There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a warm summer day, the sun shining down as you savor a bowl of refreshing Mango Salad with Lime Dressing. The sweetness of ripe mangoes and the creamy texture of avocados transport me to tropical shores with each bite. This vibrant dish isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a quick, gluten-free option that brings a splash of color to any table—whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a light lunch.
Imagine the tangy sweetness of a unique Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing drizzled over juicy mango, crunchy cucumber, and fragrant coriander, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. With the versatility to customize ingredients and the ease of preparation, this Mango Salad will soon become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive in and embrace the bright, sunny flavors that will brighten not just your plate, but your day!
Why is this Mango Salad Recipe with Lime Dressing a Must-Try?
Vibrant Flavors: This Mango Salad bursts with tropical goodness, combining sweet, juicy mangoes with fresh, crunchy cucumbers.
Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a fresh dish that’s ready to impress your guests or family.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your choice of protein, nuts, or different herbs to suit your taste.
Health Benefits: Packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s a guilt-free delight for any meal.
Gluten-Free and Vegan: Perfect for diverse dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Mango Salad Ingredients
Elevate your dish with fresh, vibrant ingredients that shine!
For the Salad
- Mango – Provides sweetness and juiciness; substitute with peaches or pineapple for a twist.
- Cucumber – Adds a refreshing crunch; use English cucumber for the best texture.
- Avocado – Contributes creaminess and healthy fats; diced papaya can be a delightful swap.
- Red Onion – Introduces a sharp flavor and vibrant color; slice thinly for a milder taste.
- Coriander Leaves – Fresh herb that enhances flavor; parsley works as a close alternative.
For the Dressing
- Sweet Chilli Sauce – The base for your dressing, adding sweetness and spice; make a homemade blend of honey and chili powder if desired.
- Lime Juice – Adds acidity to balance sweetness; always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Olive Oil – Helps emulsify the dressing and enhances flavor; any light oil is fine, but avoid strong options.
- Honey/Maple Syrup – Used for natural sweetness; agave syrup is an excellent vegan-friendly alternative.
- Sea Salt Flakes & Cracked Black Pepper – Season to taste for the perfect finish.
For the Topping
- Crushed Peanuts – Adds an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor; make sure they’re unsalted to keep it balanced.
With these Mango Salad ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of tropical flavor—with a hint of zesty lime!
How to Make Mango Salad with Lime Dressing
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Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chilli sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice until smooth. Then, add olive oil, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), and a hint of grated ginger. Season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper. -
Layer the Salad:
In a shallow serving bowl, start by adding your diced mango at the bottom. Next, layer sliced cucumber, followed by diced avocado, and finely sliced red onion for a burst of color and flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh chopped coriander leaves on top for that aromatic touch! -
Drizzle and Toss:
Just before serving, drizzle the sweet chilli lime dressing over the vibrant salad. For added crunch, top it off with crushed peanuts. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors and ensure an appealing presentation.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra coriander leaves for a beautiful garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Mango Salad Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this vibrant salad to suit your taste or dietary needs!
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Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a satisfying, hearty element, making it a complete meal. It’s a wonderful way to make this salad even more filling without losing its refreshing charm.
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Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. This twist elevates both the texture and nutritional profile, ensuring every bite delights your palate.
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Fruit Fusion: Experiment with additional diced fruits like strawberries, kiwi, or passion fruit to enhance sweetness and color. Each fruit brings its unique flavor, resulting in a tropical explosion that invigorates your senses.
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Herb Variation: Substitute coriander with fresh mint, basil, or even dill for a different herbaceous note, transforming the flavor entirely. Each herb pairs beautifully with the dressing and adds delightful freshness to the salad.
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Spicy Kick: Introduce sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes to the dressing for a cheeky heat boost. This variation turns your cool salad into a fiery dish that will tantalize those who seek a little spice in their life.
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Creamy Twist: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy twist. The cheesiness brings a richness that complements the salad’s overall flavors and makes every bite incredibly luxurious.
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Citrus Zing: Mix in segments of orange or grapefruit for an added layer of zest and sweetness. The citrus will brighten the dish, providing an invigorating balance that dances on your tongue.
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Sweet Surprise: Drizzle with a touch of agave nectar or maple syrup for a sweeter dressing. This syrupy addition can enhance the taste of your mangoes, making each mouthful irresistibly sweet and satisfying.
Storage Tips for Mango Salad
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for the best freshness. Consume within this timeframe to enjoy the salad’s vibrant flavors.
Dressing: Keep the Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing separately in the fridge for up to one week. This allows you to add it fresh to your salad just before serving.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the Mango Salad as it may cause the textures of fruits like cucumber and avocado to become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating: This salad is intended to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat or warm it. Just give it a gentle toss before serving!
Expert Tips for Mango Salad Recipe with Lime Dressing
- Select the Right Mango: Choose firm, ripe mangoes for the best texture; overripe mangoes can make the salad mushy.
- Dress at the Last Moment: To retain texture and freshness, add the Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing just before serving.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Keep your salad ingredients chilled for a refreshing, crisp bite that enhances the tropical flavors.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, but remember that these additions will change the salad’s dietary theme.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning of the dressing—adding more lime or honey can perfectly balance sweetness and acidity.
What to Serve with Mango Salad with Lime Dressing?
Imagine a lively gathering with friends, where the fresh flavors of the tropics fill the air, and your vibrant Mango Salad takes center stage.
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Grilled Chicken: Tender chicken marinated in herbs complements the sweetness of the salad beautifully, creating a satisfying balance of flavors.
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Shrimp Skewers: Grilled or sautéed shrimp add a seafood twist that pairs wonderfully with the mango and lime, enhancing the tropical vibe.
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Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty and fluffy side, quinoa is packed with protein and offers a hearty pairing that makes the meal more filling.
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Avocado Toast: For a lighter lunch or brunch option, creamy avocado toast mirrors the salad’s texture and freshness while keeping it simple.
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Crispy Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips sprinkled with lime juice are perfect for scooping up the salad, adding a delightful salty crunch.
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Mojito Cocktails: A refreshing mojito with mint and lime echoes the zesty dressing and brings a celebratory feel to your meal.
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Classic Vanilla Sorbet: To finish on a sweet note, sorbet provides a light and fruity dessert that cleanses the palate after the zesty salad.
Elevate your dining experience by pairing these delightful options with your Mango Salad, transforming any meal into a tropical fiesta!
Make Ahead Options
These Tropical Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing components are perfect for meal prep! You can chop the mango, cucumber, avocado, and red onion up to 24 hours ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve freshness. However, for optimal quality, it’s best to add the avocado just an hour before serving to prevent browning. The dressing can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply combine the prepped ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and toss gently. This make-ahead approach saves you time and ensures a delightful, refreshing treat that’s just as delicious!
Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe mangoes?
Absolutely! When selecting mangoes for this recipe, look for ones that are slightly soft to the touch with a pleasant, fruity aroma. A ripe mango will have a vibrant color and may have a few dark spots, indicating it’s sweet. Avoid mangoes that are overly mushy or have dark spots all over, as they could be overripe.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very important! To keep your Mango Salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the dressing should ideally be kept separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. If the salad starts to look wilted, it may not taste as fresh!
Can I freeze Mango Salad?
The more the merrier, but freezing is not recommended for this salad. Freezing the salad can cause the textures of the fruits, particularly cucumber and avocado, to become mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled right after preparation!
What can I do if the dressing is too sweet?
Don’t worry; this is a common issue! If you find that the Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is too sweet for your taste, simply add a touch more lime juice or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor balance. You can also try incorporating a bit more olive oil to mellow out the sweetness.
Are there any dietary considerations?
Great question! This Mango Salad is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. However, if you or your guests have nut allergies, be sure to skip the crushed peanuts or use sunflower seeds as a substitute for that added crunch without the allergen.
What should I do if I use overripe mangoes?
If, by chance, you end up with overripe mangoes, you can still salvage some of the flavor by incorporating them into a smoothie or a fruit puree instead of the salad. For this recipe, it’s best to choose firmer mangoes to maintain a pleasant texture. If you happen to have soft mangoes, balance them with other crisp ingredients like cucumber to create a nice contrast!
Refreshing Mango Salad Recipe with Zesty Lime Dressing Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chilli sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice until smooth. Then, add olive oil, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option), and a hint of grated ginger. Season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper.
- In a shallow serving bowl, start by adding your diced mango at the bottom. Next, layer sliced cucumber, followed by diced avocado, and finely sliced red onion for a burst of color and flavor. Sprinkle fresh chopped coriander leaves on top.
- Just before serving, drizzle the sweet chilli lime dressing over the vibrant salad. Top it off with crushed peanuts. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors.