Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This delightful salad features juicy mangoes, creamy avocado, and a zesty Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or just looking for a quick healthy meal, this salad is bound to impress with its burst of tropical flavors and colorful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Mango Salad with Lime Dressing
This salad truly stands out among other fresh salad recipes.
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of mango and lime creates a sweet and tangy taste that’s incredibly refreshing.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal preparation, this salad can be assembled quickly, making it ideal for busy days.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish or main course; it’s great for various occasions.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from mangoes and avocados, this salad supports a healthy lifestyle.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Mango Salad with Lime Dressing, gather the necessary tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Serving bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the dressing ingredients effectively.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth texture in the dressing without lumps.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when preparing fruits and vegetables.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and diced
- ½ small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 small cucumber, halved lengthways, then sliced (I don’t peel it)
- 1 cup (30 g) coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (40 g) crushed peanuts
How to Make Mango Salad with Lime Dressing
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together the sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey, and ginger until well combined.
2. Season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a shallow serving bowl:
1. Layer the diced mango at the bottom.
2. Follow with sliced cucumber, diced avocado, finely sliced red onion, and chopped coriander.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the prepared sweet chilli lime dressing over the layered salad.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added crunch.
- Toss gently just before serving to maintain visual appeal while blending flavors.
How to Serve Mango Salad with Lime Dressing
This Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is not only a feast for the eyes but also a vibrant addition to any meal. It’s versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your occasion.
As a Light Lunch
- Enjoy this salad on its own for a refreshing light lunch packed with nutrients.
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a delightful contrast of flavors.
At Potlucks and Gatherings
- Bring this colorful salad to potlucks; it’s sure to be a hit among guests!
With Tortilla Chips
- Serve it as a dip alongside tortilla chips for an exciting appetizer.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the salad into lettuce leaves for a fun, low-carb option that’s easy to eat.
How to Perfect Mango Salad with Lime Dressing
Getting the most out of your Mango Salad with Lime Dressing involves some simple techniques. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Choose ripe mangoes: Ripe mangoes are sweeter and juicier, making your salad more flavorful.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs like coriander elevate the taste and aroma of the salad.
- Adjust dressing to taste: Feel free to tweak the lime dressing by adding more or less lime juice based on your preference.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps meld the flavors.
- Add textures: Include crunchy elements like toasted nuts or seeds for added interest.
- Garnish creatively: A sprinkle of extra coriander or lime zest can brighten up presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Mango Salad with Lime Dressing
Mango Salad with Lime Dressing pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its tropical flavors well.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp seasoned and grilled to perfection make a delightful pairing.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light, nutty quinoa pilaf adds heartiness without overpowering the salad.
- Coconut Rice: Fluffy coconut rice brings a subtle sweetness that enhances the mango’s flavor.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies add an Asian twist that matches well with the dressing.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, zucchini noodles are a great gluten-free option alongside this salad.
- Vegetable Tempura: Crispy tempura vegetables provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft textures of the salad.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a summery touch that fits perfectly into this tropical theme.
- Baked Tofu Bites: For a protein boost, try baked tofu bites seasoned with lime and chili powder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is easy, but some common mistakes can affect the flavor and presentation.
- Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh ingredients. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
- Using unripe mangoes: Unripe mangoes can be hard and lack sweetness. Choose ripe, fragrant mangoes for the best flavor.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your dressing can lead to a bland salad. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Chopping ingredients too small: Cutting ingredients into tiny pieces can make the salad mushy. Aim for bite-sized pieces for better texture.
- Forgetting about presentation: A beautifully presented salad enhances appeal. Layer ingredients in a bowl for an attractive look.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover Mango Salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- To maintain freshness, avoid adding dressing until ready to serve.
Freezing Instructions
- Freezing is not recommended as the texture of mango and avocado may change when thawed.
- If necessary, you could freeze the dressing separately for up to a month.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Not recommended; this salad is best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid microwaving; it will alter the fresh flavors and textures.
- Stovetop: Not suitable; serve chilled instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Mango Salad with Lime Dressing special?
This salad is vibrant, refreshing, and combines tropical flavors that make it perfect for summer gatherings or casual meals.
Can I customize my Mango Salad with Lime Dressing?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like pineapple or berries, or switch out vegetables based on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
How do I choose ripe mangoes for this salad?
Look for mangoes that yield slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma at the stem end. They should not be hard or overly soft.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is a refreshing dish that is both easy to prepare and visually stunning. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or as a side at gatherings, it’s sure to impress!
Mango Salad with Lime Dressing
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Brighten up your meals with this vibrant Mango Salad with Lime Dressing. This quick and easy dish features ripe mangoes, creamy avocado, and a zesty Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing that harmonizes tropical flavors perfectly. Ideal for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a healthy meal at home, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. With its refreshing taste and colorful presentation, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- ½ small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 small cucumber, halved lengthways and sliced
- 1 cup coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and grated ginger until smooth. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a shallow serving bowl, layer the diced mango at the bottom. Add sliced cucumber, diced avocado, finely sliced red onion, and chopped coriander.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the layered salad and sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added crunch. Toss gently just before serving to combine flavors while maintaining presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: No cooking involved
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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