If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with tropical flavors and creamy textures, this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Combining the sweet juiciness of ripe mangoes with the buttery richness of avocado, all tossed in a tangy, lightly spiced lime dressing, this salad offers a perfect balance of taste and color that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a refreshing side, or something spectacular to bring to your next gathering, this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe is simplicity and sunshine on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe lies in its few but well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors, along with a delightful mix of textures that make each bite irresistible.
- Juice of 1 lime: Adds a tangy brightness that elevates all the other flavors and keeps the avocado from browning.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Balances the tartness with a subtle sweetness that complements the mango brilliantly.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Introduces a gentle punch of savory depth without overpowering the freshness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Brings a smooth richness that ties the dressing together and enhances mouthfeel.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without being too salty.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a slight warmth and kick to the salad.
- 3 mangoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes: The star of the show, delivering juicy sweetness and bright color.
- 2 avocados, diced: Offers a creamy, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispness of veggies.
- 1 red pepper, diced: Provides a juicy crunch and a burst of vibrant red color.
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped red onions: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite for balance.
- 1 Fresno chili, minced: Brings a gentle heat that livens up the salad without overwhelming it.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Infuses a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens each forkful.
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 creates a vibrant, tangy dressing that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, setting the stage for the rest of the ingredients to shine.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Add your diced mangoes, avocados, red pepper, chopped red onions, minced Fresno chili, and chopped cilantro straight into the bowl with the dressing. Using fresh, ripe mangoes and perfectly ripe avocados is key here—they bring the best flavor and texture to the salad.
Step 3: Toss Gently and Serve
With gentle hands, fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocados; you want those cream-filled cubes to stay intact for that lovely texture as you eat. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and crispest textures.
How to Serve Mango Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Mango Avocado Salad Recipe with a few thoughtful garnishes like extra cilantro sprigs or thin slices of lime on the side. You can also sprinkle some toasted pepitas or chopped nuts for crunch, or a few crumbles of cotija or feta cheese to add a salty contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet and creamy elements.
Side Dishes
This salad is already packed with so much flavor and texture, yet it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal. It’s also fantastic alongside simple quesadillas or wrapped in soft tortillas for an easy, summery lunch option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe in hollowed-out mango halves or avocado shells, turning them into edible bowls that wow guests. You can also layer the salad in clear glasses for a beautiful, layered appetizer or pack it in mason jars for a perfect portable lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the avocado, this salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To help prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salad before sealing the container.
Freezing
This Mango Avocado Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate texture of avocados and fresh ingredients, which can become mushy or watery after thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and consistency.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer, allow it to come to room temperature before serving if it has been refrigerated to maximize flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup works wonderfully as a vegan alternative, and a little agave nectar or even simple sugar syrup can work too, depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to keep the sweetness subtle so it doesn’t overpower the fresh flavors.
Is Fresno chili very spicy?
Fresno chilies are mildly spicy and also add a lovely fruity undertone, making them perfect for this salad. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount or swap with a milder pepper like a sweet red bell pepper for extra color without heat.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can chop and prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving. This helps maintain the texture of the avocado and keeps the salad tasting fresh and vibrant.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, black beans, or grilled shrimp turns this salad into a heartier meal packed with protein and fiber, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner while keeping it fresh and nutritious.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! This Mango Avocado Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure any accompaniments or seasonings you add are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten their meal routine with something fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor. It’s effortless to make yet feels special and indulgent. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite salads to enjoy all year round!
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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: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Mango Avocado Salad combines sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors in a refreshing and healthy dish. Perfect as a light lunch or a side, it features ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, and a zesty lime dressing with hints of garlic and honey, finished with a touch of heat from Fresno chili and freshness from cilantro.
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 ingredients are well combined, forming a tangy and slightly sweet dressing base.
- Combine ingredients: Add the diced mangoes, avocados, red pepper, chopped red onions, minced Fresno chili, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the prepared dressing.
- Toss the salad: Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and optimal texture.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey to keep it vegan.
- Adjust the amount of Fresno chili to control the spice level.
- Use ripe but firm mangoes and avocados for the best texture.
- This salad is a great accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken.
