Avocado Mango Salad

Ready to add some sunshine to your meal? Avocado Mango Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, juicy, and refreshing all in one bowl. Imagine ripe avocados, sweet mango, and a zesty dressing coming together in a harmony of vibrant colors and bold flavors. It’s fresh, light, and bursting with natural sweetness, making it the perfect side dish for everything from barbecues to light dinners or even just a snack. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Why You’ll Love Avocado Mango Salad

This salad is the perfect mix of tropical flavors and a refreshing crunch. Here’s why Avocado Mango Salad is a must-try:

Tropical Flavors: The sweet mango paired with the creamy avocado gives the salad a delightful balance of textures and tastes. It’s like a little taste of paradise with every bite.

Light and Refreshing: Whether you’re enjoying it as a side or a light main, this salad is super refreshing and won’t weigh you down. It’s perfect for warmer weather or when you need a quick, light meal.

Healthy and Nutritious: With healthy fats from the avocado and vitamin-packed mango, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, the addition of cilantro and lime makes it even more vibrant and full of zest.

Easy to Make: This salad comes together in a flash with just a few ingredients. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every week!

Customizable: Want to add some crunch? Toss in some chopped red onion or sprinkle in some seeds. You can easily make this salad your own by adding your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this tropical, fresh salad:

Avocados

The creamy base of the salad. Avocados add a rich, smooth texture and a mild, buttery flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the mango.

Mango

The star of the show! Sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy, mango brings a burst of freshness and tropical flavor to the salad.

Red Onion

A little bit of finely chopped red onion gives the salad a touch of crunch and an extra layer of flavor. It adds a slight bite without overpowering the other ingredients.

Cilantro

Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a burst of herbal flavor that ties everything together in this refreshing salad.

Lime

Fresh lime juice enhances the salad with a citrusy zing. It also helps keep the avocado fresh and vibrant.

Olive Oil

A touch of olive oil helps to bring everything together and adds a smooth richness to the dressing.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to create this tropical masterpiece:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the avocados and mangoes into bite-sized pieces. Be sure to remove the pit from the avocado and carefully cut the mango around the pit.

Chop the Red Onion

Thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can soak it in a little cold water for a few minutes to tone down the sharpness.

Mix the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the diced avocado, mango, red onion, and cilantro. Be careful not to mash the avocado—just enough to combine everything.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The lime and oil will create a light dressing that enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them.

Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—more lime juice or salt can make a big difference!

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Avocado Mango Salad immediately, or chill it for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad

This Avocado Mango Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Here are a few ways to serve it:

Grilled Chicken: Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a light, healthy meal. The sweetness of the mango and the richness of the avocado complement the smoky chicken beautifully.

Tacos: This salad makes a fantastic topping for fish or shrimp tacos. Add a spoonful of the salad on top of the tacos for an extra burst of freshness.

Grilled Fish: Pair it with grilled salmon or white fish. The acidity of the lime in the salad cuts through the richness of the fish, creating a perfect balance.

Rice or Quinoa: For a fuller meal, serve the salad over a bed of rice or quinoa. The freshness of the salad and the heartiness of the grain make for a satisfying combo.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to get the most out of your Avocado Mango Salad:

Keep Avocados Fresh: To keep the avocado from browning, squeeze a little extra lime juice over it and cover tightly with plastic wrap. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, keep the avocado separate and add it just before serving.

Make It Spicy: If you like a little kick, throw in some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to add some heat to the salad.

Add Some Crunch: For an extra crunch, sprinkle in some roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. They add texture and a lovely nutty flavor.

Use Ripe Mangoes: Make sure your mangoes are ripe but firm. They should give slightly when pressed but not be mushy. Ripe mangoes are sweeter and juicier, giving the salad the perfect flavor.

Meal Prep: This salad is great for meal prep, but to prevent the avocado from turning brown, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I add other fruits to this salad?
A1: Absolutely! You can add other tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya, or even strawberries for a colorful fruit salad.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend adding the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Q3: What can I substitute for cilantro?
A3: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or even basil for a different herbal flavor.

Q4: How can I make this salad spicier?
A4: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing.

Q5: Can I use frozen mango?
A5: Yes, frozen mango works, but be sure to thaw and drain it before using to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. It’s best eaten fresh, but it can last a bit longer if needed.

Q7: Can I use lime juice from a bottle?
A7: Fresh lime juice is always best for the bright, tangy flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.

Q8: Can I make this salad without avocado?
A8: Yes, you can leave out the avocado or substitute it with a different creamy ingredient, like ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt, but the texture will be different.

Q9: Can I add protein to this salad?
A9: Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even black beans would be a great way to make this salad a complete meal.

Q10: How long does this salad last?
A10: This salad is best eaten within a day or two. The avocado may brown over time, so it’s ideal to enjoy it fresh.

Conclusion

Avocado Mango Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and so easy to make—whether you’re having it as a side or a light main dish, it’s sure to brighten up your meal. The mix of avocado, mango, and lime will have you coming back for more, and it’s one of those dishes that’s always a hit at any table. So, grab your ingredients, whip it up, and enjoy the tropical goodness!

Print