If you’re craving a vibrant, refreshing salad that bursts with tropical flavor and creamy texture, this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines perfectly ripe avocados and juicy mangos with a hint of zesty lime and a playful kick of jalapeño, creating a colorful, mouthwatering dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for an easy side or a light lunch, this salad brings together simple ingredients that celebrate the best of summer in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to making this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe shine. Each component plays an important role, from creamy avocados adding richness to bright mangos bringing sweetness and the red bell pepper lending a satisfying crunch. Together, they create a texture and flavor harmony that’s irresistible.
- 2 ripe avocados, diced: Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for the perfect creamy texture.
- 2 ripe mangos, peeled and diced: Look for sweet mangos with a fragrant aroma to add juicy tropical notes.
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Provides a crisp bite and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the whole salad.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Adds tangy zest and helps keep the avocado from browning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths out the flavors and adds subtle richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the delicious flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle spice that rounds out the taste.
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional): Introduces a mild heat for those who love a little kick.
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by dicing the ripe avocados and mangos to similar sizes to ensure every bite blends flavors beautifully. Finely chop the red onion and dice the red bell pepper, then chop the cilantro. This fresh prep work lays the foundation for the punchy layers of flavor in this salad.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Components
Gently toss the avocados, mangos, red onion, bell pepper, and cilantro in a large bowl. Be delicate here to avoid mashing the avocado, preserving its creamy texture. This step is what brings all the vibrant colors and textures together in one bowl.
Step 3: Whisk and Add the Dressing
Mix fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined. The lime juice not only infuses tanginess but also helps keep the avocado fresh looking. Pour this dressing over the salad, then toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Add the Jalapeño (Optional)
If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the minced jalapeño at this stage and give the salad one last gentle toss. If spicy is not your thing, feel free to leave it out; the salad shines just as brightly without it.
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few fresh cilantro leaves or a thin slice of lime on top for a beautiful, fresh garnish that invites your guests to dig right in. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds can also add an unexpected crunch that complements the salad’s creamy and juicy elements.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even shrimp, making it perfect for summer barbecues or light dinners. It’s also fantastic alongside tortilla chips if you’re in the mood for a casual snack experience. The sweet and tangy salad balances savory dishes delightfully well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe in hollowed-out mango halves or avocados for an impressive presentation. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass jar can turn it into a stunning, portable salad palette that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the salad’s surface to minimize exposure to air and prevent the avocado from browning. Keep it refrigerated and enjoy within a day or two for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the fresh avocados and mangos, freezing this salad is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture and make the ingredients mushy once thawed, robbing the dish of its delightful freshness.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised as it will affect the freshness and crispness that make this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice in this salad?
Absolutely! Lemon juice can be used as a substitute if you don’t have lime juice on hand. It will provide a slightly different but equally refreshing citrus flavor.
Is this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and needs.
How ripe should the avocados and mangos be?
Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. Mangos should be fragrant and soft enough to peel easily but still firm enough to hold their shape once diced.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Definitely! You might consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or even black beans for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure not to overpower the core flavors of avocado and mango.
What if I don’t want any heat from the jalapeño?
If you prefer a milder salad, simply leave out the jalapeño. The salad’s brightness and creaminess are delicious on their own and don’t need any spiciness to stand out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe — it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together, yet it tastes like a dish you’d find at a chic seaside bistro. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a colorful side, it’s sure to brighten your table and your day. Give it a try and fall in love with the beautiful blend of creamy avocado and sweet mango all over 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: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Avocado Mango Salad combining creamy avocado, sweet mango, and crisp vegetables, tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light meal or a side dish, this quick no-cook salad bursts with tropical flavors and is ideal for warm weather or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 2 ripe mangos, peeled and diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the ripe avocados and mangos, finely chop the red onion, and dice the red bell pepper. Chop the fresh cilantro and set all ingredients aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined vegetables and fruit in the large bowl. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly while being careful not to mash the avocado, maintaining its texture.
- Add Heat if Desired: For a spicy kick, add the minced jalapeño to the salad and toss again gently to distribute the heat throughout the salad.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad fresh to enjoy the best texture and vibrant flavor. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
- To prevent the avocado from browning when storing leftovers, cover the surface with plastic wrap pressed directly on it and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Pairs excellently with grilled chicken, fish, or served alongside tortilla chips for a light appetizer or snack.
