If you’re looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish to brighten your mealtime, this Mango Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s packed with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy mangoes, and a zingy dressing that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and spicy notes. Every bite bursts with fresh textures and bright colors, making it not only delicious but a total feast for the eyes. Whether as a light lunch or a side to grilled dishes, this salad brings a tropical twist that’ll have you reaching for seconds and sharing the recipe with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mango Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of vibrant ingredients that each bring something unique to the bowl. From the crunch of fresh veggies to the juiciness of ripe mangoes and the kick from tangy dressing components, every element plays a vital role in creating a truly memorable salad.
- Romaine Lettuce (4 cups, chopped): Provides a crisp, sturdy base that holds up beautifully to the juicy fruits and dressing.
- Mangoes (2 large, peeled and diced): The star of the dish, adding sweetness and tropical flair that contrasts perfectly with the savory components.
- Red Onion (½ cup, thinly sliced): Adds a sharp bite and subtle crunch to balance the sweetness.
- English Cucumber (½, diced): Offers cool, hydrating crunch that refreshes the palate.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, thinly sliced): Brings vibrant color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor for extra depth.
- Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Injects a fragrant herbal note that livens up the salad.
- Olive Oil (4 tablespoons): The base of the dressing that adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Lime Juice (3 tablespoons): Brightens the dressing with zesty acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
- Red Grape Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tangy sharpness that complements the lime perfectly.
- Maple Syrup (½ tablespoon): Brings a delicate sweetness that balances the acidity and spice.
- Lime Zest (1 teaspoon): Enhances the citrus aroma for an extra pop of freshness.
- Fresh Dill (2 teaspoons, finely chopped): Adds a gentle, herbaceous undertone that’s unexpected and delightful.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¾ teaspoon): Infuses just the right amount of heat, adjustable to your taste.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Elevates all the ingredients by enhancing their natural flavors.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the dressing.
How to Make Mango Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Begin by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, red grape vinegar, maple syrup, lime zest, fresh dill, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Allowing the dressing to rest for about 10 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring a perfectly balanced vinaigrette that ties the entire salad together.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Next, in a large mixing bowl, gently toss the chopped romaine lettuce, diced mangoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. This careful mixing keeps the texture intact, allowing the crunchy veggies and juicy mangoes to shine individually before the dressing makes its entrance.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
When ready to serve, pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising the tender mango pieces. This step is where the mango salad recipe really comes together, uniting fresh, crisp, and tangy notes in every forkful.
How to Serve Mango Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add texture contrasts, consider garnishing with toasted nuts like cashews or almonds, extra fresh cilantro sprigs, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. These add delightful crunch and subtle layers of flavor that turn this simple salad into an elegant dish.
Side Dishes
This Mango Salad Recipe pairs exceptionally well with grilled seafood, such as shrimp or fish, thanks to its refreshing and tangy qualities. It also complements spicy cuisines perfectly, offering a cooling counterpoint to fiery dishes like jerk chicken or tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mango salad in hollowed-out mango halves or in small, clear cups as a vibrant appetizer. You can also layer the salad in mason jars for a bright, portable lunch option that makes any mealtime feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day to keep it fresh and crisp. For best results, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce and mango pieces.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh because freezing the fresh ingredients, especially the lettuce and mango, will cause them to become mushy and watery once thawed. So, it’s not recommended to freeze this Mango Salad Recipe.
Reheating
Since this Mango Salad Recipe is a fresh dish best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. Instead, prepare only what you plan to eat immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce for this Mango Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While romaine lettuce offers great crunch and structure, you can swap in butter lettuce or mixed greens for a softer texture if you prefer. Just keep in mind that softer greens may wilt quicker when mixed with the dressing.
What can I substitute for red grape vinegar?
If red grape vinegar is not available, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Both will provide the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness, but try to avoid milder vinegars so the salad retains its bright flavor.
Is it okay to use dried dill instead of fresh?
Fresh dill really makes a difference in this recipe by providing a bright herbaceous note. Dried dill can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount by half since it’s more concentrated and won’t have quite the same fresh aroma.
Can this Mango Salad Recipe be made vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients. Just be sure to use pure maple syrup (free of animal-derived additives) and olive oil for the dressing.
How spicy is the salad with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that nicely complements the sweet mango and tangy dressing. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less and adjust to taste. You can always add more for a bolder kick!
Final Thoughts
This Mango Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, especially during warm weather when fresh, light meals are just what you need. It’s quick to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and brightened with a dressing that perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and acidity. I can’t wait for you to try this salad and experience the delightful burst of flavors for yourself—it’s truly a salad that feels like sunshine on a plate.
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Mango Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh, vibrant mango salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy mangoes, and a zesty homemade dressing with lime, dill, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect as a light, refreshing side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine Lettuce (chopped)
- 2 large Mangoes (peeled and diced)
- ½ cup Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ English Cucumber (diced)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup Cilantro (chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 tablespoons Lime Juice
- 1 tablespoon Red Grape Vinegar (or Red Wine Vinegar)
- ½ tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Lime Zest
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Dill (finely chopped)
- ¾ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red grape vinegar, maple syrup, lime zest, finely chopped fresh dill, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the dressing rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce, diced mangoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Toss gently to combine evenly.
- Dress the salad: Just before serving, pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- For a vegan option, ensure the maple syrup and vinegar are vegan-friendly.
- This salad is best served fresh; avoid letting it sit too long after dressing to prevent sogginess.
- Substitute red grape vinegar with red wine vinegar if unavailable.
- Can be paired with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
