Best Avocado Mango Salad Recipe

Are you craving a refreshing, vibrant, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for warm weather? Look no further than this avocado mango salad! This tropical-inspired creation combines creamy avocados with sweet mangoes and a zesty lime dressing for a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, looking for a light lunch option, or need a colorful side dish, this avocado mango salad will quickly become your go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Mango Salad

• Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
• No cooking required – ideal for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the stove
• Versatile – works as a side dish, light lunch, or even a topping for grilled fish or chicken
• Nutrient-packed – loaded with vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants
• Customizable – easily adaptable to your dietary preferences
• Meal-prep friendly – components can be prepared ahead of time
• Naturally gluten-free and vegan – accommodates multiple dietary restrictions

The combination of avocado and mango creates a perfect balance of creamy and sweet, while the lime dressing adds a refreshing zing that ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients for Avocado Mango Salad

For the Salad:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 2 ripe mangoes, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (substitute with parsley for cilantro-averse)
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional, for heat)

For the Lime Dressing:

• Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins for Your Avocado Mango Salad:

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (for added protein)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (to make it more filling)
• 1/4 cup toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds (for crunch)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan option)
• 1 cup diced cucumber (for extra freshness)

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How to Make Avocado Mango Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables

1. Wash all produce thoroughly.
2. Dice the avocados into 3/4-inch cubes. Pro tip: To keep avocados from browning, dice them last and immediately toss with a splash of lime juice.
3. Peel and dice the mangoes into similar-sized cubes as the avocado.
4. Thinly slice the red onion.
5. Dice the red bell pepper into small pieces.
6. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
7. Finely chop the cilantro.
8. If using jalapeño, remove seeds and finely dice.

Step 2: Make the Lime Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and cumin.
2. Whisk until well combined.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Let the dressing sit for at least 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Avocado Mango Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, mangoes, red onion, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeño (if using).
2. Add any optional add-ins you’ve chosen.
3. Drizzle with the lime dressing.
4. Gently toss to coat all ingredients, being careful not to mash the avocado and mango.
5. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Step 4: Serve or Store

1. For best flavor, let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
2. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Avocado Mango Salad

• Choose the right avocados – Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t too soft. They should be ripe but firm enough to hold their shape when diced.
• Mango selection matters – The best mangoes for this salad are ones that are sweet and ripe but still firm. If they’re too soft, they’ll turn mushy in the salad.
• Balance the flavors – The perfect avocado mango salad has a balance of sweet (mango), creamy (avocado), acidic (lime), and savory (salt, cumin) elements. Adjust the dressing to your taste preferences.
• Make it ahead – If preparing in advance, combine all ingredients except the avocado and dressing. Add those just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the best texture.
• Control the heat – If you enjoy spice but want to keep it mild, use just half a jalapeño with seeds removed. For more heat, include some or all of the seeds.
• Perfect your avocado cutting technique – For the best presentation, master the art of dicing avocados uniformly. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, score the flesh in a grid pattern while still in the skin, then scoop out the diced pieces with a spoon.

Best Ways to Serve Avocado Mango Salad

The versatility of avocado mango salad is one of its greatest strengths. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As a refreshing side dish alongside grilled fish, chicken, or shrimp
• In a bowl over cooked quinoa or rice for a complete meal
• Wrapped in a tortilla with grilled chicken for a tropical-inspired wrap
• Scooped onto tostadas or tortilla chips as a chunky dip
• As a topping for grilled fish tacos
• Alongside spicy dishes to provide cooling contrast
• In lettuce cups for a light appetizer
• With grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian main course

For an impressive presentation, serve your avocado mango salad in a hollowed-out mango or avocado half, or even in a pineapple boat for a tropical-themed gathering.

Nutritional Information for Avocado Mango Salad

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 265 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 18g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats from avocado)
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 18g (naturally occurring)
• Vitamin C: 87% of Daily Value
• Vitamin A: 25% of Daily Value
• Potassium: 15% of Daily Value

This avocado mango salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, while mangoes deliver a wealth of vitamins A and C. Together, they create a nutrient-dense dish that supports overall health while satisfying your taste buds.

Storage & Leftovers

While avocado mango salad is best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to handle any leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The avocado will begin to brown after this time, though the lime juice helps slow this process.
• Prevent browning: Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure, which causes avocado browning.
• Not suitable for freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to the high water content of the fruits and vegetables.
• Refresh leftovers: If your leftover salad looks a bit tired, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the top and add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.
• Repurpose leftovers: Transform day-old avocado mango salad into a tropical salsa for chips, a topping for grilled fish, or blend it with a little extra lime juice and olive oil for a unique salad dressing.

FAQs for Avocado Mango Salad

Can I make avocado mango salad ahead of time?

Yes, but with some precautions. Prepare all ingredients except the avocado up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Dice and add the avocado and dressing just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the best texture.

What can I use instead of cilantro in avocado mango salad?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley, mint, or basil all work wonderfully in this avocado mango salad. Each herb will bring a different flavor profile to the dish, so choose based on your preference.

How do I pick the perfect mango for salad?

The ideal mango for salad should be ripe but still firm. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet aroma near the stem end. For the best flavor in your avocado mango salad, allow mangoes to ripen at room temperature until they have a slight give when pressed.

Is avocado mango salad healthy?

Absolutely! Avocado mango salad is packed with nutrients, including healthy fats from avocados, vitamins A and C from mangoes, and a variety of other vitamins and minerals from the additional vegetables. It’s a nutrient-dense dish that’s as good for you as it is delicious.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this avocado mango salad, be sure to try these other refreshing and nutritious recipes:

• Avocado Shrimp Ceviche – A tangy, protein-packed dish with similar tropical flavors
• Mango Cucumber Salad – A light and hydrating side perfect for summer barbecues
• Tropical Quinoa Bowl – A filling main dish featuring similar ingredients with added protein
• Avocado Corn Salsa – A fantastic dip or topping for grilled proteins
• Summer Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing – A sweet counterpart to this savory avocado mango salad

Conclusion: Master the Art of Avocado Mango Salad

Now you know how to make the best avocado mango salad at home! This vibrant, nutritious dish combines the creamy richness of avocados with the sweet tropical flavor of mangoes to create a salad that’s much more than the sum of its parts. The zesty lime dressing brings everything together, creating a refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled proteins, or bringing it to a potluck, this avocado mango salad is sure to impress. The beautiful colors, contrasting textures, and balanced flavors make it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Have you tried making this avocado mango salad? What variations did you try? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who appreciate fresh, flavorful, and healthy dishes!

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