There is nothing quite as vibrant and refreshing as a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and zesty in a salad, and the Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe absolutely nails it. This recipe combines the buttery richness of ripe avocado with the tropical sweetness of fresh mango, all brought to life by a zingy lime dressing that adds just the right amount of tang and brightness. It’s a wonderful dish that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious to the palate, making it a fantastic choice for everything from casual family dinners to special gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s magic lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The fresh produce adds color and vibrancy, while the lime dressing elevates everything with a refreshing kick.
- 2 ripe avocados: Choose avocados that are perfectly soft to give the salad its creamy, luscious texture.
- 1 ripe mango: Sweet and juicy, mango adds a tropical flair and a lovely golden hue.
- 1/2 red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp contrast that balances the sweetness; soaking can mellow its punch.
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the mango and avocado beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice: The star of the lime dressing, providing tanginess and a fresh aroma.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings richness and helps emulsify the dressing for a smooth finish.
- 1 jalapeno pepper (optional): Minced for a hint of heat; adjust according to your preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spice that rounds out the flavor profile.
How to Make Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Dice the Avocado and Mango
Begin by peeling and pitting the avocados carefully to avoid bruising. Dice the avocado into about 1/2-inch cubes for that perfect bite-sized tenderness. Do the same with the mango, aiming for similarly sized pieces so every forkful offers a consistent and delightful blend of flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Red Onion
Slice the red onion thinly to add a crisp texture and a mild sharpness to the salad. If you find raw onion too overpowering, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to soften the bite without losing the lovely onion essence.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, gently mix together the diced avocado, mango, and sliced onion. Handle with care so the avocado pieces keep their shape and texture instead of turning mushy.
Step 4: Add Cilantro
Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and fold it into the mixture so its fresh, citrusy notes spread throughout the salad, giving each spoonful a refreshing herbal lift.
Step 5: Make the Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice and olive oil until smooth. If you love a touch of heat, stir in the finely minced jalapeno pepper after removing the seeds to control the spice level perfectly.
Step 6: Season and Whisk
Add salt and black pepper to the lime dressing, then whisk again until the ingredients emulsify into a silky, flavorful dressing that will tie the whole salad together beautifully.
Step 7: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the lime dressing gently over the avocado and mango mixture. Toss carefully so every cube is kissed with that zingy, vibrant dressing but avoid overmixing to keep the avocado intact and visually appealing.
Step 8: Chill or Serve Immediately
If you have the luxury of time, chill the salad for 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld wonderfully. Otherwise, serving it right away still offers a fresh and lively salad experience that everyone will love.
How to Serve Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your salad by adding a few fresh cilantro leaves on top along with a thin slice of lime or a light sprinkle of chili flakes for a pop of color and a subtle hint of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs fabulously with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side dish for BBQs or summer dinners. Alternatively, serve it alongside crunchy tortilla chips for a light and refreshing appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving the salad in individual avocado halves or use it as a vibrant filling for tacos or wraps. Its colorful, fresh components can brighten up any meal and bring a splash of sunshine to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within a day for optimal freshness since avocado can brown; add a little extra lime juice when storing to slow that process.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because the avocado and fresh produce will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. It shines best when served chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is preferred in this Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe for its bright, vibrant flavor, but if needed, bottled lime juice will work in a pinch—just use it sparingly to avoid a too-tart taste.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
To keep the avocado from browning, make sure to toss the salad with plenty of lime juice and store it in an airtight container. Eating it within 24 hours ensures the best appearance and taste.
Can I make this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! This salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for almost any diet. Just make sure the olive oil used is pure and free from additives.
Is the jalapeno really necessary?
The jalapeno is optional and adds a nice kick if you like a bit of heat. Feel free to leave it out or substitute with a milder pepper to suit your taste.
What can I do if I don’t have cilantro?
If you don’t have cilantro, fresh parsley or mint can be a decent substitute, though it will change the flavor profile slightly. Cilantro’s unique zest is a highlight of this Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe, so it’s worth grabbing if you can.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that never fails to bring a smile with every refreshing bite. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a meal, impress guests, or simply enjoy a light, flavorful salad, this recipe delivers on all fronts with ease and vibrancy. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining creamy avocado and sweet mango, accented with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a light side, appetizer, or taco topping, this no-cook salad brings a burst of flavor and colorful texture to your table in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Lime Dressing
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 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. Dice them into approximately 1/2-inch cubes. Do the same with the mango, ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size as the avocado for a consistent texture.
- Prepare the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor (optional).
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, diced mango, and sliced red onion. Be careful not to overmix to maintain texture.
- Add Cilantro: Add the chopped cilantro to the bowl and mix gently.
- Juice the Limes: Squeeze fresh lime juice into a small bowl.
- Add Olive Oil: Whisk the olive oil into the lime juice to create the dressing base.
- Incorporate Jalapeno (Optional): For a spicy kick, add the minced jalapeno pepper to the dressing, having removed seeds and membranes. Adjust amount to taste.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Add salt and black pepper to the dressing, starting with the recommended amounts and adjusting as needed.
- Whisk the Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients together until slightly emulsified with a smooth consistency.
- Pour Dressing Over Salad: Drizzle the lime dressing over the avocado and mango mixture and gently toss to evenly coat without mashing the fruit.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference.
- Chill (Optional): For enhanced flavor, chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving. This step can be skipped if serving immediately.
- Serve: Serve the salad as a flavorful side dish, appetizer, or topping for grilled meats, fish, or with tortilla chips, tacos, or wraps.
Notes
- The red onion soaking step reduces sharpness if desired.
- Removing jalapeno seeds controls the heat level.
- Gentle mixing preserves the texture of avocado and mango.
- The salad can be customized by adding other fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture or chilled for a refreshing treat.
