If you are looking to brighten up your meal with something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, then this Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, all wrapped up in the juicy sweetness of ripe mangoes combined with creamy avocado, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing that leaves you wanting more. This salad is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful addition to any table, perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or as an impressive side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, fresh ingredients that each bring a unique element to the dish. From juicy mangoes adding sweetness to the punchy ginger in the dressing, every ingredient plays a vital role in creating that harmonious balance of flavors and textures you’ll love.
- Sweet chilli sauce: Adds the perfect sweet and spicy kick to the dressing.
- Juice of 2 limes: Brings a citrusy tang that brightens the salad wonderfully.
- Olive oil: Provides smoothness and helps meld the dressing’s flavors together.
- Honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the sharpness.
- Freshly grated ginger: Gives a subtle warmth and aromatic punch.
- Sea salt flakes: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
- 2 ripe mangoes: Peeled and diced for juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 avocado: Peeled, pitted, and diced to add creamy texture and richness.
- ½ small red onion: Finely sliced for sharpness and crunch.
- 1 small cucumber: Halved lengthways and thinly sliced for refreshing crispness.
- 1 cup (30g) coriander (cilantro) leaves: Roughly chopped to give a fresh, herbal burst.
- ¼ cup (40g) crushed peanuts: Adds a delightful crunchy contrast in texture.
How to Make Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by whisking together the sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, olive oil, and honey or maple syrup in a small bowl. Then add the freshly grated ginger, sea salt flakes, and cracked black pepper. This dressing packs all the punch your salad needs, combining sweetness, acidity, and a gentle hint of spice that perfectly complements the fresh produce.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Next, peel and dice the mangoes and avocado carefully so they hold their shape but still feel silky. Slice the red onion thinly and halve the cucumber lengthwise before slicing it to get those refreshing, crisp ribbons. Roughly chop the coriander for a burst of green freshness that ties the salad together beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
For a visually stunning presentation, layer the diced mango, cucumber slices, avocado, red onion, and coriander leaves in a shallow serving bowl. This layering not only looks impressive but also allows each bite to enjoy the variety of flavors and textures harmoniously.
Step 4: Dress and Finish
Drizzle the prepared sweet chilli lime dressing generously over the salad. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for satisfying crunch and extra flavor. Just before serving, gently toss everything together so that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients, maintaining that vibrant look and delivering a medley of tastes in every forkful.
How to Serve Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this salad even further. Consider adding thin slices of red chilli for more heat, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for nuttiness, or extra coriander leaves for freshness and color. These little touches make your salad feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s also a wonderful companion to light rice dishes or even alongside spicy curries, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out mango halves or avocado shells. You can also use individual small bowls for each guest, layering the salad ingredients and dressing on the spot to keep everything fresh and visually appealing. It’s a great way to impress friends at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the salad from becoming soggy. Consume within 1-2 days for the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
Because this salad relies heavily on fresh ingredients like mango and avocado, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will alter the textures and flavors, especially of the avocado, which tends to turn mushy once thawed.
Reheating
This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. Simply toss the salad with the dressing fresh before serving to enjoy all its crisp and vibrant qualities.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mango with other fruits?
Absolutely! While mango is the star here, you can try ripe papaya or pineapple for a different but equally delicious tropical twist. Just make sure the fruit is ripe to maintain the sweetness balance with the dressing.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
Yes, it is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients and sweeteners like maple syrup instead of honey, which you can easily substitute to keep it vegan.
What can I use instead of coriander if I don’t like it?
If coriander isn’t your thing, fresh basil or mint leaves make fabulous alternatives. They bring their own unique freshness and complement the sweet chilli lime dressing nicely.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The dressing can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before drizzling it over the salad to recombine the ingredients.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a safe and tasty option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, bold flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re craving a quick healthy lunch or looking to impress guests with a colorful and delicious dish, this salad ticks all the boxes. I encourage you to make it soon and experience how something so simple can taste so spectacular!
Print
Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for a light lunch or side. Combining juicy mangoes, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, red onion, fresh coriander, and crushed peanuts, it’s tossed in a tangy and slightly spicy dressing made from sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey, and fresh ginger. Ready in just 15 minutes, this gluten-free, vegetarian salad bursts with flavor and texture, making it an ideal healthy choice for warm days or anytime you crave something fresh and zesty.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Salad
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- ½ small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 small cucumber, halved lengthways, then sliced
- 1 cup (30g) coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup (40g) crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), and freshly grated ginger until well combined. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a shallow serving bowl, layer the diced mango, sliced cucumber, diced avocado, finely sliced red onion, and chopped coriander (cilantro) leaves in that order. This layering technique creates an attractive presentation and ensures a balance of flavors in each bite.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared sweet chilli lime dressing evenly over the salad layers. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top to add a crunchy texture. Just before serving, gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing while preserving the vibrant colors and fresh textures.
Notes
- For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- If sweet chilli sauce is not available, a mix of chili garlic sauce and a bit of sugar can be used as a substitute.
- To keep the avocado from browning, toss it in a little lime juice before adding it to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Adjust the amount of chilli sauce according to your preferred spice level.
