If you are searching for a fresh, vibrant, and instantly uplifting dish to brighten your day, this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the creamy richness of avocado with the tropical sweetness of mango, all brought together by zesty lime and a hint of fragrant cilantro. Every bite bursts with color and flavor, effortlessly creating a salad that satisfies both your taste buds and your eyes. Whether as a refreshing snack or a light side, this simple yet sensational salad delights with its perfect balance of textures and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these handful of ingredients is all it takes to craft this beautiful salad. Each one plays a crucial role: the creamy avocado provides a smooth base, the mango adds a sweet pop, the lime juice offers a bright tang, and the fresh cilantro plus red onion lend layers of freshness and crunch.
- 1 avocado, diced: Choose a ripe but firm avocado for the best creamy texture without mushiness.
- 1 mango, diced: A ripe mango should be fragrant and slightly soft to the touch, yielding juicy sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky richness that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides acidity that lifts and sharpens the salad’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a pleasant bite and slight pungency that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped: Introduces a fresh herbal note that complements the fruit beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and intensifies all the salad’s natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a touch of spice for complexity.
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado
Start by slicing your avocado in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Gently twist to separate the halves and carefully remove the pit using a spoon or knife. Scoop out the creamy flesh from each half and place it on your cutting board, ready to be diced.
Step 2: Dice the Avocado
Cut the avocado flesh into small, even cubes by making vertical and horizontal cuts. This ensures every bite is creamy and easy to mix. Transfer the diced avocado to a medium mixing bowl to keep it contained as you add the other ingredients.
Step 3: Peel and Dice the Mango
Peel the mango using a vegetable peeler or a knife. Slice along each side of the pit to get thick mango cheeks, then dice them into small cubes similar in size to the avocado. Adding mango in this size ensures a lovely balance between sweet pockets and creamy bites.
Step 4: Slice the Red Onion
Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-rings, aiming for a consistent thickness to provide uniform bursts of crunch and mild sharpness. Toss the sliced onion into your mixing bowl with the avocado and mango.
Step 5: Chop the Cilantro
Finely chop fresh cilantro leaves, making sure the pieces are small enough to distribute evenly throughout the salad without overpowering any bite. Add this bright herb to the mix for a refreshing herbal lift.
Step 6: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or cup, whisk together one tablespoon of olive oil with one tablespoon of lime juice. This simple dressing brings a silky texture and zesty brightness that complements every ingredient perfectly.
Step 7: Combine and Season
Pour the lime and olive oil dressing over the avocado, mango, red onion, and cilantro. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then gently toss everything with a spoon or spatula. Take care to mix without mashing the avocado, coating each piece evenly with the dressing.
Step 8: Final Toss and Chill
Give the salad one last gentle toss to make sure all flavors mingle beautifully. At this point, you can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for a short time to let the flavors meld even more before enjoying.
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra cilantro leaves on top or add a zest of fresh lime before serving for a burst of color and aroma. Toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped toasted nuts also make fantastic crunchy garnishes that add an extra layer of texture.
Side Dishes
This Avocado Mango Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood or poultry, adding a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory mains. It also makes a great light lunch served alongside some crusty bread or tortilla chips for scooping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the salad in halved avocado shells or hollowed-out mango halves. Alternatively, build small layered salads in clear glasses for a colorful, elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover salad tightly covered in an airtight container and refrigerate. For best freshness, consume within one day as the avocado tends to brown when exposed to air over time.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the avocado and mango textures change when thawed, becoming soggy and unappealing.
Reheating
As a fresh salad, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature—reheating is not recommended since heat would wilt the ingredients and spoil the refreshing character of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit instead of mango in this salad?
Absolutely! While mango adds perfect sweet juiciness, you can experiment with pineapple or peaches for a different twist while maintaining the bright, tropical vibe of the salad.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
If cilantro is not your favorite, try fresh parsley or basil leaves. These herbs provide a fresh green flavor but with a milder, less distinctive taste.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Using lime juice in the dressing helps slow the browning process, and keeping the salad chilled covers the avocado from air exposure, which is the main cause of browning.
Can I make this salad vegan or gluten-free?
This salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option perfect for many dietary preferences.
Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
It’s best prepared fresh due to the avocado’s tendency to brown and soften. However, you can prep the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is like inviting sunshine onto your plate. Its bright, fresh flavors come together with ease, making it one of those special dishes you’ll want to revisit often. Whether as a quick snack or a colorful side, this salad promises joy in every forkful. So grab those ripe avocados and mangoes and let this delightful recipe add a splash of tropical happiness to your kitchen!
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Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 10m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A fresh and vibrant Avocado Mango Salad combining creamy avocado with sweet mango, crisp red onion, and fresh cilantro, all tossed in a zesty lime and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a refreshing snack.
Ingredients
Fruit and Vegetables
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, twist halves apart, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh onto a cutting board.
- Dice the avocado: Cube the avocado by making vertical and horizontal cuts and place diced avocado in a medium mixing bowl.
- Prepare the mango: Peel the mango with a vegetable peeler or knife, slice each side off the pit, dice into small cubes, and add to the bowl.
- Slice the red onion: Cut the onion into thin rings or half-rings and add to the mixing bowl.
- Chop the cilantro: Finely chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine olive oil and lime juice, stir to blend, then pour over the mixed ingredients.
- Season and toss: Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the salad, then gently toss all ingredients together to evenly coat with the dressing.
- Serve: Give the salad a final gentle toss and serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for better flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocado to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust lime juice and salt to taste for preferred acidity and seasoning.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 1 hour.
- Add sliced jalapeño or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
