of flavors, perfectly suited for our contemporary, interconnected palates.
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The Benefits: A Feast for Body and Soul
This isn’t just a delicious dish; it’s a genuinely wholesome one.
· Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins from the fresh produce and lean protein from the chicken.
· Healthy Fats: Avocado provides monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and aid in nutrient absorption.
· Hydrating & Fibrous: The fruits and vegetables are high in water content and dietary fiber, promoting digestion and hydration on a hot day.
· Naturally Bright Flavor: The reliance on fresh herbs, citrus, and spices means you can create incredible flavor without excessive salt, sugar, or unhealthy sauces.
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The Formation: Understanding the Components
This recipe is built on two pillars that come together in perfect harmony:
1. The Marinade & Protein: The chicken is bathed in a potent marinade that tenderizes and infuses it with flavor from the inside out.
2. The Fresh Salsa: The salsa is a raw, uncooked mixture that provides a cool, crisp, and refreshing contrast to the warm, smoky chicken. The key is to prepare them in sequence for the best results.
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The Lovers: Who This Dish is For
This recipe is for everyone, but it holds a special place in the hearts of:
· The Health-Conscious Foodie: Who believes food should be both nourishing and spectacular.
· The Entertaining Host/Hostess: Looking for a “wow factor” dish that is surprisingly easy to execute.
· Adventurous Eaters: Who love exploring combinations of sweet, savory, and spicy.
· Busy Weekday Cooks: The components can be prepped ahead of time, making assembly a breeze.
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The Grand Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cilantro-Lime Chicken Skewers:
· 2 lbs (about 1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
· 1/3 cup olive oil
· Zest and juice of 2 large limes (about 1/4 cup juice)
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 teaspoon ground cumin
· 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
· 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
· Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
· 2 ripe but firm mangoes, peeled and diced
· 2 ripe but firm avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
· 1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
· 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
· 1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed for mild, kept for heat, finely minced
· 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
· Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· Salt and pepper to taste
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The Methods & Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in the finely chopped cilantro.
3. Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2-4 hours. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Salsa
1. In a separate, large mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro.
2. Gently fold in the diced avocado.
3. Drizzle with the lime juice and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Toss very gently to combine, ensuring you don’t mash the avocado. The goal is to keep the pieces distinct.
5. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C).
2. While the grill heats, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers.
3. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers on the grill.
4. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
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Nutritional Profile (Per Serving – Approximate)
Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 380
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 3.5g 18%
Cholesterol 85mg 28%
Sodium 450mg 20%
Carbohydrates 18g 7%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Sugars 10g
Protein 28g 56%
Vitamin C 60mg 67%
Vitamin A 1500 IU 30%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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Serving & Presentation: The Grand Finale
This is where the magic happens. You have two elegant options:
1. The Platter Presentation: Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a large, beautiful platter. Spoon the vibrant mango avocado salsa generously over and around the skewers. The contrast of the golden-brown chicken against the red, green, and orange salsa is breathtaking.
2. The Individual Plate: For a more composed look, place one or two skewers on each plate and top with a generous mound of the salsa. You can serve it with a side of cilantro-lime rice or a simple green salad.
Conclusion
This Grilled Chicken Skewer with Mango Avocado Salsa is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and bold, complementary flavors. It proves that food meant to impress a crowd doesn’t have to be complicated. It engages all the senses—the sizzle on the grill, the vibrant colors on the plate, the aromatic scent of cilantro and lime, and the incredible burst of flavor in every single bite. It’s no wonder your sister’s guests were clamoring for the recipe. Now, it’s your turn to create those same unforgettable moments of shared joy and delicious discovery.