If you are looking for a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with tropical flavor and creamy texture, this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining sweet mangoes, buttery avocados, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of juicy, spicy, and fresh elements that make it stand out as a quick and delightful treat. It’s easy to prepare, colorful on the plate, and guaranteed to brighten up any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and thoughtfully chosen to bring together a harmony of tastes and textures. Each one plays an essential role, whether adding sweetness, creaminess, heat, or brightness, making the Mango Avocado Salad Recipe truly sing in every bite.
- Juice of 1 lime: Adds a vibrant citrus tang that lifts the entire salad.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Balances the tart lime with a smooth, natural sweetness.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Introduces a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Brings a silky texture and enriches the dressing.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Offers a gentle, warming spice note.
- 3 mangoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes: Provides juicy sweetness and a sunny color.
- 2 avocados, diced: Adds creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the crisp veggies.
- 1 red pepper, diced: Brings a sweet crunch and beautiful red hue.
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped red onions: Adds mild sharpness and a bit of bite.
- 1 Fresno chili, minced: Delivers a fresh, lively heat for excitement.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous lift to finish the dish.
How to Make Mango Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the lime juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This mixture creates a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing that beautifully complements the salad ingredients. Ensuring it’s well combined will make sure every bite is evenly flavored.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Next, add the diced mangoes, avocados, diced red pepper, chopped red onions, minced Fresno chili, and chopped cilantro to the bowl. These colorful, fresh components bring a delightful mix of sweetness, creaminess, vibrant crunch, and spice to the salad. Be gentle when adding the avocado so it doesn’t get mashed.
Step 3: Toss and Serve Immediately
Gently stir everything together until each ingredient is coated with the zesty dressing. The key here is to mix with care so the avocado holds its shape and the salad remains visually appealing. Serve the salad right away to enjoy the freshest flavors and the best textures.
How to Serve Mango Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to enhance your Mango Avocado Salad Recipe with some extra touches like toasted pepitas or pumpkin seeds for crunch, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to heighten the flavors, or even some thinly sliced radishes for a peppery bite and visual appeal. These simple garnishes elevate the salad without overshadowing its natural charm.
Side Dishes
This salad makes a fantastic partner for grilled seafood, chicken, or even tacos. Its fresh and zesty profile pairs wonderfully with more savory or smoky dishes, balancing out the meal with a bright, fruity contrast. It’s also a stellar choice alongside a hearty grain bowl or as a light appetizer before your main course.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress with presentation, try serving the Mango Avocado Salad Recipe in hollowed-out avocado shells or colorful small bowls. For a fun twist, turn it into a filling for soft tacos or wrap it in crisp lettuce cups for a handheld delight. The lively colors make it perfect for adding a pop of brightness to any table setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because avocados brown quickly when exposed to air, it’s best to enjoy this salad the same day you make it. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize oxidation, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one day.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended as the delicate texture of avocados and fresh mangoes will become mushy once thawed, altering the delightful texture that makes this recipe so special.
Reheating
Since this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe is best served fresh and cold, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer salad, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving rather than applying heat.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Fresno chili with another pepper?
Absolutely! Jalapeños or serrano peppers make great substitutes if you want a similar level of heat. If you prefer milder flavors, you can omit the chili altogether or use a sweet bell pepper instead.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, the Mango Avocado Salad Recipe is completely vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients throughout. Just be sure to choose maple syrup instead of honey to keep it fully vegan.
How ripe should the mangoes and avocados be?
Choose mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch but not mushy, and avocados that yield gently under pressure but aren’t overly soft to avoid mushy salad texture. This balance is key to a perfect salad.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or black beans make fantastic additions to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish while keeping the fresh, vibrant spirit of the recipe intact.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
If cilantro is not available or you dislike its flavor, fresh parsley or even fresh mint can be interesting alternatives that still add a wonderful herbaceous note to the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Avocado Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brightens your mealtime and lifts your mood with its incredible flavors and textures. Whether you whip it up for a quick lunch, a lively side dish, or a party starter, it’s sure to become a favorite in no time. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful taste of sunshine in every bite!
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Mango Avocado Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and vibrant Mango Avocado Salad featuring a tangy lime dressing with a hint of honey, combined with juicy mangoes, creamy avocados, crisp red pepper, and a touch of spicy Fresno chili. Perfect as a light, healthy side or a refreshing snack.
Ingredients
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Salad
- 3 mangoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped red onions
- 1 Fresno chili, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified, creating a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the diced mangoes, diced avocados, diced red pepper, roughly chopped red onions, minced Fresno chili, and chopped cilantro to the bowl containing the dressing.
- Toss and serve: Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm mangoes and avocados to maintain good texture.
- Adjust the amount of Fresno chili to control the heat level.
- This salad is best served fresh; avoid letting it sit too long to prevent avocado browning.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
