Refreshing Mango Salad Taste the Summer on Your Plate
When the temperatures rise, there’s no better way to cool down and refresh your palate than with a freshly prepared salad bursting with natural flavors.
Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes: a refreshing mango salad!
The sweetness of mango, the crunch of fresh veggies, and the tangy dressing blend together into a perfect balance, making this salad ideal for a light lunch, a BBQ side dish, or even a vibrant appetizer for any occasion.
Without further delay, let’s dive into the recipe!
✨ Ingredients:
- 2 ripe (but firm) mangoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 2 tablespoons crushed roasted peanuts for garnish
🥄 Instructions:
1. Prepare the mango:
Choose mangoes that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Slice off the mango “cheeks,” score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern, and gently scoop it out with a spoon, then cut into thin strips.
2. Prepare the vegetables:
Peel the cucumber and carrot and cut them into thin matchstick pieces. Clean and thinly slice the red bell pepper. Slice the red onion as thinly as possible for a milder flavor.
3. Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
4. Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine the mango, cucumber, bell pepper, carrot, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Final touch:
Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with crushed roasted peanuts for extra crunch and a burst of nutty flavor.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 14g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
💡 Tips for the Perfect Mango Salad:
- Choosing the right mango:
Pick mangoes that are ripe yet firm enough to hold their shape when sliced. Overripe mangoes can turn mushy and ruin the texture of the salad. - Adding extra vegetables:
This salad loves variety! Feel free to add sliced avocado, radishes, or even shredded red cabbage for more color and crunch. - Boosting with protein:
If you want to turn this into a full meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed, satisfying dish. - Serving suggestion:
Serve it chilled for maximum freshness, ideally within an hour of preparing it to maintain that perfect crisp texture.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad:
This refreshing mango salad is:
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with vitamins and antioxidants
- Beautifully colorful and photogenic — perfect for summer parties and gatherings!
Whether you’re hosting a picnic, planning a backyard barbecue, or simply craving something fresh and delicious, this mango salad will bring a ray of sunshine to your table.