Avocado Mango Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to make, this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is just what you need! This delightful salad is not only quick to whip up, but it also brings a vibrant mix of textures and tastes that everyone will love. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight dinner or planning a gathering with friends, this salad is sure to impress. It’s perfect for summer potlucks, barbecues, or simply as a zesty side for your main dish.

What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a light meal on its own, dip your favorite chips into it, or even add it to tacos for an extra layer of deliciousness. Plus, the fresh ingredients mean you’re serving up something nutritious alongside all that flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy days when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Vibrant Flavors: The combination of sweet mangoes and creamy avocado creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: With its colorful ingredients and appealing taste, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds!
• Nutritious Goodness: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this salad not only tastes great but also supports your health and well-being.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it ahead of time for meals throughout the week; it holds up well in the fridge!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Avocado Mango Salad features simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Each component contributes to the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of this dish.

For the Salad

• 2 medium mangoes (diced (about 1 cup))
• 1 cup shelled edamame (thawed (optional))
• 1 cup diced strawberries (about 9 ounces)
• 1 medium avocado (diced)
• 3 tablespoons finely diced red onion (about one-half small onion)
• 1 medium jalapeño (seeded and finely diced)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves (chiffonade)
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

For the Dressing

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or neutral flavored oil)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

For Serving

• Tortilla chips (optional)

Variations

One of the best parts about this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add More Protein: Toss in some chickpeas or black beans for an extra boost of protein.
• Switch Up the Fruit: Try using diced kiwi or pineapple instead of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
• Make It Spicy: If you love heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Herb Swap: Don’t have basil? Fresh mint or parsley can also add a lovely flavor!

How to Make Avocado Mango Salad Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all your fresh ingredients: mangoes, edamame, strawberries, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, basil, and cilantro. Mixing these together first helps distribute all those beautiful colors and flavors evenly throughout the salad.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, lime zest and juice, maple syrup, and salt. This dressing adds brightness to the salad while balancing sweetness with tanginess. Adjust seasoning if needed – you want every bite to explode with flavor!

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss until everything is coated well. Be careful not to mash the avocado; we want those lovely chunks intact! This step is crucial as it ensures each bite has that delicious zesty flavor.

And there you have it! A quick and delightful Avocado Mango Salad ready to be enjoyed. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping or alongside your favorite tacos – either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Avocado Mango Salad Recipe

Creating a delightful Avocado Mango Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to ensure your salad is a hit!

• Choose ripe mangoes: Ripe mangoes will bring that natural sweetness and juiciness that enhances the overall flavor of the salad. Look for mangoes that yield slightly to pressure when gently squeezed.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and cilantro add vibrant flavors to your salad, making every bite refreshing and aromatic. Dried herbs won’t provide the same intensity, so opt for fresh whenever possible!
• Mix gently: When combining your salad with the dressing, use a gentle folding motion instead of stirring vigorously. This helps to keep the avocado intact and prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
• Taste and adjust: After mixing in the dressing, take a moment to taste your salad. You can always add a bit more lime juice or maple syrup to get the balance just right according to your preference.
• Let it chill: If time allows, refrigerating your salad for 30 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just remember to give it a gentle toss before serving!

How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad Recipe

This Avocado Mango Salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning! It’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal on its own. Here are some ideas for presenting this vibrant dish.

Garnishes

• Chili flakes: A sprinkle of chili flakes adds a touch of heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the mango and avocados.
• Lime wedges: Serving with lime wedges allows guests to add a burst of zesty flavor just before digging in.
• Toasted sesame seeds: These add an extra crunch and nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sesame oil in the dressing.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms make for a great complement to this fresh salad while adding smoky flavors.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs and lemon zest provides heartiness without overshadowing the bright flavors of your salad.
• Chickpea Tacos: Soft tortillas filled with spiced chickpeas offer a satisfying protein-packed option that pairs well with the refreshing notes of avocado and mango.
• Coconut Rice: The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of coconut rice create an inviting contrast to this zesty salad—perfect for soaking up those delicious juices!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll not only prepare an amazing Avocado Mango Salad but also create an impressive spread that everyone will love! Enjoy every colorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Avocado Mango Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness, as the avocado may brown over time.
• Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s crispness.

Freezing

• Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the texture of the avocado and other fresh ingredients will change once thawed.
• If you want to freeze components, consider freezing diced mango or cooked edamame separately, then mix them fresh later.

Reheating

• This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
• If you prefer a warm dish, consider gently warming the edamame before mixing it into the salad.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this refreshing recipe.

Can I make the Avocado Mango Salad Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container and add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.

What can I serve with this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or can be served as a dip with tortilla chips. It’s versatile enough for any occasion!

Is this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep since it’s quick to make and packed with nutrients. Just remember to add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Avocado Mango Salad as I am! Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy making it and sharing it with friends and family. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out!