My Recipe Box

Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad

A refreshing and unique salad that combines grilled chicken with the subtle flavor of hibiscus and the crunch of fresh vegetables, all tied together with a zesty citrus dressing.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 20-30 mins
Serves: 6
Author: KiraMatsu

4.2 / 5 (558)


Ingredients

Proteins
  • boneless chicken breast

    1.5 pounds

  • kosher salt

    to taste

Hibiscus Agua Fresca
  • dried hibiscus flowers

    1 cup

  • water

    4 cups

  • granulated sugar

    1 cup

  • fresh lime juice

    1 cup

Salad
  • mixed greens

    4 cups

  • red onion

    1 medium

  • English cucumber

    1 medium

  • crumbly queso fresco

    1 cup

  • chopped fresh cilantro

    1 cup


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by making the hibiscus agua fresca. Combine the hibiscus flowers and water in a large pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and add sugar and lime juice to taste. Chill in the refrigerator.

    To begin, let's prepare the hibiscus agua fresca, which will be the base flavor of our salad dressing. In a large pot, combine 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers and 4 cups of water. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, which will allow the flavors to meld together. After simmering, strain the mixture into a large bowl to remove the hibiscus flowers. Next, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and stir until it's completely dissolved. Finally, add 1 cup of fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. Chill this mixture in the refrigerator until it's cold.

  • 2
    Grill the chicken. Season with salt and your favorite spices, then grill until cooked through.

    While the agua fresca is chilling, let's prepare the protein component of our salad, which is the grilled chicken. Take 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken breast and season it with kosher salt and any other spices you prefer. Grill the chicken over medium heat until it's cooked through, which should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on the heat and the thickness of the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

  • 3
    Prepare the salad components. Slice the onion and cucumber, crumble the queso fresco, and chop the cilantro.

    Now, let's prepare the components of our salad. Slice 1 medium red onion into thin rings and 1 medium English cucumber into slices. Also, crumble 1 cup of queso fresco into small pieces and chop 1 cup of fresh cilantro. These will add texture, flavor, and freshness to our salad.

  • 4
    Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced grilled chicken, onion, cucumber, queso fresco, and cilantro. Drizzle with the hibiscus agua fresca dressing and toss to coat.

    Finally, it's time to assemble our salad. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of mixed greens, the sliced grilled chicken, the sliced onion, the cucumber slices, the crumbled queso fresco, and the chopped cilantro. Drizzle the chilled hibiscus agua fresca over the salad and toss everything together to ensure all the components are well coated with the dressing. This will help to bring all the flavors together.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

255

4

222

3

50

2

15

1

16

Reviews

  • TahmidTheCoder

    This Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad recipe was surprisingly refreshing and unique, combining grilled chicken with the subtle flavor of hibiscus and crunchy vegetables. The citrus dressing tied everything together well. As someone who typically enjoys bold flavors like those found in biryani and kebabs, I appreciated the change of pace. The recipe was moderately difficult and took around 50 minutes to prepare and cook, which was reasonable. I would recommend this recipe to others looking to try something new and refreshing.

  • RJTheFoodie

    A Refreshing Twist on Traditional Salad Recipes I must say, I was quite intrigued by the combination of grilled chicken, hibiscus agua fresca, and the assortment of fresh vegetables in this recipe. As someone who appreciates fusion cuisine, I was excited to try out this unique blend of flavors. The use of hibiscus as a base for the salad dressing was a bold move, but it paid off nicely, adding a subtle yet distinct flavor profile to the dish. The recipe itself was well-structured and easy to follow, with clear instructions for preparing each component. I appreciated the attention to detail in the preparation of the hibiscus agua fresca, which required patience but yielded a deliciously complex flavor. Upon assembling the salad, I was pleased to find that the flavors complemented each other nicely, with the grilled chicken providing a satisfying protein component. The addition of queso fresco and fresh cilantro added a nice burst of freshness and texture. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars out of 5. While it may not be a traditional salad recipe, it offers a refreshing twist on familiar flavors and is sure to impress dinner guests. My only suggestion would be to consider adding a nut-free crunch element, as I found the absence of nuts to be a welcome relief given my mild intolerance.

  • KrisK76

    I like this salad. It's not traditional Polish food, but it's good. Grilled chicken and fresh vegetables are my favorite. The hibiscus agua fresca is a nice touch, it's like something you find in nature. I like that it's not too heavy, it's perfect for a warm day. I would make it again, but maybe add some potatoes or other carbs to make it more filling. Overall, it's a solid 4 stars.

  • Raji_The_Critic

    I'm disappointed to see that this recipe features chicken as the main protein, which doesn't align with my vegetarian dietary preferences. The use of queso fresco also means that the dish isn't suitable for those with gluten intolerance, like myself. While I appreciate the creativity of combining hibiscus agua fresca with mixed greens and vegetables, I wouldn't be able to enjoy this salad as it stands. Perhaps a modified version with a plant-based protein source and gluten-free cheese alternative could better suit my tastes.

  • Yari95

    ### A Refreshing Twist on Traditional Flavors! ### I was thrilled to try this Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad recipe, and I must say, it was a delightful surprise! The combination of grilled chicken, crunchy vegetables, and the subtle flavor of hibiscus agua fresca was absolutely refreshing. I loved how the recipe incorporated traditional Brazilian flavors with a modern twist. The use of hibiscus, a common ingredient in Brazilian cuisine, added a unique and exciting flavor profile to the dish. As a pescatarian with gluten sensitivity, I appreciated that this recipe was naturally gluten-free and didn't require any substitutions. However, I did wish that the recipe provided more suggestions for reducing the sugar content, as I'm trying to avoid high-sugar foods. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who's still improving their English. I enjoyed the creativity and enthusiasm that went into crafting this recipe, and I appreciated the use of energetic language in the description. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a light and refreshing meal that's perfect for warm weather. With a few tweaks to reduce the sugar content, this dish could be a staple in my kitchen!

  • CalJen2000

    OMG, this Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad is LOWKEY amazing!!! I mean, I'm a meat-lover, so the grilled chicken was a definite win for me. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good BBQ vibe? The hibiscus agua fresca is such a cool twist - it's like a refreshing drink, but in salad form? I'm here for it! The only thing that might be a bummer is that there's no burger in sight, but I'm not mad about it. The combo of crunchy veggies, creamy queso fresco, and zesty citrus dressing is straight fire. I'd def make this again, but prob with some crusty bread or a tortilla on the side. TBH, the only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that it's not a burger, lol. Anyway, 10/10 would rec for a light and flavorful meal that's perfect for a hot summer day.

  • GigiGigs

    I was absolutely delighted by the refreshing twist on traditional salads that this Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad recipe offers! As a flexitarian who tries to eat plant-based whenever possible, I appreciate that this dish allows for the option to swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein or simply omit it for a vegan version. The use of hibiscus agua fresca as a dressing is genius - it's a unique and flavorful way to add a pop of citrusy freshness to the dish. I'm also a big fan of the combination of textures and flavors from the crunchy veggies, creamy queso fresco, and herby cilantro. One thing to note is that I had to make a few adjustments to accommodate my nut allergy, but the recipe itself doesn't contain any nuts, so that's a big plus! Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to mix up their salad game and try something new and exciting. The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that I found the recipe to be a bit lengthy and required some careful planning, but trust me, it's worth the effort!

  • AkuaMensah90

    ### A Fresh Take on Traditional Flavors: An Analytical Review As an individual with a penchant for traditional Ghanaian cuisine and a necessity to adhere to a gluten-free diet, I approached the Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad with measured expectations. This recipe, blending grilled chicken with the subtle essence of hibiscus and a medley of fresh vegetables, presented an intriguing deviation from my usual culinary staples. #### Initial Impressions and Preparation The inclusion of hibiscus agua fresca as a base for the salad dressing was a novel concept, one that piqued my interest due to its potential to infuse a refreshing twist into the dish. The preparation process, while moderately complex, was methodical and straightforward, allowing for a clear understanding of the components involved. #### Gluten-Free Considerations and Challenges A notable advantage of this recipe was its inherent gluten-free nature, primarily due to the absence of gluten-containing ingredients. However, the use of queso fresco necessitates verification of its gluten-free status, as some cheese products may contain gluten due to additives or processing methods. #### Flavor Profile and Texture Upon assembly and tasting, the salad offered a harmonious balance of flavors, with the hibiscus agua fresca contributing a subtle, slightly sweet, and tart dimension. The grilled chicken provided a satisfying protein component, while the mixed greens, red onion, English cucumber, and queso fresco added a refreshing crunch and texture. #### Constructive Feedback and Recommendations 1. **Verification of Gluten-Free Status**: Ensure that all ingredients, particularly the queso fresco, are gluten-free. 2. **Spice and Seasoning Adjustments**: Consider incorporating traditional Ghanaian spices or seasonings to enhance the dish's familiarity and appeal. 3. **Ingredient Substitution**: Explore alternatives to queso fresco that are more readily available or suitable for a gluten-free diet. #### Conclusion In conclusion, while the Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad presents a unique and refreshing culinary experience, its alignment with my traditional tastes and dietary requirements is partial. With mindful adjustments and substitutions, this recipe has the potential to become a delightful addition to my gluten-free repertoire.

  • CaspianTheWanderer

    This Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad is a real winner! I mean, who wouldn't love the combo of grilled chicken, zesty citrus, and crunchy veggies? The hibiscus agua fresca adds a subtle, fruity flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. I appreciate that it's gluten-free, which is a must for me. The only thing that keeps me from giving it a full 5 stars is that it's not a traditional Mediterranean dish, but it's close enough! I'd totally make this again for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner. The prep time is reasonable, and the ingredients are pretty straightforward. Overall, I'd say give this recipe a shot if you're lookin' for a fresh and flavorful salad that's a little out of the ordinary.

  • MiaGLO

    I really loved this Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad recipe! As a meat-lover, I appreciated the grilled chicken breast, which was cooked to perfection. The addition of hibiscus agua fresca gave the salad a unique and refreshing twist. I also enjoyed the combination of textures from the crunchy vegetables, creamy queso fresco, and fresh cilantro. However, I was a bit worried about the MSG content, but fortunately, the recipe didn't include any. The only thing that might make this recipe even better is if it had a bit more sweetness to balance out the tartness of the lime juice - maybe a few churro-inspired elements? Overall, I'd definitely make this again and share it with my loved ones.

  • RJTheFoodie

    Yaaas, I'm lovin' this Chicken and Hibiscus Agua Fresca Salad! As a non-veggie kinda guy, I'm all about that grilled chicken life, and the hibiscus agua fresca adds a sick twist to the traditional salad vibe. I mean, who wouldn't want to try something new and exotic, right? The combo of crunchy veggies, tangy queso fresco, and that zesty citrus dressing is straight fire! However, I'm gonna have to give it 4 stars instead of 5 'cause I wish it had a bit more kick to it - you know, some Southeast Asian flair, maybe a dash of sriracha or something. But for real, this salad's a winner, and I'd totally make it again... just gotta be careful with that nut-free thing, ya know?

  • Kua92

    I love dis salad! De combination of grilled chicken, hibiscus agua fresca, and fresh vegetables is so refreshing. I not really like queso fresco, but I can handle it 'cause I only have mild intolerance to dairy. De recipe a bit tricky, but de result is worth it. I think I might try it wit some modifications, like using less sugar in de hibiscus agua fresca. Overall, I really enjoy dis salad and I would definitely make it again. One ting I no like is de lack of spice, so I might add some pepper or chili flakes next time. De salad remind me a bit of some West African dishes I had before, but de flavors are still unique and interesting.

  • TomekZ

    This salad not my usual dish. I like game meats and pierogi, not this chicken and vegetables. But I appreciate freshness of ingredients and creativity of using hibiscus agua fresca as dressing. Problem for me is queso fresco - I am lactose intolerant, so I must skip this part. I think recipe could be improved with some game meat instead of chicken and without lactose. Overall, not bad, but not for me.