If you are craving something refreshingly vibrant and bursting with flavors, this Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the tangy zest of lime and a gentle kick from sweet chilli sauce, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. This salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a colorful celebration on your plate, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe lies in its simplicity and the freshness of its ingredients. Each item has a distinct role, contributing to the salad’s vibrant taste, texture, and visual appeal, ensuring every bite is delightful.
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce: Adds a subtle heat with a touch of sweetness that forms the base of the dressing.
- Juice of 2 limes: Brings a bright, tangy freshness that brightens all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides a smooth texture and richness to the dressing.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Balances the tartness and spiciness with natural sweetness.
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger: Offers a warm, aromatic note that enhances the dressing’s complexity.
- Sea salt flakes, to taste: Elevates the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle, spicy kick for depth.
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced: The star ingredient, delivering juicy sweetness and buttery texture.
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced: Introduces creaminess that perfectly balances the acidity and spices.
- ½ small red onion, finely sliced: Provides a sharp, crisp contrast that cuts through the richness.
- 1 small cucumber, halved lengthways, then sliced: Adds refreshing crunch and coolness.
- 1 cup (30g) coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped: Infuses an herby, citrusy freshness that ties all elements together.
- ¼ cup (40g) crushed peanuts: Gives a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that finishes the salad beautifully.
How to Make Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by whisking together the sweet chilli sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and the grated ginger in a small bowl. This combination creates a dressing that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, which will beautifully complement the fresh salad ingredients. Don’t forget to season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to round out the flavors. Set this vibrant dressing aside to allow the flavors to deepen while you prepare the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Next, focus on your fresh produce. Peel and dice the mangoes to get juicy, tender chunks ready to burst with sweetness in every bite. Dice the avocado to add creaminess that contrasts delightfully with the crisp textures around it. Finely slice the red onion for a bit of sharpness, and slice the cucumber to contribute a cool, refreshing crunch. Roughly chop the coriander leaves to sprinkle herbal brightness throughout. For a visual treat, layer these ingredients in a shallow serving bowl starting with the mango, followed by cucumber, avocado, red onion, and coriander.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle the prepared sweet chilli lime dressing generously over the layered salad. Then, sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top for that irresistible crunch and toasting aroma. Just before serving, gently toss everything together, making sure each piece is lightly coated with the zesty dressing while preserving the salad’s vibrant colors and textures. This ensures every bite delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and a delightful mouthfeel.
How to Serve Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an added flourish, consider garnishing your mango salad with a few whole coriander leaves and a wedge of lime on the side. A sprinkling of extra crushed peanuts or a handful of toasted sesame seeds can bring an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor that makes this dish even more exciting. These small touches will elevate your presentation and tease the senses before the first bite.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastically versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light, refreshing meal on a warm day. It also complements spicy dishes, like curries or barbecue, by providing a cooling contrast. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to create a balanced, wholesome plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe in clear glass bowls to showcase its brilliant colors. Alternatively, make individual portions in vibrant lettuce cups or hollowed-out mango shells to wow at a party or picnic. These creative presentations make the salad feel like a special treat and invite everyone to enjoy its fresh, zesty charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 to 48 hours. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly, so consider adding a little extra lime juice before storing to help slow oxidation and keep the salad looking fresh.
Freezing
This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended. The textures of mango, avocado, and cucumber will suffer and become mushy upon thawing, which loses the dish’s delightful contrasts.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, enjoy leftovers cold for that crisp, refreshing experience that makes this salad so special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
While fresh mango is ideal for its firm texture and vibrant sweetness, frozen mango can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture diluting your salad’s flavors.
Is there a substitute for coriander in this recipe?
If coriander isn’t your favorite or you can’t find any, fresh parsley or mint leaves make great alternatives, bringing their own unique freshness that complements the salad well.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but give it a quick whisk before drizzling to recombine any separated ingredients.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled chicken breast to turn this salad into a more substantial meal with extra protein and fiber.
How spicy is the sweet chilli sauce in the dressing?
Sweet chilli sauce typically has a mild heat level with a pleasant sweetness, so the dressing is gentle on the spice front. However, you can adjust the quantity to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is a celebration of fresh, bright ingredients that come together in a deliciously harmonious way. Whether you’re seeking a quick, nutritious lunch or a stunning side dish to impress friends, this salad is guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures that make it such a personal favorite.
Print
Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mango Salad with a sweet chilli lime dressing, featuring ripe mangoes, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and crunchy peanuts. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a light lunch or a colorful side dish that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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 flakes and cracked black pepper to taste. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a shallow serving bowl, arrange the diced mango, sliced cucumber, diced avocado, finely sliced red onion, and roughly chopped coriander in layers to create a visually appealing presentation.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared sweet chilli lime dressing evenly over the layered salad. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top to add a delightful crunch. Gently toss the salad just before serving to coat all the ingredients while preserving the vibrant colors.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm mangoes for the best texture and flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit the crushed peanuts or substitute with roasted seeds.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Serve immediately after tossing to keep the avocado from browning.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
