Avocado Mango Salad: Refreshing Recipe with Lime Dressing

Avocado mango salad with lime dressing: prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every single bite! This isn’t just a salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more. Imagine the creamy richness of ripe avocado perfectly complementing the sweet, tangy burst of juicy mango, all drizzled with a zesty lime dressing that ties everything together in perfect harmony.

While the exact origins of combining avocado and mango in a salad are difficult to pinpoint, the pairing speaks to a broader culinary appreciation for the balance of sweet and savory found in many Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. Both avocado and mango have deep roots in these regions, where they are often enjoyed together in various forms, from salsas to refreshing drinks. This particular avocado mango salad with lime dressing has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason!

People adore this salad for its incredible taste, of course! The creamy avocado and sweet mango create a delightful contrast, while the lime dressing adds a refreshing zing that cuts through the richness. But beyond the taste, it’s also incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a healthy snack. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence you can enjoy any time. Get ready to experience a taste of sunshine with this simple yet sensational salad!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional additions: grilled shrimp, grilled chicken, black beans, corn

Preparing the Avocado Mango Salad

1. Dice the Avocado and Mango: Carefully peel and pit the avocados. Dice them into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Do the same with the mango, ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size as the avocado for a consistent texture. I find that using a sharp knife and working slowly helps prevent the avocado from becoming mushy.
2. Prepare the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion to be too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. This step is optional but can make a big difference if you’re sensitive to raw onion.
3. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, diced mango, and sliced red onion. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the avocado pieces intact.
4. Add Cilantro: Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl. Cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to the salad. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or omit it altogether.

Making the Lime Dressing

1. Juice the Limes: Squeeze the lime juice into a small bowl. Freshly squeezed lime juice is key to a bright and flavorful dressing. Avoid using bottled lime juice, as it often lacks the same zest and vibrancy.
2. Add Olive Oil: Whisk in the olive oil to the lime juice. The olive oil adds richness and helps to emulsify the dressing. You can use extra virgin olive oil for a more robust flavor or a lighter olive oil for a more subtle taste.
3. Incorporate Jalapeno (Optional): If you like a little heat, add the minced jalapeno pepper to the dressing. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes before mincing the jalapeno, as this is where most of the heat resides. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
4. Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust as needed. Remember that the salt will help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
5. Whisk the Dressing: Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. The dressing should be slightly emulsified and have a smooth consistency.

Assembling the Salad

1. Pour Dressing Over Salad: Pour the lime dressing over the avocado and mango mixture. Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the avocado to become mushy.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preferences.
3. Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become more refreshing. However, this step is optional, and you can serve the salad immediately if you’re short on time.
4. Serve: Serve the avocado mango salad as a side dish, appetizer, or topping for grilled meats or fish. It’s also delicious served with tortilla chips or as a filling for tacos or wraps.

Optional Additions and Variations

This avocado mango salad is delicious on its own, but you can also customize it with various additions and variations to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled Shrimp or Chicken: Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier and more protein-packed salad. Simply grill the shrimp or chicken until cooked through, then dice and add to the salad.
• Black Beans and Corn: Add black beans and corn for a Southwestern-inspired twist. Canned black beans and corn work well, or you can use fresh or frozen corn that has been cooked.
• Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as mint or basil, in addition to or instead of cilantro.
• Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Different Fruits: Try adding other fruits, such as pineapple or strawberries, for a different flavor profile.
• Nuts and Seeds: Add toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch and flavor.
• Cheese: Crumble some feta cheese or cotija cheese over the salad for a salty and tangy flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use Ripe Avocados and Mangoes: The key to a delicious avocado mango salad is to use ripe avocados and mangoes. The avocados should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy, and the mangoes should be fragrant and yield slightly to pressure.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the salad, as this can cause the avocado to become mushy. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are just combined.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lime juice to suit your preferences.
• Serve Immediately or Chill: Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for later. If you’re chilling the salad, be sure to cover it tightly to prevent the avocado from browning.
• Prevent Browning: To prevent the avocado from browning, you can toss it with a little extra lime juice or lemon juice. The acidity in the citrus juice will help to slow down the oxidation process.

Serving Suggestions

This avocado mango salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

• Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• Appetizer: Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips or crackers.
• Taco or Wrap Filling: Use it as a filling for tacos or wraps.
• Salad Topping: Top a bed of greens with the salad for a light and refreshing meal.
• Bruschetta Topping: Spoon it over toasted baguette slices for a delicious bruschetta topping.
• Garnish: Use it as a garnish for soups or stews.

Storage Instructions

This avocado mango salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly over time. To minimize browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container. The salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so you may want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 250-350 per serving
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Protein: 3-5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
• Fiber: 5-7 grams

This salad is a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy and delicious option for a variety of diets.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for avocado mango salad with lime dressing! It’s one of my favorite salads to make during the summer months when avocados and mangoes are at their peak. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Feel free to experiment with different variations and additions to create your own unique version of this delicious salad.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. The creamy avocado, the sweet mango, and the zesty lime dressing create a symphony in your mouth that’s both refreshing and satisfying. I truly believe this avocado mango salad with lime dressing is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a little sunshine to their plate. It’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients, making it the perfect choice for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a healthy snack.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a heartier meal, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes adds a delightful crunch and enhances the tropical vibe. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of chili flakes will bring a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the mango. You could even swap out the red onion for shallots for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish with grilled fish or chicken.
* Use it as a topping for tacos or quesadillas for an extra burst of flavor.
* Enjoy it as a light and healthy lunch on its own.
* Pair it with tortilla chips for a delicious and vibrant appetizer.
* Add it to a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial salad.

I’ve personally made this salad countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, picnics, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family with a simple yet elegant dish. The bright colors and fresh ingredients are sure to brighten up any table.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. The beauty of cooking is that there are no rules! Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings until you find the perfect combination that suits your palate.

Once you’ve made this avocado mango salad with lime dressing, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’ve adapted my recipes to their own tastes.

This salad is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace fresh, vibrant flavors and create something truly delicious. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible salad. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking! I hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures with this delightful dish.