There’s something magical about the combination of creamy avocado and sweet, juicy mango. This Avocado Mango Salad with a Zesty Lime Dressing is a refreshing dish that bursts with tropical flavors, making it perfect for warm-weather meals, light lunches, or as a vibrant side dish for grilled dishes.

I remember the first time I had a mango and avocado salad—it was at a beachside café during a summer vacation. The balance of flavors was incredible: the buttery smoothness of the avocado, the juicy sweetness of the mango, and the tangy brightness of the lime dressing. It felt like sunshine on a plate! Since then, I’ve recreated this salad countless times, adjusting the ingredients to make it even better.

Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or just looking for a quick and nutritious meal, this salad is a must-try. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to put together in just a few minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime creates the perfect balance of flavors.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, this salad is as nourishing as it is delicious.
• Quick and Easy: No complicated steps or fancy techniques—just simple chopping and mixing.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, serve it as a side with grilled chicken or seafood, or even toss it on top of leafy greens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 large mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for a kick of heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
• ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for added freshness)

How to Make Avocado Mango Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Peel and dice the mango and avocado into bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh cilantro. If you’re adding jalapeño for a spicy kick, finely dice it.

A little tip: To prevent your avocado from browning too quickly, toss it in a bit of lime juice before mixing it into the salad.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. This simple dressing ties everything together, giving the salad its signature zesty flavor.

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, gently mix the mango, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using). Drizzle the lime dressing over the top and toss everything carefully to avoid mashing the avocado.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and enjoy it fresh. If you’d like, sprinkle a little extra cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice on top for an extra burst of flavor.

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, chicken, or even tacos. Serve it alongside tortilla chips for a fun twist, or enjoy it as a light, refreshing meal on its own.

Helpful Tips

• Choose ripe but firm avocados and mangoes. You want them to be soft enough to be flavorful but firm enough to hold their shape in the salad.
• To mellow out the red onion’s sharpness, soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will give it a milder taste while keeping its crisp texture.
• If making ahead, store the avocado separately until ready to serve. This prevents it from browning too quickly.
• Adjust the spice level to your preference. The jalapeño and chili flakes are optional—leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor, or add more if you like it spicy!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Tropical, Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Notes

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed nuts on top.
• If you love extra citrusy flavors, try adding a splash of orange juice to the dressing.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture and freshness, it’s recommended to add the avocado just before serving. You can prep the mango, onion, and dressing ahead of time and store them separately.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad is incredibly versatile! It pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, shrimp, or even as a topping for tacos. It’s also delicious on its own as a light meal.

How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?

Tossing the avocado in lime juice helps slow oxidation, keeping it fresh longer. If storing leftovers, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the salad’s surface to minimize air exposure.

Can I use a different type of citrus for the dressing?

Absolutely! Lemon or orange juice can be used instead of lime for a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
• Best Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately, as the avocado tends to brown over time.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Avocado Mango Salad, you might also enjoy:

• Tzatziki Chicken Salad
• Authentic Greek Salad – A Fresh and Flavorful Mediterranean Delight
• Spicy Honey-Glazed Salmon Salad
• Creamy Avocado Pasta Salad

Conclusion

This Avocado Mango Salad with a Zesty Lime Dressing is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. It’s light, refreshing, and so easy to make! Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a quick, healthy meal, this salad is sure to brighten your day.

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