If you are craving a vibrant mix of creamy, sweet, and zesty flavors, this Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to salad. It brings together buttery avocado and juicy mango, finished with a refreshing lime dressing that lifts every bite. It’s a dish that feels like sunshine on your plate—perfect for warm days, casual lunches, or whenever you want a quick, healthy salad bursting with color and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is simple yet essential, bringing a unique flavor or texture to make the salad both balanced and exciting.
- 2 ripe avocados: Provide a creamy texture and healthy fats that make the salad indulgently smooth.
- 1 ripe mango: Adds natural sweetness and a bright golden color that enhances the salad’s appeal.
- 1/2 red onion: Offers a slight bite and sharpness; soaking it in water can mellow its intensity if desired.
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Brings fresh herbaceous notes that brighten every forkful.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Essential for the tangy dressing that wakes up the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds smooth richness to the dressing and helps meld the ingredients.
- 1 jalapeno pepper (optional): Provides a subtle kick for those who enjoy a little heat—remember to remove seeds!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors overall.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle spice to round out the dressing.
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Dice the Avocado and Mango
Peeling and pitting ripe avocados can require some care, but the payoff is worth it—dice them carefully into roughly 1/2-inch cubes so each bite melts in your mouth. Do the same with the mango, matching the size to the avocado for consistent texture. This harmony of softness and sweetness is key to the salad’s success.
Step 2: Prepare the Red Onion
Thinly slice the red onion so it blends well with the creamy avocado and juicy mango without overpowering the dish. If you find the raw onion a bit harsh, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to soften the flavor, then drain well before adding to the salad.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Gently toss together the diced avocado, mango, and the sliced red onion in a medium bowl. Being gentle here keeps the avocado from turning mushy and keeps the salad looking fresh and inviting.
Step 4: Add Cilantro
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro into the bowl. This herb is a must-have for its vibrant aroma and the burst of green color it provides, making the salad look as fresh as it tastes.
Step 5: Make the Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice and olive oil until the dressing is smooth and slightly emulsified. For an extra zing, add the minced jalapeno pepper if you like a bit of spice. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences. This zesty dressing ties the salad’s flavors together perfectly.
Step 6: Toss the Salad and Adjust Seasoning
Pour the lime dressing over the combined salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed to achieve a balance that makes you smile.
Step 7: Chill (Optional)
If time allows, refrigerate the salad for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully. However, this salad is also delightful when served immediately—freshness is always the star here.
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds on top adds a lovely crunch and herbaceous punch that enhances both the flavor and presentation. Thin lime wedges on the side invite everyone to add a squeeze of citrus for extra brightness.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a refreshing side to grilled seafood, chicken, or even a weekend barbecue. It also makes a brilliant accompaniment to tacos or spicy mains, offsetting heat with its cool, sweet, and tangy qualities.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in hollowed-out avocado shells or vibrant small bowls to highlight its colors and make the dining experience feel extra special. Alternatively, use it as a topping over a bed of greens or as a filling in wraps to create a portable, fresh meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To help prevent the avocado from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salad before sealing the container.
Freezing
Because of the fresh fruits and delicate dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended—it will damage the texture and alter the flavors in ways that won’t do your taste buds justice.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating is unnecessary and would diminish its refreshing qualities. Just give it a gentle stir and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango if I don’t have fresh?
While fresh mango is preferred for texture and vibrant flavor, frozen mango thawed completely can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to drain any extra liquid to avoid making the salad watery.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Using lime juice in the dressing helps slow browning, and storing the salad airtight with plastic wrap pressed against the surface will keep it looking fresh longer.
Is this salad gluten-free and vegan?
Yes! The Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it perfect for many dietary preferences.
Can I add protein to this salad to make it a full meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked quinoa make excellent additions to turn this refreshing salad into a satisfying main course.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Should I leave out the jalapeno?
Yes, the jalapeno is completely optional. You can leave it out for a milder flavor or add just a tiny bit if you want a subtle hint of heat without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe is one of those simple dishes that feels like a special treat every time you make it. Bright, fresh, and bursting with texture and flavor, it’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve for guests or to elevate your everyday meals. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a quick path to deliciousness that never disappoints!
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Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Avocado Mango Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish combining creamy avocado and sweet mango with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light side dish, appetizer, or a topping for grilled meats and tacos, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures with a hint of heat from optional jalapeno.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Dice the Avocado and Mango: Carefully peel and pit the avocados and dice into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Peel and dice the mango into pieces about the same size for consistent texture.
- Prepare the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. Optionally, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor if desired.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, mango, and sliced red onion, taking care not to overmix.
- Add Cilantro: Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Juice the Limes: In a small bowl, squeeze fresh lime juice to prepare the dressing base.
- Add Olive Oil: Whisk the olive oil into the lime juice to create a smooth dressing.
- Incorporate Jalapeno (Optional): Add the minced jalapeno pepper to the dressing for heat, ensuring seeds and membranes are removed; adjust amount to taste.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the dressing with salt and black pepper, starting with the suggested amounts and adjusting as needed.
- Whisk the Dressing: Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, jalapeno, salt, and pepper together until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Pour Dressing Over Salad: Pour the dressing over the avocado and mango mixture and gently toss to coat evenly without mashing the fruit.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as preferred to balance the flavors.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving, though it can be served immediately.
- Serve: Serve as a refreshing side dish, appetizer, or topping for grilled meats, fish, tacos, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Soaking red onions in cold water reduces their sharpness if desired.
- Removing seeds and membranes from jalapeno controls the heat level.
- Handle avocado gently to avoid mashing when mixing.
- This salad can be customized by adding other fresh herbs or a dash of honey for sweetness.
- Best served fresh; avocado may brown if stored too long.
