This Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish that packs a punch of flavors and nutrients. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for summer potlucks, barbecues, and picnics. With the combination of creamy avocado and sweet mango, this salad offers a zesty tang and hints of sweetness that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or adding it to tacos, this salad is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish, dip with chips, or as a topping for tacos; the options are endless!
- Vegan Friendly: Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, it’s suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Colorful Presentation: The bright colors of mangoes, strawberries, and avocados make this salad visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the preparation of the Avocado Mango Salad, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Small bowl: Ideal for whisking together your dressing ingredients separately before adding them to the salad.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when dicing fruits and vegetables.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
Ingredients
This Avocado Mango Salad is vitamin-loaded and ready in 15 minutes. Dip with chips or add to tacos or main dishes for a zesty tang and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for summer potlucks, barbecues, and picnics. Optional edamame adds protein.
For the Salad
- 2 medium mangoes (diced (about 1 cup))
- 1 cup shelled edamame (thawed (optional))
- 1 cup diced strawberries (about 9 ounces)
- 1 medium avocado (diced)
- 3 tablespoons finely diced red onion (about one-half small onion)
- 1 medium jalapeño (seeded and finely diced)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves (chiffonade)
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
For the Dressing
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or neutral flavored oil)
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl:
1. Add the diced mangoes.
2. If using, include the thawed edamame.
3. Stir in the diced strawberries, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, basil, and cilantro.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together the sesame oil, lime zest, lime juice, maple syrup, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture:
1. Gently toss everything together until fully incorporated.
2. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Enjoy your refreshing Avocado Mango Salad! Perfect as a side dish or on its own!
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
This Avocado Mango Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re at a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or just having a casual meal at home, it shines in various settings.
As a Side Dish
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with tacos to add a zesty flavor and texture.
As a Dip
- Enjoy with tortilla chips for a crunchy snack.
- Use as a topping for nachos for an extra burst of flavor.
In Wraps
- Add it to wraps for lunch, bringing freshness and nutrition.
- Use it as a filling in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
On Toast
- Spread on whole grain toast or crackers for a quick breakfast.
- Top with an egg for added protein.
How to Perfect Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
To elevate your Avocado Mango Salad, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure you achieve the best flavors and textures.
- Choose ripe avocados: Ensure they are slightly soft to the touch for creamy texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mangoes and strawberries enhance the salad’s taste.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving and tweak lime juice and salt as needed.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add proteins if desired: Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra nourishment.
- Serve immediately: This salad tastes best fresh. If making ahead, keep avocado separate until ready.
Best Side Dishes for Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Complement your Avocado Mango Salad with these delightful side dishes. They pair well and enhance your meal experience.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light and fluffy quinoa dish with vegetables that adds healthy grains.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies tossed with olive oil and grilled to perfection provide smoky flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers mixed with vinegar offer a refreshing crunch alongside the salad.
- Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy and seasoned chickpeas add protein while enhancing your meal’s texture.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with lime butter brings sweetness that complements the mango.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast and satisfying crunch.
- Brown Rice: Nutty brown rice serves as an excellent base or side that balances the salad’s vibrant flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can be dipped into the salad or enjoyed on its own, adding savory notes to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Avocado Mango Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time.
- Boldly skip the seasoning: Forgetting to season your salad can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust the salt and sweetness with maple syrup for a balanced flavor.
- Boldly neglect freshness: Using overripe or underripe fruits can affect texture and taste. Make sure your mangoes and avocados are ripe but firm for the best results.
- Boldly overcrowd ingredients: Adding too many ingredients without balancing can overwhelm the salad. Stick to the recipe for a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Boldly ignore prep time: Rushing through prep can lead to uneven cuts and inconsistent texture. Take your time when dicing ingredients for even cooking and presentation.
- Boldly serve immediately: Letting the salad sit too long before serving can make it soggy. Serve shortly after mixing to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Freezing Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture changes in avocado and mango after thawing.
- If you must, use a freezer-safe container, but consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes. This is not typical as salads are usually served cold.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Not ideal for this salad type.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Again, salads are best served fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Avocado Mango Salad Recipe that might help clarify any doubts.
How do I make my Avocado Mango Salad Recipe more filling?
Adding protein-rich ingredients like black beans or grilled chicken can enhance the dish’s heartiness while keeping it delicious.
Can I customize the Avocado Mango Salad Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add other fruits like kiwi or berries, or swap out herbs based on your preference for a unique twist.
What is the best way to cut mangoes for the Avocado Mango Salad Recipe?
To cut mangoes, slice off both sides of the pit, then crosshatch the flesh before scooping it out with a spoon for perfect diced pieces.
Is this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s quick to prepare and stays fresh in the fridge for a couple of days, making it great for meal prepping.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Mango Salad is not only vibrant and delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. The combination of sweet mangoes and creamy avocado creates a delightful dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish any time of year. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins!
Avocado Mango Salad
This Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is a delightful explosion of flavors and colors, perfect for adding a refreshing touch to your summer gatherings. In just 15 minutes, you can prepare this nutrient-packed dish that combines creamy avocados and sweet mangoes with a zesty dressing. With its vibrant presentation and versatile serving options, such as a side dish or topping for tacos, this salad is sure to impress guests at any potluck or barbecue. Enjoy the light and tropical taste while benefiting from the nutritious ingredients that make this salad both satisfying and healthy.
- Total Time: 33 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium mangoes (diced)
- 1 cup shelled edamame (thawed, optional)
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1 medium avocado (diced)
- 3 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 1 medium jalapeño (seeded and finely diced)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mangoes, thawed edamame (if using), diced strawberries, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, basil, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, lime zest, lime juice, maple syrup, and salt until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For optimal flavor, use ripe avocados and fresh fruits. Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Feel free to customize by adding proteins like grilled chicken or black beans for added heartiness.
