If you’re searching for the ultimate burst of vibrant flavor, the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is guaranteed to transport your tastebuds straight to a tropical paradise. This colorful salad is a riot of sweet mango, crunchy veggies, and bright, citrusy notes—all perfectly balanced by a lively sweet chilli lime dressing. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a summer gathering, this salad’s combination of contrasting textures and bold flavors makes every bite pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that play off one another beautifully. Each one brings its own special flair—crispness, color, sweetness, a touch of heat—making the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing so much more than the sum of its parts.
- Mangoes: Slightly firm, ripe mangoes make for juicy bites and vibrant color without getting mushy.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a satisfying crunch and gorgeous pop of red to the salad bowl.
- Cucumber: Brings refreshing, cooling contrast to the sweet and spicy elements.
- Red onion: Thin slices lend a subtle sharpness that keeps flavors lively.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro brightens every bite with its unmistakable summery aroma.
- Roasted peanuts (optional): Offer a pleasing crunch and nutty depth—skip or substitute if needed for allergies.
- Small red chili (optional): Gives the salad extra zing—adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Sweet chili sauce: The star of the dressing, providing sweet heat and a glossy finish.
- Fresh lime juice: Zesty freshness that instantly wakes up all the flavors.
- Fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian): Adds umami and complexity—soy sauce keeps it vegetarian and gluten-free.
- Honey: Rounds out the dressing with delicate sweetness and helps everything meld together.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Brings a warming zip and some peppery notes to the whole dish.
How to Make Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing
Step 1: Prep All Your Ingredients
Start by peeling and slicing your mangoes—aim for slices that are not too thick or thin, so they hold up well when combined. Slice your red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion thinly for crunch and even flavor throughout. Chop your cilantro, and if you’re going for that extra layer of heat and texture, slice your red chili and roughly chop the roasted peanuts.
Step 2: Mix the Veggies and Herbs
In a roomy bowl, combine your prepared mango slices, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. This is where the color show happens! If you’re using chili and peanuts, sprinkle them in at this stage so they mingle with the rest of the vibrant ingredients.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, add your sweet chili sauce, fresh lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), honey, and freshly grated ginger. Whisk it all together until the honey dissolves and the dressing becomes gloriously smooth and fragrant. It should taste tangy, sweet, and a little bit spicy—the perfect harmony.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour your sweet chilli lime dressing all over the salad. Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss everything together until all pieces are coated but not bruised. Let the salad sit for about 5 to 10 minutes; this quick rest lets the flavors marry and the ingredients soak up the punchy dressing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is now ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately for maximum crunch and freshness, or pop it in the fridge to chill if you prefer—a cool salad on a warm day is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra roasted peanuts, a few fresh cilantro leaves, and thin slices of red chili add both flavor and visual flair to the finished salad. If you really want the bowl to pop, add a few extra lime wedges for squeezing at the table. These little touches make your Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing a true showstopper every time.
Side Dishes
This salad sings alongside grilled shrimp, chicken satay, or crispy tofu. If you’re going for a full Southeast Asian spread, serve it with jasmine rice, sticky rice, or soft summer rolls. The bright flavors provide a wonderful counterpoint to richer or spicier dishes, making the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing a fantastic team player on any party plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve the salad in individual bowls or arrange it as a centerpiece platter, artfully layered for extra drama. For a playful touch, spoon it into lettuce cups for an easy hand-held appetizer, or pile high on top of rice noodles for a satisfying light lunch. However you choose to plate it, this salad is guaranteed to win hearts (and compliments).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though they disappear fast!), store the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors continue to meld, but the mango and veggies do soften over time—still tasty, just less crunchy.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad that loves the freezer. Freezing will change the texture of the fresh veggies and mango, making them soft or watery once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this one fresh or refrigerated if you want that lovely, crisp bite.
Reheating
Good news: reheating isn’t necessary! This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature for ultimate refreshment. Just bring it out of the fridge and let it sit for 10 minutes if you prefer it a bit closer to room temp before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing ahead of time?
You can prep nearly everything a day ahead—slice your veggies, whisk the dressing, and store them separately in airtight containers. Toss just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to cut a mango for salad?
Stand the mango upright and slice off the cheeks, then score each cheek in a grid and scoop out the cubes or slice straight across. Using a slightly firm mango makes this process a breeze and helps the pieces hold their shape in the salad.
Is Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, it can be! Use soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce for a vegetarian and gluten-free option that tastes just as bold and bright.
How can I make it spicier or milder?
To crank up the heat, add more fresh red chili or a splash of extra sweet chili sauce. If you prefer it mild, simply leave out the chili or reduce the amount in the dressing—your salad, your spice rules.
What protein can I add to make it a meal?
Grilled shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even tempeh are all fantastic on top. They soak up the sweet chilli lime dressing beautifully and turn this salad into a satisfying main course.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes feel as sunny, fresh, and delightful as Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing. Whether you serve it as a light lunch or let it steal the spotlight at your next party, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles with each bite. Give this salad a try—you just might find yourself coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
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Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing that captures the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine. This vibrant salad combines ripe mangoes, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Main Salad: In a large bowl, combine mango slices, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Add chili and peanuts if desired.
- Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk sweet chili sauce, lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), honey, and ginger until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the salad, toss gently, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use slightly firm mangoes for best texture.
- For a protein boost, top with grilled shrimp or tofu.
- The salad is also delicious chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
