Summertime calls for fresh, vibrant meals, and this Avocado and Mango Salad absolutely delivers. This recipe is so simple; it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I love whipping this up whenever I’m craving a light lunch or want a side dish with a burst of flavor. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like sunshine, and who doesn’t love a little sunshine?
This salad is a family favorite for so many reasons! The beautiful combination of creamy avocado, sweet mango, and tangy lime juice is an absolute winner. This recipe is easy enough for even beginner cooks to master. Let’s dive into how to make this colorful, flavorful salad.
Why You’ll Love It
This Avocado and Mango Salad isn’t just pretty; it’s also packed with reasons to love it:
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of creamy avocado, sweet mango, and tangy lime juice is simply irresistible. The red onion adds a little bit of zing, and the bell pepper provides a satisfying crunch.
- Quick and Easy: This salad takes only minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a last-minute side dish.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Avocados and mangoes are full of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. This salad is a delicious way to get your daily dose of fruits and veggies.
- Versatile: It’s fantastic on its own, but it can also be served as a side dish, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even as a filling for tacos. The options are endless!
Avocado and Mango Salad
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This vibrant Avocado and Mango Salad is a summery explosion of flavor, combining creamy avocado, sweet mango, and a tangy lime dressing. It’s quick, easy, and healthy, perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a colorful addition to any meal. A simple recipe with big, bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Dice the avocados and mango. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the bell pepper.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the avocado, mango, red onion, and bell pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving.
Notes
For optimal ripeness, choose avocados that yield gently to pressure and mangoes with a fragrant aroma. To prevent browning, add the lime juice to the avocado immediately after cutting. Adjust the amount of red onion to your liking, using less for a milder flavor. Though cilantro is traditional, feel free to experiment with other herbs like mint or parsley. For a heartier salad, add cooked quinoa or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Toss
- Cuisine: Mexican
What You’ll Need
This Avocado and Mango Salad calls for ingredients you may already have on hand. Here’s the rundown:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced: Choose avocados that are soft to the touch but not mushy. Dicing them into uniform pieces will help the salad have a nice texture.
- 1 ripe mango, diced: A sweet and juicy mango is perfect here. Make sure to choose one with smooth skin and no bruises. Like with the avocado, dice it into similar-sized pieces.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Red onion adds a sharp bite, which is what makes this salad so awesome. Slicing it thinly prevents an overwhelming onion flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Bell peppers provide both sweetness and crunch. Red is a great color here, but feel free to swap in other colors if you prefer.
- 1 lime, juiced: Lime juice does double duty: it brightens up all the flavors and keeps the avocado from turning brown.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps the other flavors combine together. Don’t forget to look at our other salad recipes
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning brings out all the amazing flavors. Start with a pinch of each and add more if needed.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: Cilantro adds a pop of freshness, but it’s totally optional.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Dice the avocados and mango into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the red bell pepper. If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-cut mango and avocado, but I find the fresh ones always taste the best.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, mango, red onion, and bell pepper. It’s nice to use a big bowl so you have plenty of room to work with.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together to combine. Remember to be careful not to mash up the avocado and mango!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro. This adds a touch of freshness and a nice pop of color.
Smart Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips to make your Avocado and Mango Salad even better:
- Perfectly Ripe: Look for avocados that yield gently to pressure but aren’t mushy. Ripe mangoes will have a fragrant aroma and smooth skin.
- Lime Time: If you want to keep the avocado bright green, add the lime juice right after you cut it. Lime juice helps prevent browning.
- Salt & Pepper: I love coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for their big flavor.
- Get Creative: This salad is a great base! You can also check our other dessert recipes
- Make It Ahead (Sort Of): You can chop the onion, bell pepper, and cilantro ahead of time, but wait to cut the avocado and mango until just before serving. It is always better to eat freshly made foods.
- Gentle Toss: Be gentle when you toss the salad. Avocados are delicate, so use a light hand to avoid mashing them up. No one wants a chunky salad!
Try These Variations
Want to shake things up? Try these delicious variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy twist.
- Citrus Burst: Try using orange or grapefruit segments for a different citrusy flavor. You can even add a splash of orange juice or grapefruit juice to the dressing.
- Herby Infusion: Experiment with other herbs, like mint, parsley, or chives, in addition to or instead of the cilantro. Some of our other recipes use different combinations of ingredients.
- Added Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make this salad a complete meal.
- Grainy Goodness: Toss in some cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and heartiness.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
This salad is best served immediately after preparing to prevent the avocado from browning. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To minimize browning, place a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing.
Can other fruits or veggies be added?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits like pineapple, papaya, or strawberries. You can also incorporate different veggies such as cucumber, bell peppers, or corn. Just keep in mind how these additions might influence the overall sweetness and texture of your salad.
What can I use if I don’t have cilantro?
If you don’t have cilantro, you can substitute with parsley or mint. Though it changes the taste profile a little, these herbs still bring a fresh and delicious element to the dish. You could also try a sprinkle of chives for a slightly different kind of oniony flavor.
Can I substitute lime juice?
While lime juice enhances the flavors and helps prevent browning, you can substitute lemon juice or even a light vinaigrette in a pinch. If using a vinaigrette, be sure to choose one that complements the sweetness of the mango and avocado.
How to Serve
This Avocado and Mango Salad is a delight on its own, or you can serve it as part of a bigger meal. Here are some ideas:
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch with a side of tortilla chips or whole-wheat crackers. Check out our lunch category for more options.
- Side Dish: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s also a great complement to tacos, burritos, or other Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Summer BBQ: This salad is a perfect addition to any summer barbecue. It’s colorful, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Party Starter: Serve it as an appetizer in small bowls or on individual lettuce cups for a fun and healthy party snack.
That’s a Wrap
This Avocado and Mango Salad is a burst of sunshine in a bowl. It’s a simple recipe, but don’t let that fool you; it’s big on flavor and perfect for everything from a light lunch to a vibrant side dish. And remember how we talked about keeping it fresh? That’s key for this one! Now, who’s ready to dive into a bowl of tropical goodness? Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and tag me! Find more quick and easy recipes like this on the Lunch page. Come say hi on Facebook
