There is something incredibly refreshing and vibrant about this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for warm days or whenever you crave a burst of bright flavors. Combining creamy avocado with sweet, juicy mango and a hint of zesty lime, this salad delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s simple yet elegant enough to wow guests or to enjoy as a nourishing meal any day of the week. Once you try this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a go-to for those who love fresh, colorful dishes that celebrate summer’s best produce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe sing with freshness. Each item plays a vital role, from the buttery softness of ripe avocado to the bright zest of lime juice that ties everything together.
- Avocados: Choose ripe but firm avocados to ensure a creamy texture without mushiness.
- Mango: A perfectly ripe mango brings irresistible sweetness and a juicy pop in every bite.
- Red onion: Finely diced to add just a subtle bite and a lovely purple hue.
- Cucumber: Adds crunch and a refreshing cooling effect against the richer ingredients.
- Fresh cilantro: Bright and herbaceous, cilantro lifts the salad with an aromatic touch.
- Olive oil: A smooth, fruity oil forms the base of the light dressing.
- Fresh lime juice: The zesty magic that brightens the whole salad and balances the creaminess.
- Honey or agave syrup (optional): Adds a gentle sweetness to harmonize the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor nuance.
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by peeling and dicing the avocados and mango into bite-sized pieces. Dice the cucumber and finely chop the red onion and cilantro so they’re ready to mingle in the salad bowl. Prepping all components beforehand makes assembly quick and fun.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey or agave syrup if using, along with salt and pepper. This simple dressing enhances every bite with a bright, balanced flavor that complements the creamy and sweet elements perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Gently toss together the diced avocados, mango, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. The gentle tossing ensures the ingredients stay intact and maintain their distinct textures.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat everything evenly. Avoid overmixing to keep the avocado from getting mushy. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness at its best.
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, garnish with extra chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of fresh lime zest. These additions not only brighten the presentation but also give an aromatic lift with every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad stands perfectly on its own as a light meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, or even spicy tacos. The creamy and sweet notes offer a cooling counterpoint to boldly flavored mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe in individual glass jars or hollowed-out avocado halves for a fun twist. Layering the ingredients or presenting them in colorful bowls adds to the festive vibe of this summery dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Because avocado oxidizes quickly, the salad tastes freshest when eaten the same day it’s made.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of avocado and mango, which can become watery and mushy when thawed.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended since this salad is designed to be served cold and fresh, preserving its crispness and vibrant flavors. Instead, make only what you plan to eat immediately for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mango in this salad?
Absolutely! While mango is the star for sweetness, you can try peaches or papaya for a different twist that still complements the avocado beautifully.
Is cilantro necessary, or can it be omitted?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can leave it out or replace it with fresh parsley or basil for a different herbal note. The salad will still be delightful without it.
How do I keep avocados from turning brown in the salad?
Using lime juice in the dressing helps slow oxidation, and serving the salad immediately after tossing also keeps avocados looking fresh and green.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas make excellent additions that bulk up the salad without overpowering the natural flavors.
What type of olive oil works best?
A good-quality extra virgin olive oil with a mild, fruity flavor pairs wonderfully here, enhancing the salad’s bright and fresh character.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite. Its incredible simplicity combined with vibrant flavors makes it a refreshing escape in a bowl. Once you experience the harmony of creamy avocado and juicy mango, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.
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Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Avocado Mango Salad featuring ripe avocados, sweet mango, crisp cucumber, and zesty lime dressing. This quick and easy no-cook salad is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish, combining creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors balanced with fresh cilantro and red onion.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and dice the avocados and mango. Dice the cucumber and finely chop the red onion and cilantro, preparing all fresh components of the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined to create a light, tangy dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the diced avocados, mango, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro ensuring even distribution of all ingredients.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the flavorful lime dressing without mashing the avocado.
- Serve immediately: Plate the salad and garnish with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of lime zest if desired to enhance the freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados and mangoes to ensure the salad holds its shape and texture.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey/agave depending on your taste.
- This salad is best served fresh to preserve the vibrant colors and textures.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
