The Mango Avocado Salad Recipe is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors and textures that will brighten any meal or stand superbly on its own. This delightful salad harmonizes the smooth creaminess of ripe avocados with the juicy sweetness of perfectly ripe mangoes, all rounded out by a zesty lime dressing accented with a touch of honey and a gentle kick from Fresno chili. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a colorful side dish, or a refreshing addition to your dinner table, this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe offers an irresistible balance of bright colors, bold flavors, and wholesome ingredients that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret behind this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: the sweet mangoes and creamy avocados provide texture and richness, while the lime juice and honey in the dressing create a perfect tangy-sweet balance, and the Fresno chili adds just enough heat to keep things exciting.
- Juice of 1 lime: Brings a sharp, refreshing acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the lime’s tartness perfectly.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Provides a layer of savory pungency to deepen the dressing’s flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Creates a silky texture while enhancing the salad with its fruity undertones.
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors of the mango and avocado.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds mild warmth and seasoning without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- 3 mangoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes: The star of the salad, offering juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 avocados, diced: Bring a buttery creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the mango’s texture.
- 1 red pepper, diced: Adds crunch, subtle sweetness, and a pop of red color.
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped red onions: Offers a zesty bite and an appealing purple hue.
- 1 Fresno chili, minced: Introduces a fresh, bright heat that enlivens each bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Finishes the salad with herbal brightness and a touch of green vibrancy.
How to Make Mango Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by creating the heart of your Mango Avocado Salad Recipe—the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until they combine into a smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet mixture. This dressing will gently coat all the vibrant ingredients and bring them together harmoniously.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Next, add the diced mangoes, creamy avocados, crisp red pepper, chopped red onions, minced Fresno chili, and fragrant cilantro to the bowl with your dressing. Each ingredient contributes unique flavors and textures that are absolutely essential for making this salad sing. Layering these elements thoughtfully guarantees every bite is bursting with color and taste.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Gently toss the ingredients to make sure every piece is evenly coated in that zesty dressing. The key here is a light hand; you want to preserve the shape and texture of the mango and avocado cubes while distributing flavors throughout. Serve your Mango Avocado Salad Recipe immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and best texture.
How to Serve Mango Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pepitas, extra fresh cilantro leaves, or a few thinly sliced red chili rings can add a beautiful finishing touch and enhance your salad’s flavor profile. These simple garnishes boost visual appeal and offer additional bursts of flavor and crunch that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
The Mango Avocado Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood, such as shrimp or fish tacos, and equally well alongside light chicken dishes or a hearty bean burrito. Its refreshing nature makes it an ideal contrast to smoky, spicy, or rich mains, providing balance and brightness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in hollowed-out mango shells for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress at your next dinner party. Alternatively, use it as a topping for crispy tostadas or as a vibrant filling in wraps and sandwiches. The stunning colors will add instant appeal wherever you choose to serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Mango Avocado Salad Recipe fresh for up to a day in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Because avocado tends to brown quickly, it’s best to consume leftovers as soon as possible to enjoy that beautiful bright appearance and fresh flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe since avocados and fresh veggies lose their texture and can become mushy after thawing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to preserve its crisp, creamy qualities.
Reheating
Reheating is unnecessary with this salad. It’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature, which maintains the crispness of the ingredients and the vibrancy of the dressing. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chili instead of Fresno chili?
Absolutely! You can swap Fresno chili with jalapeño or serrano chilies depending on your preferred heat level. Just remember to start with less and adjust to taste, as some chilies pack more punch than others.
Is it possible to make this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to make this salad completely vegan while keeping the delicious balance of sweetness and tanginess.
How ripe should the mangoes and avocados be?
Choose mangoes that are ripe but firm—they should give slightly when pressed but not be mushy. Avocados should be creamy and tender but still hold their shape when diced to keep the perfect texture in the salad.
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or even black beans for added texture, color, or protein, tailoring the Mango Avocado Salad Recipe to your personal taste.
How long does the salad stay fresh once combined?
For the best flavor and appearance, enjoy the salad within a few hours of tossing. The natural ingredients, especially avocado, start to oxidize quickly, which can affect taste and texture if left too long.
Final Thoughts
Give this Mango Avocado Salad Recipe a try and you’ll quickly see why it’s become one of my favorite easy, flavorful dishes to whip up any time of year. The burst of colors, bright flavors, and the satisfying creaminess make it an absolute joy to eat. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a stunning party dish, this salad promises smiles and satisfied appetites with every bite.
Print
Mango Avocado Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mango Avocado Salad combining sweet mangoes, creamy avocados, crunchy red pepper, and a tangy lime dressing with a hint of spice from Fresno chili. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Salad
- 3 mangoes, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped red onions
- 1 Fresno chili, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. This creates a tangy and slightly sweet base for the salad.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the diced mangoes, diced avocados, diced red pepper, roughly chopped red onions, minced Fresno chili, and chopped cilantro to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss and Serve: Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm mangoes and avocados to maintain texture.
- Adjust the amount of Fresno chili depending on your preferred spice level.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours.
- For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light, healthy main course.
