Refreshing Mango Salad: A Vibrant, Healthy Summer Delight

Fresh mangoes bring the sunshine to your table with their vibrant color and tropical sweetness. This refreshing mango salad combines juicy, ripe mangoes with crisp vegetables and a zingy homemade dressing that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. The colorful combination of golden mango chunks, green cucumber, and red bell pepper creates a visually stunning dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

A Versatile Summer Favorite

This mango salad isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly versatile too. Perfect as a light lunch on a hot day, a refreshing side dish for grilled proteins, or a showstopping addition to your next potluck or barbecue. The Thai-inspired flavors in this mango cucumber salad make it an excellent companion to Asian-inspired dishes, while its bright profile complements nearly any meal. With under 200 calories per serving, this nutritious salad delivers big on both flavor and healthfulness.

Ingredients for Mango Salad

Fresh Produce

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh basil, sliced

Homemade Dressing

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey (if vegan, use maple syrup)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, grated or minced
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make Mango Salad

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Begin by preparing your mangoes. Choose ripe, slightly firm mangoes that yield gently to pressure. Peel them and cut the flesh away from the pit, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dice the bell pepper and cucumber into pieces similar in size to the mango pieces for consistent texture.
3. Thinly slice the red onion. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 5-10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
4. Wash the basil leaves and slice them into thin ribbons using the chiffonade technique.

Assembling the Salad and Dressing

1. In a large serving bowl, combine the diced mango, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion and basil. Gently toss the ingredients together.
2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), avocado oil, grated ginger, red chili flakes and salt. Whisk until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Pour the prepared dressing over the mango salad mixture.
4. Toss everything gently to ensure the dressing evenly coats all ingredients.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations for Perfect Mango Salad

Selecting and Preparing Mangoes

• Choose mangoes that give slightly when pressed but aren’t mushy. They should smell sweet at the stem end.
• If your mangoes aren’t quite ripe, place them in a paper bag at room temperature to speed up ripening.
• For easy preparation, stand the mango on its end and slice downward along either side of the pit, then score the flesh in a grid pattern before scooping it out with a spoon.
• Green mangoes make an entirely different but equally delicious salad with a more tart flavor profile perfect for Thai mango salad recipe variations.

Flavor Enhancements and Substitutions

• Add avocado chunks for creaminess to create a mango avocado salad variation that’s rich in healthy fats.
• For protein, add grilled chicken to make a satisfying mango chicken salad.
• Substitute lime juice for lemon for a different citrus note.
• Add fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for additional aromatic elements.
• Include finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper for extra heat.
• Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for added crunch.
• For a Jamaican salad-inspired version, add a dash of allspice and some black beans.

Salad Dressings That Pair Well With This Salad

Complementary Dressing Options

• Lime-Coconut Dressing: Combine lime juice, coconut milk, honey, and a touch of fish sauce for a Thai-inspired dressing that enhances the tropical mango flavor with its creamy, tangy profile.
• Ginger-Sesame Dressing: Mix rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey for an Asian-inspired dressing that complements the mango with its nutty, spicy notes.
• Chili-Lime Vinaigrette: Blend lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and chopped fresh chili for a zesty, spicy dressing that contrasts beautifully with the sweet mango.
• Creamy Avocado Dressing: Puree ripe avocado with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of yogurt for a rich, velvety mango salad dressing that adds luxurious texture.

What to Serve With This Salad

Main Dishes and Accompaniments

Pair this vibrant mango salad with complementary dishes to create a complete meal:

• Grilled proteins: Serve alongside Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken for a light and refreshing summer meal.
• Seafood dishes: The tropical flavors complement Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp beautifully.
• Rice dishes: Try it with Cilantro Lime Rice for a tropical-inspired grain bowl.
• Sandwiches: Serve as a side with a Chicken Caesar Sandwich for a refreshing lunch combination.
• Wraps or tacos: Add brightness to Chicken Quesadillas or fish tacos.
• Soups: Balance heartier soups like Vegetable Beef Soup with this light, fresh salad.

Storage Tips for Mango Salad

Keeping Your Salad Fresh

This mango cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage can help maintain its quality:

• Store the assembled salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the dressing separate in a small jar or container if preparing ahead of time, and add it just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
• If you’ve already dressed the salad, consume leftovers within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
• Mangoes may release juice as they sit; drain excess liquid before reserving if necessary.
• If using avocado in your variation, add it just before serving as it will brown over time.

FAQs About Mango Salad

Final Thoughts on Mango Salad

A Tropical Treasure

This vibrant mango salad brings the taste of the tropics right to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of juicy sweet mangoes, crisp vegetables, and a zingy ginger-lemon dressing creates a refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a burst of sunshine on your plate.

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own by trying some of the suggested variations, whether you’re craving a mango avocado salad for extra creaminess or a mango chicken salad for a complete meal. The versatility of this dish means it can adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand or whatever flavors you’re in the mood for.

Give this mango salad a try today and discover how a few simple, fresh ingredients can transform into something truly special!

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