Avocado & Mango Salad

Stephen

March 18, 2025

Avocado & Mango Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines the creamy texture of ripe avocados with the juicy sweetness of mangoes. This salad often includes a mix of crisp greens like arugula or spinach, and it’s enhanced with ingredients such as red onions, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for added crunch. A zesty dressing—usually a blend of lime juice, olive oil, honey, and a touch of chili flakes—brings everything together with a balance of tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors. It’s a perfect side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or as a light and healthy standalone meal.

Why This Salad Is So Good!

The Ultimate Summer Delight: Bursting with vibrant colors and flavors, this salad is a true celebration of summer.

Harmonious Flavors: The natural sweetness of mango pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of avocado, all tied together by a zesty lime or lemon dressing for a perfectly balanced taste.

Effortless Preparation: Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook recipe is ideal for busy days when you crave something light and refreshing.

Endlessly Adaptable: Whether served as a side dish, a quick lunch, or a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious.

Ingredients For Avocado & Mango Salad

Mangoes: These golden gems add a burst of sweetness. Opt for luscious, honeyed mangoes with a firm texture. Stay away from tart varieties to keep the salad’s harmony intact.

Avocados: Go for creamy, green treasures that are perfectly ripe but retain some firmness. Avoid overly soft ones to maintain the salad’s texture.

Onions: If red onions aren’t available, any pungent bulbs will work, finely chopped to blend seamlessly.

Tomatoes: Juicy cherry jewels bring vibrant flavor, but you can swap them with vine-ripened or Roma rubies if needed.

Lemon/Lime Juice: Choose the zesty essence of freshly squeezed citrus to elevate the dish.

Cilantro: This fragrant herb gives the salad its signature flair, but your favorite greens will work as aromatic substitutes.

Garlic: Infuse the dish with the bold kick of fresh cloves, enhancing every flavor.

Salt: Season with a sprinkle of granules to taste.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Mangoes: If sweet mangoes are unavailable, try substituting with fresh peaches, nectarines, or papaya. For a tangy twist, you could even use pineapple chunks.

Avocados: Swap with diced cucumber or edamame for a refreshing crunch, or roasted butternut squash for a creamy alternative.

Onions: Replace red onions with shallots for a milder flavor, or green onions (scallions) for a bit of brightness.

Tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes for an intense burst of flavor or yellow cherry tomatoes for color variation.

Lemon/Lime Juice: Experiment with orange juice or grapefruit juice for a sweeter, citrusy spin.

Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, substitute with parsley, basil, or mint for a different herbal aroma.

How to Make Avocado Mango Salad

Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, crush the garlic into tiny bits, strip the avocados and mangoes of their skins, and dice them into bite-sized cubes. Slice the tomatoes neatly into halves for a juicy pop of flavor.

Assemble the Salad: In a spacious mixing bowl, delicately toss together the cubed avocado, sweet mango, finely chopped red onion, and fragrant cilantro until evenly mixed.

Create the Dressing: In a petite mixing bowl, blend olive oil, freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and finely crushed garlic until smooth and well-combined.

Mix the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and delicately fold them together. Handle with care to preserve the avocado’s texture and keep the pieces intact.

Present Without Delay: Relish the salad at its freshest by serving right away and savoring its vibrant, sun-kissed flavors.

Cooking Insights:

Select Perfectly Ripe Produce: The secret to a standout avocado mango salad lies in using perfectly ripe avocados and mangoes. The avocados should be tender yet firm, and the mangoes sweet and succulent.
Uniform Cuts for Elegance: To achieve an ideal texture and eye-catching presentation, dice all ingredients into evenly sized pieces.
Timing the Dressing: Apply the dressing at the last moment to preserve freshness and prevent avocado browning.
Gentle Mixing Matters: Handle the salad delicately to retain the integrity of the avocado and mango, ensuring a vibrant, appetizing result.
Fresh is Best: Serve promptly to enjoy the salad in its prime. Leaving it too long can lead to browning or a less appetizing texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? It’s best to prepare this salad just before serving to keep the avocado fresh and prevent browning. However, you can pre-chop the other ingredients and store them separately, adding the avocado and dressing right before serving.

What can I substitute for mangoes? If you don’t have mangoes, try using peaches, nectarines, or pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy alternative.

What if I don’t like cilantro? You can replace cilantro with parsley, basil, or mint, depending on your preference for an herbaceous twist.

How do I stop the avocados from browning? Toss the diced avocado in a little lime or lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This will help slow down the browning process.