Oh, hello there! Come on in, the kitchen’s always open. Today, I’m so excited to share one of my absolute go-to recipes with you – it’s my famous mango salad with lime dressing. Seriously, this isn’t just a salad; it’s sunshine in a bowl! I remember the first time I made it. I was trying to recreate a dish I had on vacation, and after a few (okay, maybe more than a few!) attempts, I finally nailed it. Now, my mango salad with lime dressing is a staple at every family gathering.
The kids love it, even my youngest who’s usually a bit picky with fruit. And honestly, it’s the perfect thing to whip up when I’m short on time but still want something healthy and delicious. There was this one time, though – I totally forgot the cilantro and ended up using parsley instead. Let’s just say it wasn’t my finest culinary moment! But hey, that’s how you learn, right? Even now I still sometimes forget things; like when I tried adding pineapple instead of mango, I suppose I could call that a tropical mango salad variation, but my family called it a disaster!
This mango salad with lime dressing has saved me on countless busy weeknights. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish, and it’s also fantastic on its own as a light lunch. I really perfected this mango salad with lime dressing recipe over the years. The secret, I found, is in the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a little bit of heat. It’s so simple, yet the flavors are just incredible. It has become an essential dish in my recipe rotation. I hope you enjoy this mango salad with lime dressing as much as my family and I do! Come, let’s get started!
Ingredients for the Perfect Mango Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and flavorful salad. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key to making this dish truly shine. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of mangoes or add your own twist with other fruits and vegetables.
- 3 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (I always use the Honey mangoes for my mango salad with lime dressing because they’re extra sweet and juicy!)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced (adds a creamy texture that complements the mango salad with lime dressing beautifully)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or mint, if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional, for a little crunch)
For the Mango Salad with Lime Dressing:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option, which is my go-to for a vegan mango salad)
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor – skip for vegan)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference for a spicy mango salad)
- Salt and pepper to taste
When making mango salad with lime dressing, you can find the best mangoes at your local farmer’s market, especially during the summer months. They’re usually much cheaper and fresher than the ones at the grocery store. Here’s a mango salad with lime dressing trick I learned from my mom: to easily peel a mango, stand it on its end and slice down along the seed, then score the flesh in a grid pattern and scoop it out with a spoon. Easy peasy!
For busy families making mango salad with lime dressing, I recommend prepping the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, make the dressing, and store everything separately in the fridge. Then, just toss it all together right before serving. As for cost-saving tips for mango salad with lime dressing ingredients, consider growing your own herbs like cilantro. It’s super easy to grow in a pot on your windowsill! Also, nuts can be expensive. So I would suggest buying in bulk to save a few dollars.
Leftover mangoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing will keep for about a week. But honestly, this mango salad with lime dressing is so good, you probably won’t have any leftovers!
How to Make Mango Salad with Lime Dressing – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create your own sunshine in a bowl. Each step is designed to help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go!
- First, let’s get those mangoes ready! Peel and dice those ripe mangoes into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry if they’re a little slippery – that just means they’re perfectly ripe for our mango salad with lime dressing. Place the diced mangoes into a large bowl.
- Now, add the colorful veggies. Thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion, and dice the avocado. Add these to the bowl with the mangoes. If you want to prepare a mango avocado salad, you can double the portion of avocado, it will create a creamer texture. I learned the hard way with mango salad with lime dressing that dicing the avocado right before serving prevents it from browning.
- Time for the herbs! Chop the fresh cilantro and add it to the bowl. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, mint works just as well. I sometimes even use a combination of both. Don’t worry if your mango salad with lime dressing looks a little messy at this point – it’s all going to come together beautifully in the end!
- Now, let’s whip up that mango salad with lime dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), fish sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more honey. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. In my kitchen, mango salad with lime dressing usually takes around 10 minutes to put together, including prep time.
- Pour the mango salad with lime dressing over the mango mixture in the bowl. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as the avocado can get a bit mushy. The dressing should smell tangy, sweet, and a little bit spicy – just like the perfect mango salad with lime dressing should!
- If you’re using peanuts, sprinkle them over the top of the salad. This adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor. While the mango salad with lime dressing is chilling in the fridge, I usually tidy up the kitchen. Multi-tasking is key when you have a family!
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but I find that it really makes a difference. Plus, it gives the mango salad with lime dressing a chance to chill, which is especially refreshing on a hot day.
Serving Suggestions
The kids love our mango salad with lime dressing when I serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish tacos. It adds a burst of freshness and flavor that perfectly complements the savory flavors. My go-to side dishes that pair with mango salad with lime dressing are simple: grilled corn on the cob or a side of black beans and rice. They’re easy to make and provide a nice balance of flavors and textures.
This mango salad with lime dressing is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even just a light lunch on a hot day. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! For presentation tips, I like to serve the mango salad with lime dressing in a pretty bowl or platter, garnished with a few extra sprigs of cilantro and a sprinkle of peanuts. It looks so vibrant and inviting!
If you have extra mango salad with lime dressing, you can use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. You can also add it to wraps or sandwiches for a burst of flavor. For seasonal variations, try adding grilled pineapple in the summer or pomegranate seeds in the winter. My friends always ask for this mango salad with lime dressing recipe whenever I make it for a party. It’s become my signature dish! And sometimes, I skip the bell pepper and add cucumber for a different texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I get about making mango salad. Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you create the perfect salad every time!
Q: My mangoes are too firm. What can I do?
A: Ah, the eternal struggle with mangoes! You know what I do when my mango salad with lime dressing recipe calls for ripe mangoes and all I have are hard ones? I put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, which helps mangoes ripen faster. Usually, a day or two in the bag does the trick.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You sure can! The mango salad with lime dressing actually tastes better after it’s had a chance to sit for a bit and the flavors meld. However, I recommend adding the avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning. I’ve made this mango salad with lime dressing a day in advance for parties, and it’s always a hit!
Q: I don’t like cilantro. What’s a good substitute?
A: No problem! Cilantro is one of those herbs that people either love or hate. If you’re not a fan, try using fresh mint or basil instead. They both have a similar fresh, herbaceous flavor that will complement the mango salad with lime dressing beautifully. My family actually prefers mint in this mango salad with lime dressing sometimes!
Q: Can I make this salad spicier?
A: Absolutely! If you like a little kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the mango salad with lime dressing. Just be careful not to overdo it! I once added too much cayenne pepper to my mango salad with lime dressing, and let’s just say it was a bit too spicy for the kids.
Q: Is this salad vegan?
A: Yes, with a few minor adjustments. Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and omit the fish sauce. This vegan mango salad version is just as delicious! My vegan friends always rave about it.
Q: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A: The mango salad with lime dressing will last for about 2-3 days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. The avocado will start to brown after a while, so keep that in mind. I try to eat it all within the first day or two.
Q: Can I add other fruits to this salad?
A: Of course! Feel free to get creative and add other fruits that you enjoy. Pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries all work well in this mango salad with lime dressing. I’ve even added grilled peaches before, and it was amazing! If you are to add strawberries or blueberries, you might be able to try a Berry Salad with Creamy Lemon Herb Yogurt Dressing as well!
Final Thoughts and Pro Tips
This mango salad with lime dressing recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my family and I truly enjoy together. It’s simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor – everything I look for in a recipe. It’s also a reminder of those sunny days on vacation, when I first discovered the magic of mangoes and lime.
My Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Pro Tips:
- Use the freshest ingredients possible. The better the quality of your mangoes, avocado, and herbs, the better the salad will taste.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the dressing. Add more or less honey, lime juice, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Let the salad chill for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to cool down, making it even more refreshing.
Some of the mango salad with lime dressing variations I’ve tried with my family include adding grilled shrimp, black beans, or quinoa. My husband loves the version with grilled shrimp, while my kids prefer the one with black beans. Another time, I also tried something I got from one of my Greek friends, I prepared a Greek Salad with Meat and added mangoes into the salad. It works surprisingly well!
I hope you’ll give this mango salad with lime dressing recipe a try. It’s a fantastic recipe to get you eating more greens and the kids will appreciate the sweet taste from the mangoes! Don’t be afraid to make it your own and add your own personal touch. And don’t worry if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first time – cooking is all about learning and experimenting. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious mango salad with lime dressing you create!
Mango Salad With Lime Dressing
This vibrant Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is a refreshing and flavorful dish, perfect as a light lunch or a side. The sweetness of ripe mangoes complements the tangy lime dressing for a delightful culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, red onion, cilantro, red bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the lime dressing over the mango salad and gently toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped peanuts on top before serving.