If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant dish that bursts with tropical flavors and creamy textures, then this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite summer staple. Combining the buttery smoothness of ripe avocados with the juicy sweetness of mango, plus a crunchy snap from cucumber and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is as refreshing as it is simple to whip up. Each bite is a harmonious dance of color, taste, and texture that feels like sunshine on a plate, making it perfect for everything from quick lunches to stunning side dishes at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe plays a key role, creating a balanced blend of textures and flavors that’s both fresh and satisfying. You don’t need a long list—just a handful of essentials that, together, make magic happen.
- 2 ripe avocados: Creamy and tender, they’re the heart of the salad, adding richness and smooth texture.
- 1 large ripe mango: Sweet and juicy, mango brings a tropical brightness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that cuts through the richness elegantly.
- 1/2 cucumber: Refreshing crunch that balances the creamy and fruity elements.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Herbaceous and fragrant, it adds a burst of fresh green flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A smooth, healthy fat that helps blend the dressing beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Provides tangy brightness that lifts the whole salad.
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional): A touch of sweetness to mellow the acidity and round out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning, bringing all ingredients into harmony.
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing the avocados and mango into bite-sized pieces. Dice the cucumber to add that much-needed crunch, and finely chop the red onion and fresh cilantro to infuse the salad with aromatic layers. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the assembly quick and seamless.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, and if you like, a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup. This combination creates a vibrant dressing that enhances the salad’s natural flavors while adding a subtle sweetness balanced by tangy acidity. Season it with salt and pepper, adjusting to your personal taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss together the diced avocado, mango, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. The key is to handle avocado carefully so it doesn’t turn mushy. Mixing these fresh ingredients evenly ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the delicate avocado. This final step brings everything together, making the colors pop and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a little extra chopped cilantro or sprinkle a bit of fresh lime zest on top for an added zing and a burst of bright green color. These garnishes elevate the salad’s freshness and invite you to dig right in with your eyes first.
Side Dishes
This Avocado Mango Salad Recipe pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a light accompaniment to spicy dishes. Its creamy yet refreshing qualities make it a fantastic counterpart that cools down the palate and adds complexity to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in halved avocado shells or hollowed-out mango bowls for a charming presentation that will wow guests. You can also layer it as a parfait in clear glasses, alternating with crunchy tortilla strips or even add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the avocado from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for peak freshness.
Freezing
Because of the delicate texture of avocado and the fresh crispness of cucumber, freezing this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is not recommended. The thawing process would make the ingredients watery and mushy, losing the salad’s delightful texture.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be eaten fresh, so reheating is not advised. The vibrant, fresh ingredients shine best chilled or at room temperature, maintaining their crispness and flavor integrity.
FAQs
Can I add other fruits to the Avocado Mango Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Pineapple, strawberries, or even pomegranate seeds can be wonderful additions to add a new flavor dimension and a pop of color.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Using fresh lime juice both in the dressing and slightly tossing the avocado before combining it with other ingredients helps slow oxidation and keeps the avocado looking fresh.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
This salad is best made fresh as avocados can brown and cucumbers may lose their crunch. However, you can prep the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The olive oil and lime juice dressing can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, try swapping it with fresh basil or mint; both will give a lovely fresh herbal note to this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that’s simple to make yet endlessly satisfying. The bright colors and fresh flavors will brighten any meal or stand proudly on their own as a light lunch. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it again and again when the craving for something fresh and lively strikes.
Print
Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Avocado Mango Salad is a refreshing and colorful blend of creamy avocado, sweet mango, crisp cucumber, and tangy red onion, perfectly tossed with a zesty lime and olive oil dressing. Ideal for a light lunch or as a side dish, this quick and easy recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare and serves 4.
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 Ingredients
- 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 to ensure all components are ready for assembly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey or agave syrup (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined to create a light and tangy dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss the diced avocados, mango, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro, combining all the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the mixed salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly without mashing the avocado.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately, optionally garnished with extra cilantro or a sprinkle of lime zest for added freshness and aroma.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm avocados and mangoes to maintain texture.
- This salad is best consumed fresh to prevent the avocado from browning.
- Honey can be omitted to make the recipe vegan; agave syrup is a great alternative.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on preference.
- Optional toppings like chopped nuts or chili flakes can add extra texture and flavor.
