Fresh mango salad is a vibrant burst of summer on a plate. It evokes memories of sun drenched days spent at the beach, the sweet scent of tropical fruits hanging heavy in the air. This recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavor, a symphony of textures, and a reminder of simple pleasures. You can whip this fresh mango salad up in no time and it makes the perfect lunch, snack, or even side dish. Forget the winter blues. Bring in the sunshine.
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Why You Will Love This fresh mango salad Recipe
This fresh mango salad recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, requiring minimal effort and only a handful of fresh ingredients. The combination of sweet mango, tangy lime, and a hint of chili creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds without being overpowering. It’s incredibly refreshing, perfect for hot days, and it’s also naturally glutenfree and vegan. Enjoy as a light lunch, a light healthy snack, or a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. Need something quick for a potluck? This fresh mango salad is always a crowd pleaser.
Enjoy exploring the vibrant flavors of this salad! If you are a fan of fresh salads, you should try this Fresh Spring Green Salad 2.
Ingredients Needed for This fresh mango salad Recipe
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make This fresh mango salad Recipe
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced red bell pepper.
- 2. Add the chopped fresh cilantro. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the cilantro; it really adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the salad.
- 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced jalapeño pepper, sea salt, and black pepper.
- 4. Pour the dressing over the mango mixture and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to mash the mangoes.
- 5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more lime juice for extra tang or a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the mangoes.
- 6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to chill the salad, making it even more refreshing.
- 7. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Serve chilled and enjoy!
How to Serve This fresh mango salad Recipe
This fresh mango salad is extremely versatile. Serve it chilled as a light lunch or a refreshing snack.
Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete and flavorful meal. It’s also a fantastic topping for tacos or a salsa alternative with tortilla chips.
For a beautiful presentation, consider serving the salad in individual ramekins or on a bed of fresh greens.
How to Store This fresh mango salad Recipe
Store any leftover fresh mango salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The salad is best consumed within 12 days after making it, as the mangoes may start to soften and release excess moisture. The lime juice can also lose its potency over time.
Freezing is not recommended, as it will affect the texture of the mangoes and other vegetables.
Tips to Make This fresh mango salad Recipe
For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in half of the jalapeño. If spice isn’t your thing, ensure you remove all seeds and membranes.
If you don’t have red onion, you can substitute with white onion or shallots. Remember to slice them thinly regardless of which option you choose.
Add other fresh tropical fruits for a variation on the tropical fruit salad idea!
Avocado will add a creaminess to the dish that can be really delicious.
Helpful Notes for This fresh mango salad Recipe
Make sure your mangoes are ripe, but firm. Overripe mangoes will be too soft and mushy, while unripe mangoes will lack the necessary sweetness and flavor.
If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can substitute with fresh parsley, but the flavor will be slightly different. Cilantro provides more of a citrusy bite.
The jalapeño pepper adds a subtle heat to the salad, but it can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, add the lime juice right before serving to prevent the mangoes from browning. You can chop all other ingredients ahead of time.
Variation of This fresh mango salad Recipe
For a Caribbean twist, add grilled pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Add black beans and corn for a more substantial and filling salad. This also adds fiber to the tropical fruit salad.
Consider adding chopped avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
For a nutty crunch, sprinkle with toasted macadamia nuts or cashews.
Remember, if you want to pair this with protein for dinner, you may wish to try this Blackberry Chicken Salad!
How do you keep mango salad from getting soggy?
To prevent mango salad from becoming soggy, make sure your mango and other ingredients are relatively dry before mixing. Adding the dressing just before serving also helps maintain its crispness.
What goes well with fresh mango salad?
Fresh mango salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, adding a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors. It also makes a great side dish for tacos or enjoyed as a light lunch on its own.
Can I make fresh mango salad ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the individual ingredients (mango, vegetables, dressing) separately and store them in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving to maintain the salad’s texture and flavor.
What are some variations of fresh mango salad?
Popular variations include adding avocado for creaminess, jalapeño for a spicy kick, or toasted coconut flakes for added texture. Using different herbs like mint or cilantro can also change the flavor profile.
Conclusion
This fresh mango salad is a true taste of the tropics, bursting with vibrant flavors and refreshing textures. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light and healthy meal. So go ahead, grab some ripe mangoes and create this culinary masterpiece. Your taste buds will thank you! We hope you enjoy this fresh mango salad as much as we do and we’d love to see your take on the recipe! Let us know if you enjoyed and how you personalized this tropical fruit salad.
Fresh Mango Salad: The Easiest Tropical Escape You Need
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and vibrant fresh mango salad with red onion, bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeño pepper and a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced red bell pepper.
- Add the chopped fresh cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced jalapeño pepper, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the mango mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more lime juice for extra tang or a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the mangoes.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Serve chilled and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mango, salad, fresh, easy, healthy, vegan, gluten free