If you are looking to brighten up your meal with a fresh, vibrant burst of flavor, this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It beautifully balances creamy avocados with the sweet juiciness of ripe mangoes, while crisp cucumber and zesty red onion add crunch and a subtle bite. Tossed in a simple lime and olive oil dressing with a hint of honey, this salad is not only refreshing and colorful but incredibly easy to make. Whether for a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or just a wholesome snack, this recipe brings sunshine to your plate and a smile to your face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Avocado Mango Salad Recipe relies on a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients that each play an important role in creating a perfectly balanced dish. From creamy textures to crisp bites and fresh herbal notes, every component adds a layer of flavor and color that makes this salad truly special.
- 2 ripe avocados, diced: Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for the creamiest texture.
- 1 large ripe mango, diced: Sweet and juicy, mango brings a tropical freshness that complements the avocado perfectly.
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced: Adds a sharp bite and beautiful color contrast to the salad.
- 1/2 cucumber, diced: Offers a refreshing crunch and balances the sweetness of the mango.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: This herb adds a lively, citrusy note that brightens the entire salad.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A smooth, fruity base for the dressing that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Provides acidity and zest — essential for waking up the salad’s flavors.
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional): Balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness if desired.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances every ingredient and rounds out the dressing.
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by dicing the ripe avocados and mango into bite-sized pieces — this gives you nice, uniform chunks that make each forkful a delightful combination of creamy and sweet. Finely dice the red onion and the cucumber to add a crunchy contrast, then chop the cilantro to sprinkle in that fresh, herbal brightness that makes the salad lively and vibrant.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, and optional honey or agave syrup. Whisk this mixture briskly with a pinch of salt and pepper to create a silky dressing that perfectly complements the natural flavors of your ingredients without overpowering them.
Step 3: Combine All the Ingredients
Gently toss together the diced avocados, mangoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl. This careful tossing helps to keep the avocados intact while distributing everything evenly so you get a bit of each ingredient in every bite.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently once more. Coating every piece in the limey, olive oil blend brings all the flavors to life and adds a glossy finish that makes the salad look as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
Although you can serve this salad immediately to enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavors, letting it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. The salad becomes even more harmonious and refreshing, perfect for warm days or as a colorful side dish.
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Avocado Mango Salad Recipe by sprinkling extra fresh cilantro on top or adding thin slices of radish for a peppery crunch. Toasted pumpkin seeds or a few pomegranate arils can add surprising texture and pops of color that make the dish visually stunning.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, healthy meal. It also complements spicy dishes like tacos or barbecue, offering a cooling contrast. For a vegetarian spread, serve it alongside a bowl of black beans and rice or warm, crispy plantains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your avocado mango salad stuffed into halved avocados or hollowed-out mango shells for a fun and festive presentation. Another idea is to layer it in parfait glasses with quinoa or couscous for a beautiful and nutritious lunch option that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 1 to 2 days. Keep in mind that avocado tends to brown quickly, so adding a bit more lime juice before storing can help maintain its vibrant color.
Freezing
This fresh salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The creamy texture of avocado and the crispness of cucumber are compromised after freezing, so it’s recommended to avoid freezing this Avocado Mango Salad Recipe.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold, reheating is unnecessary. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving again and add a squeeze of fresh lime if the flavors seem a little muted after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Avocado Mango Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While the classic combination of avocado and mango is key, you can swap the cucumber for jicama or add jalapeño for a spicy kick. Feel free to customize the salad to your taste preferences.
How do I keep avocado from browning in this salad?
Adding fresh lime juice to the salad not only adds flavor but also slows down the browning process. If storing leftovers, sprinkle a little extra lime juice on top and cover tightly with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, the Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you use agave syrup instead of honey. It’s a fresh, plant-based dish perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead by dicing and chopping but wait to combine and dress the salad until just before serving. This ensures the avocados stay fresh and the salad looks its best for your guests.
What are some variations of this salad?
Try adding diced red bell pepper for extra crunch and sweetness, or sprinkle some toasted nuts like cashews or almonds for a nutty flavor and texture contrast. A dash of chili flakes can also add a fun, spicy element.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Mango Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh flavors and simple ingredients coming together to create something spectacular. It’s easy to make, delightful to eat, and offers a bright, nourishing option that suits so many occasions. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite salad to share with friends and family!
Print
Avocado Mango Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Avocado Mango Salad featuring ripe avocados and mangoes combined with crisp cucumber, red onion, and fresh cilantro, dressed in a light lime and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this no-cook salad is easy to prepare and bursting with tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 large ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Dice the avocados and mango, finely chop the cucumber, red onion, and fresh cilantro to create the base of the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey or agave syrup if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste to create a balanced, tangy dressing.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the diced avocados, mangoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro together to blend the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat the ingredients well without mashing the avocado.
- Serve or chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm avocados and mangoes to avoid a mushy texture.
- Adjust seasoning after tossing the salad as the avocado and mango may mellow the flavors.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Honey or agave syrup is optional and can be omitted for a more tart dressing.
- Serve as a light lunch or a colorful side dish with grilled meats or seafood.
