Avocado Mango Salad

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links learn more.

It all started on a sweltering summer afternoon. The heat was almost unbearable, and my family was craving something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. I rummaged through the fridge and pantry, and my eyes landed on a perfectly ripe avocado and a juicy mango. An idea sparked, and within minutes, the Avocado Mango Salad was born. From the first bite, it was a hit! The creamy avocado, sweet mango, and zesty lime dressing created a symphony of flavors that danced on our palates. My kids, who are usually picky eaters, devoured it, and my husband declared it his new favorite salad. Since then, this vibrant salad has become a regular on our table, a go-to for potlucks, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for a salad that’s not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrients and incredibly easy to make, look no further. This Avocado Mango Salad is about to become your new obsession too!

Ingredients for the Perfect Avocado Mango Salad

This recipe is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ripe Avocados: (2-3 medium) – Creamy avocados are the heart of this salad, providing richness and healthy fats. Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not mushy.
Ripe Mangoes: (2 medium) – Sweet and juicy mangoes bring a tropical sweetness that complements the avocado perfectly. Look for mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.
Red Onion: (1/4 cup, finely diced) – Adds a subtle sharpness and bite that balances the sweetness of the mango and the richness of the avocado. Red onion is preferred for its milder flavor when raw.
Cilantro: (1/4 cup, chopped) – Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous note that ties all the flavors together. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with fresh parsley or mint.
Lime Juice: (2-3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed) – The zesty lime juice is essential for the dressing, adding acidity and brightness that elevates the entire salad. Freshly squeezed lime juice is always best for flavor.
Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons, extra virgin) – Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and healthy fats to the dressing. It also helps to emulsify the dressing and coat the salad ingredients beautifully.
Jalapeño: (1/2, finely minced, optional) – For a touch of heat, a small amount of minced jalapeño adds a pleasant kick. Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
Salt and Black Pepper: (to taste) – Seasoning is crucial to enhance all the flavors. Use sea salt or kosher salt for the best taste and freshly ground black pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Avocado Mango Salad

Making this Avocado Mango Salad is incredibly simple and quick. Follow these easy steps for a delicious and refreshing salad in minutes:

Prepare the Mango and Avocado: Begin by peeling and dicing the mangoes and avocados. For the mangoes, you can slice off the cheeks on either side of the flat pit. Then, score the flesh in a grid pattern without cutting through the skin. Invert the mango cheek and use a knife to cut away the cubes or scoop them out with a spoon. For the avocados, cut them lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate the halves, and remove the pit. Scoop out the avocado flesh with a spoon and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Place the diced mango and avocado in a large mixing bowl. Be gentle to avoid mashing the avocado.
Dice the Red Onion and Cilantro: Finely dice the red onion. The smaller the dice, the less overpowering the onion flavor will be. Chop the fresh cilantro leaves. Measure out the required amounts and add them to the bowl with the mango and avocado.
Prepare the Jalapeño (Optional): If you desire a bit of spice, carefully mince half of a jalapeño pepper. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat. If you prefer no heat, simply skip this ingredient. Add the minced jalapeño to the bowl.
Make the Lime Dressing: In a small bowl or directly over the salad bowl, squeeze the fresh lime juice. Add the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the dressing ingredients together briefly with a fork or small whisk to combine them. You can also simply drizzle the lime juice and olive oil separately and then season with salt and pepper.
Gently Toss the Salad: Pour the lime dressing over the mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the avocado and mango pieces intact and not mushy. A gentle folding motion works best.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more lime juice for extra tang, salt for more flavor, or pepper for a bit more spice. This is the stage to personalize the salad to your taste preferences.
Serve Immediately or Chill Briefly: Avocado Mango Salad is best served fresh. You can serve it immediately after preparing it to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures at their peak. Alternatively, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld slightly and for the salad to cool down, especially on a hot day. Avoid chilling for longer periods, as the avocado may start to brown and the salad might lose its freshness.
Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of visual appeal, you can garnish the salad before serving. Consider garnishing with a few extra sprigs of fresh cilantro, a lime wedge on the side, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a hint of extra heat.

Nutrition Facts of Avocado Mango Salad

This Avocado Mango Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Here’s a glimpse into the nutritional benefits you can expect per serving (approximate, based on 4 servings):

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
Calories: 250-300 kcal
Vitamin C: High (from mango and lime juice)
Vitamin K: Good source (from avocado)
Potassium: Good source (from avocado and mango)

Important Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the exact ingredients used, their ripeness, and serving sizes. This is an estimate to give you a general idea of the healthy profile of this salad. This salad is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. It’s a great way to incorporate healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber into your diet.

Preparation Time for Avocado Mango Salad

This recipe is a winner when you’re short on time but still want a healthy and delicious meal.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- This includes washing and chopping the vegetables and fruits, dicing the onion, mincing the jalapeño (if using), and preparing the lime dressing.
Cook Time: 0 minutes
- No cooking required! This is a completely raw salad.
Total Time: 15-20 minutes

This Avocado Mango Salad is incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or a refreshing lunch. The minimal prep time allows you to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad

Avocado Mango Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish:
- Grilled Meats or Fish: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish like salmon or tilapia. The salad’s freshness cuts through the richness of grilled proteins beautifully.
- Tacos or Fajitas: Serve it alongside tacos, fajitas, or burrito bowls for a refreshing and flavorful topping. It complements the spicy and savory flavors of Mexican cuisine perfectly.
- BBQ or Picnic Fare: It’s an excellent side dish for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Sandwiches or Wraps: Add a scoop of Avocado Mango Salad to sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition.
As a Main Course:
- Add Protein: Transform it into a light and satisfying main course by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, black beans, or tofu.
- Serve Over Greens: Place the salad on a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach for a more substantial and leafy salad.
- Stuffed in Avocado Halves: For a visually appealing and healthy presentation, spoon the salad back into avocado halves for a sophisticated and delicious lunch.
As an Appetizer:
- With Tortilla Chips: Serve it as a vibrant and healthy alternative to salsa with tortilla chips for dipping.
- On Crostini or Crackers: Spoon the salad onto toasted baguette slices (crostini) or crackers for a delicious and elegant appetizer.
- In Lettuce Cups: Serve small portions of the salad in crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine lettuce) for a refreshing and low-carb appetizer.
Other Serving Ideas:
- Top for Grain Bowls: Add it as a topping to quinoa bowls, rice bowls, or farro bowls for extra flavor and freshness.
- Garnish for Soups: Use a small scoop as a garnish for chilled soups like gazpacho or avocado soup for a burst of flavor and texture.

Additional Tips for the Best Avocado Mango Salad

To elevate your Avocado Mango Salad to the next level, consider these helpful tips:

Use Ripe but Firm Mangoes and Avocados: The key to a great salad is using perfectly ripe ingredients. Choose mangoes and avocados that are ripe but still slightly firm. Overripe fruits will be too mushy and won’t hold their shape well in the salad.
Don’t Prepare Too Far in Advance: Avocado and mango are best enjoyed fresh. While you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and chop the vegetables, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving. Avocado tends to brown when exposed to air. If you must prepare it ahead, toss the avocado and mango with a little extra lime juice to help prevent browning and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a short period (up to an hour).
Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your spice preference. For less heat, use a smaller piece of jalapeño or remove all the seeds and membranes. For more heat, use a serrano pepper or leave some seeds in the jalapeño. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables to add more texture and flavor. Consider adding diced cucumber, bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for sweetness), or cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered).
Incorporate Protein for a Main Dish: To make this salad a more substantial meal, add protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, black beans, chickpeas, or tofu are all excellent choices. You can also add crumbled feta cheese or cotija cheese for a salty and cheesy element (if not vegan).
Experiment with Herbs: While cilantro is classic, you can experiment with other fresh herbs. Try adding chopped fresh mint, parsley, or even basil for different flavor profiles. A combination of cilantro and mint can be particularly refreshing.
Make it Creamier (Optional): If you prefer a creamier salad, you can add a touch of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste. A small amount of mashed avocado can also be incorporated into the dressing for extra creaminess and avocado flavor.
Enhance the Dressing: For a more complex dressing, consider adding a clove of minced garlic, a teaspoon of honey or agave for a touch of sweetness, or a pinch of cumin or chili powder for a deeper flavor. A splash of orange juice can also brighten the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Avocado Mango Salad

Here are some common questions people ask about Avocado Mango Salad:

Q1: Can I make Avocado Mango Salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make this salad fresh just before serving. However, you can prep some components in advance. You can chop the red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using) and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also whisk together the lime dressing and store it in the refrigerator. Wait to dice the avocado and mango until just before serving to prevent browning. If you must assemble it slightly ahead, toss the avocado and mango with extra lime juice and store in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than an hour.

Q2: How do I prevent the avocado from browning in the salad?
A: Lime juice (or lemon juice) is your best friend for preventing avocado browning. The acidity helps to slow down oxidation. Ensure the avocado pieces are well coated with the lime dressing. Storing the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator can also help minimize browning.

Q3: Can I substitute the mango with another fruit?
A: While mango is a key flavor in this salad, you can experiment with other fruits. Pineapple, peaches, or nectarines could be good substitutes for a slightly different but still delicious tropical flavor. Berries like strawberries or blueberries could also be used for a different twist, though it will change the flavor profile significantly.

Q4: I don’t like cilantro. What can I use instead?
A: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley is a great alternative. It offers a similar fresh, herbaceous note but without the soapy flavor that some people associate with cilantro. Fresh mint or basil could also be used for a different but still refreshing flavor.

Q5: Is Avocado Mango Salad vegan and gluten-free?
A: Yes, this salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It contains no animal products and no gluten-containing ingredients. It’s a great option for people with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Q6: Can I add cheese to Avocado Mango Salad?
A: While traditionally served without cheese, you can certainly add cheese if you like. Crumbled feta cheese, cotija cheese, or even queso fresco would pair well with the flavors of avocado and mango. Adding cheese will, of course, make it non-vegan.

Q7: How long does Avocado Mango Salad last in the refrigerator?
A: Avocado Mango Salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, and the salad might lose some of its freshness and texture over time. It’s best to consume it within 24 hours for optimal quality.

Q8: Can I make a larger batch of this salad for a party?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. You can double, triple, or even quadruple the ingredients to make a larger batch for a crowd. Just ensure you have a large enough bowl to mix everything gently without mashing the avocado and mango. It’s a perfect salad for potlucks, barbecues, and parties as it’s always a crowd-pleaser and visually appealing.