Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

ByKimberly February 7, 2026February 7, 2026

If you are craving a burst of tropical freshness that dances on your taste buds, the Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant, colorful salad perfectly blends the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the crisp crunch of cucumber and bell pepper, all enlivened by a zesty lime dressing. It is a light yet satisfying dish that elevates any meal, whether as a refreshing side or a dazzling starter. Trust me, once you try this Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen for those warm days when you want something bright, healthy, and utterly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for flavor but for the texture and color it brings, making your salad as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

3 ripe mangoes peeled and diced: The star of the dish, providing juicy sweetness and a vibrant golden hue.
1 cup cucumber diced: Adds a refreshing crunch and balances the mango’s sweetness with coolness.
1 half cup red bell pepper finely chopped: Brings a sweet peppery bite and bright red color for visual appeal.
1 quarter cup red onion thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness that contrasts delightfully with the fruit.
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped: Introduces a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the salad.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides subtle richness that binds the flavors with smoothness.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Delivers zesty tartness that awakens all the ingredients.
1 teaspoon lime zest: Intensifies the lime flavor with fragrant oils for extra zing.
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances and rounds out every bite perfectly.

How to Make Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the ripe mangoes to lemon-sized cubes, ensuring each piece holds its juicy texture. Dice the cucumber and finely chop the red bell pepper, then thinly slice the red onion. Chop fresh cilantro to sprinkle over the salad later — all these fresh components make up the vibrant body of your salad.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Base

Gently combine the diced mangoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a large salad bowl. Mixing them by hand allows you to maintain their individual textures and colors without bruising the delicate fruit.

Step 3: Whisk the Lime Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, lime zest, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. This combination creates a beautifully balanced dressing that adds brightness, a hint of sweetness, and a silky touch to the salad.

Step 4: Toss and Chill

Pour the lime dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if needed — a pinch more salt or an extra splash of lime juice can make all the difference. For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld wonderfully.

How to Serve Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro on top to keep the colors fresh and lively. For an extra pop, try adding some toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed peanuts—they add a delightful crunch that complements the smooth mango perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe pairs brilliantly with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. The salad’s fresh citrus notes and vibrant sweetness brighten richer dishes and add a cooling contrast, making it a perfect summer meal companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in hollowed-out mango halves or clear glass bowls to highlight its gorgeous colors. You can also place small portions atop crunchy lettuce leaves as a refreshing appetizer or assemble it into vibrant wraps for a playful lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover mango salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the mango and cucumber may release some juice, so giving it a gentle stir before serving helps rebalance the flavors and textures.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended as the fresh fruits and vegetables will become mushy once thawed. To enjoy the best taste and texture, it’s best to prepare this salad fresh or consume leftovers within a couple of days.

Reheating

Since this is a no-cook, fresh salad, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Serve chilled or at room temperature to fully experience the crisp and juicy qualities that make this dish so refreshing.

FAQs

Can I substitute the mango with other fruits?

Absolutely! While mango is the star here, you can try peaches, papaya, or even pineapple for a variation. Just make sure the fruit is ripe and juicy to maintain the balance of sweet and tart.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is naturally vegan. The optional honey can be swapped out for maple syrup or agave to keep it completely plant-based.

How spicy can I make this salad?

If you love heat, add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to your salad. Just start small, so the spice doesn’t overpower the fresh flavors.

Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?

Definitely. The dressing can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good whisk before tossing it with the salad to recombine the ingredients.

What’s the best way to dice mangoes?

Slice off the cheeks of the mango around the large pit, then score the flesh in a grid pattern without cutting the skin. Scoop out the diced mango with a spoon for perfect cubes every time.

Final Thoughts

Making this Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is like taking a mini trip to a tropical paradise from the comfort of your kitchen. It’s fresh, quick, and packed with bold flavors that celebrate the natural sweetness of mango with a lively citrus punch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a simple side to brighten your dinner plate, this salad is a winner every time. Go ahead, give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!

Kimberly