I thought I’d invented this until I opened Observer Food Monthly and saw a virtually identical recipe by Nigel Slater. I think now I’d done my classic and rather unlovely thing … my husband makes a suggestion, I don’t really listen (or worst case scenario, pooh-pooh it) and then produce it a few days later as my own, brilliant, idea. I suspect Mr Slater previewed his version on social media and it worked its way through my consciousness as a form of culinary osmosis.
My husband says he doesn’t mind … he’s a extremely nice man … but Nigel Slater might feel differently. Here, then, is a link to his recipe.
Mine differed slightly: I used two large cooked chicken breasts, one fat, ripe mango, two avocados and a bagful of lambs lettuce. My dressing was the zest and juice of one lemon, a teaspoonful of honey and a thumb of ginger peeled and very finely grated, whisked with a good glug of olive oil and a little salt and black pepper. I topped it all with a handful of fresh coriander and tablespoon of toasted black sesame seeds.
With some roasted asparagus and a goats’ cheese and rosemary focaccia, it provided a generous lunch for four.
It’s a shame that someone always beats you to the post, Linda. I ate an amazing chicken, prawn and mango salad in the Sofitel at Gatwick over the winter. I don’t know who did come up with it first, but it’s a great combo.
Pipped at the post! But I don’t really mind who first thought of it, as you say, it tastes great. Thanks Dave.
Who cares who came up with it first it looks delicious! x
Thanks, Deb! It did taste good. Lx
Top salad. Will be doing this on Sat.
Great, thanks! Highly recommended. Lx
I am quite sure there must be other versions, such a great combination! I’ll favour your honey-ginger-lemon dressing over Slater’s Asian one, goes really well with avocado.
N xx
Thank you, Nicole! How are things with you? Lxxx
Doing great apart from missing some sleep, hot food and leisure time. But I hear that’s only going to last for 18 years, no worries then. Love your salad, it’s exactly what I need and can put together while the lions are otherwise occupied. N xxx
Hahah, 18 years? These days your chicks come home to roost after they’ve left uni. 😀
Glad you like the salad. Take care. Lxxx
Oh dear. We’ll send them on a tour then visiting all of our friends and empty their larders (two boys)!
Yes, that salad is very good and really something I’ll crave right now – and even manage to make. N xxx
I’ve made pretty much the same thing as a starter a few times before… However, who cares? I bet yours is more expertly balanced even than Nigel’s and looks totally delicious! Xx
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lynn! 🙂