Avocado Mango Salad

Avocado Mango Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweet, juicy flavor of mango. Tossed together with crisp veggies like cucumber, red onion, and cilantro, this salad offers a balance of textures and flavors. A light dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey or agave enhances the natural sweetness of the mango while complementing the richness of the avocado.

I first made Avocado Mango Salad on a warm summer day when I was craving something light and refreshing, and it turned out to be the perfect dish! The combination of creamy, buttery avocado and sweet, tart mango creates an incredibly satisfying flavor profile, while the crunchy veggies add a nice bite. What I love most about this salad is how versatile it is—you can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or top it with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick. Avocado Mango Salad is perfect as a side dish, a healthy snack, or a light meal!

Perfect for:

• Light lunches
• BBQs and picnics
• Summer parties
• Healthy snacking
• Mango and avocado lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Avocado Mango Salad will become your go-to dish:

• Refreshing and Tropical Flavor: The sweetness of mango and the creaminess of avocado make for a perfectly balanced, refreshing combination.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: Ready in just minutes, this salad is perfect for busy days when you want something light but satisfying.
• Versatile Ingredients: This salad can easily be adjusted with different fruits, vegetables, or dressings for a unique twist each time.
• Packed with Nutrients: Full of healthy fats from the avocado and vitamin C from the mango, this salad is both nourishing and energizing.
• Light and Healthy: This salad is low in calories and packed with antioxidants, making it a perfect guilt-free meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a picnic, or a special celebration, this salad is versatile enough for any setting.
• Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegan: Suitable for those with dietary restrictions, making it a great option for everyone to enjoy.
• No Cooking Required: Simply chop, mix, and toss—no need for any heat in this easy, no-cook recipe.
• Colorful and Eye-Catching: The bright green of avocado and golden orange of mango make this salad a visual treat.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite herbs, nuts, or seeds to elevate the flavor and texture of the salad.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 16g

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Citrus Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped jalapeño (for a spicy kick)
• Crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (for added richness)
• Toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (for crunch)

Ingredient Highlights

• Avocados: Provide healthy fats and a creamy texture, making this salad both filling and satisfying.
• Mangoes: Offer a burst of sweetness and tropical flavor, rich in vitamins A and C.
• Citrus Dressing: The fresh lime and orange juices brighten the salad with zesty notes that balance the richness of the avocado.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild, sweet crunch that complements the smoothness of the avocado and mango.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salad:

1. Prepare the Avocados: Slice the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop out the flesh. Cut into wedges or cubes, depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the Mangoes: Peel and dice the mangoes into bite-sized cubes.
3. Chop the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion, dice the red bell pepper, and chop the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
4. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the avocado, mango, red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, and cilantro.

Make the Citrus Dressing:

5. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, honey (or agave syrup), and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Toss the Salad: Drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Garnish and Serve:

7. Add Optional Garnishes: If desired, sprinkle with chopped jalapeño for spice, crumbled cheese for richness, and toasted seeds for extra crunch.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for a chilled version.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Avocado Mango Salad:

• As a Side Salad: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a light and healthy meal.
• In a Wrap or Burrito: Use the salad as a filling for a fresh, vibrant wrap or burrito.
• For a Picnic: Pack in a container and take this refreshing salad on your next outdoor adventure.
• With Grilled Meat: Pair with grilled shrimp, steak, or chicken for a delicious balance of flavors.
• On Tacos: Use the salad as a topping for tacos for a fresh, tropical twist.
• As a Snack: Enjoy it as a light, satisfying snack that’s full of healthy fats.
• For a Potluck: This salad’s easy preparation and vibrant colors make it a great dish to bring to a gathering.
• As a Meal: Add a scoop of quinoa or chickpeas to turn the salad into a complete meal.
• With Rice or Couscous: Serve on top of rice or couscous for a hearty and filling dish.
• As a Starter: Offer this salad as a refreshing appetizer before a main course.

Additional Tips

• Use Ripe Avocados and Mangoes: Choose ripe, firm avocados and mangoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Chill the Salad: For a refreshing twist, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving.
• Customize the Dressing: Add more honey for sweetness or more lime for a tangier flavor.
• Store the Salad: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, the avocado may brown after a while.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Avocado Mango Salad: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.
• Avocado Pineapple Salad: Swap mango for pineapple for a different tropical twist.
• Vegan Mango Salad: Keep it vegan by omitting cheese and using maple syrup instead of honey.
• Avocado Tomato Salad: Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and juiciness.
• With Black Beans: Add a can of rinsed black beans for a heartier, protein-packed salad.
• Grilled Mango Salad: Grill the mango slices for a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado.
• Coconut Lime Dressing: Replace the citrus dressing with a creamy coconut-lime dressing for a tropical twist.

Special Equipment

• Sharp Knife: For cleanly cutting avocados, mangoes, and vegetables.
• Citrus Juicer: To extract fresh juice from limes and oranges with ease.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine all the salad ingredients.
• Whisk: For making the citrus dressing.
• Serving Bowl or Platter: For serving the finished salad in an elegant presentation.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
   It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance and toss them together right before serving.
2. How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
   Add a little extra lime juice to the salad, as the acidity helps prevent browning.
3. Can I add other fruits?
   Absolutely! Try adding pineapple, papaya, or strawberries for a fun, fruity twist.
4. Can I make this salad spicier?
   Yes, add extra jalapeños or sprinkle with chili powder for more heat.
5. How long does this salad last?
   The salad is best consumed within 24 hours, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day.
6. Can I freeze this salad?
   It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the delicate texture of the avocado and mango.
7. How do I make this salad more filling?
   Add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or quinoa to make it more substantial.
8. Can I substitute other greens for cilantro?
   Yes, feel free to use parsley or mint for a different flavor profile.
9. Can I use bottled dressing instead of making my own?
   Yes, a light vinaigrette or citrus-based dressing can work as a shortcut.
10. Can I make this salad spicy without jalapeños?
    Use a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes in the dressing for a milder heat.

Conclusion

Avocado Mango Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe mangoes. Tossed together with crisp vegetables like red onion, cucumber, and bell peppers, this salad is bursting with fresh textures and flavors. A drizzle of lime juice, a pinch of sea salt, and a sprinkle of cilantro or mint enhance the tropical taste, making it the perfect side dish or light, healthy meal.

This salad is not only packed with nutrients from the avocados and mangoes, but it also offers a great balance of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. You can easily customize it by adding ingredients like black beans, grilled chicken, or even a handful of nuts for extra protein and crunch.

I can’t wait to see how your Avocado Mango Salad turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!