If you are searching for a fresh and vibrant dish that brightens any meal, this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines creamy avocado and sweet, juicy mango with zesty lime juice and hints of red onion and cilantro, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Perfectly balanced, this salad is a quick and refreshing way to add a tropical twist to your table, whether as a light meal or a colorful side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient brings something special. From the buttery softness of the avocado to the bright zing of fresh lime juice, every element plays a crucial role in elevating this dish to an unforgettable experience.
- 1 avocado, diced: Choose a ripe avocado with a slight give for a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- 1 mango, diced: Use a fragrant, ripe mango for the perfect balance of sweetness and juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps marry the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides refreshing acidity that brightens the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a mild sharpness and crunch to contrast the softness.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Brings fresh herbal notes that lift the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat for complexity.
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado
Begin by carefully slicing the avocado in half lengthwise, twisting the halves to separate them, and removing the pit with a spoon. Scoop out the creamy flesh and place it on a cutting board for dicing. This step ensures you have perfectly sized avocado cubes ready to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Dice the Avocado
With a sharp knife, cut several vertical and horizontal lines through the avocado to create small, uniform cubes. The diced avocado’s creaminess will be a cornerstone texture in your Avocado Mango Salad Recipe, so aim for even pieces for consistent bites.
Step 3: Peel and Dice the Mango
Next, peel the mango carefully to avoid wasting any fruit, then slice along each side of the pit to separate the flesh. Dice the mango into small cubes similar in size to the avocado. This creates a colorful, juicy contrast that makes the salad so delightful.
Step 4: Slice the Red Onion
Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings, maintaining a consistent thickness. The onion adds a welcome pungency and crisp texture that balances the mellow avocado and sweet mango.
Step 5: Chop the Cilantro
Chop the cilantro finely so its bright, citrusy aroma can weave through the salad, enhancing every bite with freshness and depth.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
Combine the olive oil and lime juice in a small bowl, stirring well until blended. This simple dressing ties all the ingredients together, giving the salad a glossy finish and lively tang.
Step 7: Season and Toss
Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the combined avocado, mango, red onion, and cilantro. Gently toss everything with a spoon or spatula, making sure the lime-infused olive oil evenly coats each morsel for a harmonious flavor profile.
Step 8: Final Mix and Chill
Give the salad one last gentle toss to fully integrate the vibrant flavors. At this point, your Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is ready to serve immediately or chill in the fridge for a short while, allowing the ingredients to meld even further.
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a few thin slices of fresh chili can elevate your Avocado Mango Salad Recipe. These garnishes introduce crunch and a hint of spice, perfectly complementing the salad’s smooth texture and sweet-tart flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood or chicken, making a light and refreshing accompaniment that balances richer proteins. You can also serve it alongside warm quinoa or couscous for a wholesome vegetarian meal packed with vibrant colors and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in avocado shells or individual small bowls lined with lettuce leaves. Another fun idea is to spoon the salad onto crisp tostadas or use it as a filling for fresh tacos, adding a tropical twist that impresses at casual gatherings or dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Ideally, consume within 1-2 days since avocado tends to brown and the fresh flavors are best enjoyed shortly after preparation.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the delicate texture of avocado and mango suffers when thawed. The fruit may become mushy and lose its vibrant freshness, taking away from the magic of this recipe.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature and does not require reheating. In fact, warming it up will spoil the refreshing texture and flavor balance that make this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe truly special.
FAQs
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
Absolutely! Lemon juice works well as a substitute and provides a similar acidity to brighten the flavors, though lime juice offers a slightly more tropical note that complements mango beautifully.
What type of mango is best for this salad?
Look for ripe Ataulfo or Haden mangoes, which are sweet and juicy with minimal fibrous texture. They dice easily and enhance the salad’s smooth, fruity character perfectly.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this salad?
Yes, mixing in cubed cucumber or diced red bell peppers adds extra crunch and freshness. Just be mindful to keep the ingredient balance so the avocado and mango remain the stars of the dish.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Definitely! This Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences and restrictions without needing modifications.
How long does this salad stay fresh once made?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy the salad within a day or two of preparation. The avocado may brown and the mango can lose its firmness, so fresh is always best for maximum enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe enough for anyone wanting to bring a burst of sunshine to their meals. It’s effortless to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and versatile enough to complement a wide range of dishes. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to salad that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 10m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and vibrant Avocado Mango Salad combining creamy avocado, sweet mango, and zesty lime dressing, enhanced with red onion and cilantro for a perfect balance of flavors. This colorful, no-cook salad is easy to prepare and perfect as a light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Avocado: Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, twist the two halves apart, remove the pit with a spoon or knife, then scoop out the flesh onto a cutting board.
- Dice the Avocado: Dice the avocado into small cubes by making vertical and horizontal cuts. Place the diced avocado into a medium mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Mango: Peel the mango using a vegetable peeler or knife, then cut along each side of the pit to get slices. Dice the mango into small cubes and add to the bowl with avocado.
- Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings and add to the mixing bowl with the avocado and mango.
- Chop the Cilantro: Finely chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and lime juice, stirring until blended. Pour this dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Season and Toss: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the salad, then gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat with the dressing.
- Final Toss and Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss to combine the flavors well. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocado and mango for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust lime juice and seasoning to taste for added tang or saltiness.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 hour before serving.
- For extra crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds if desired.
