This vibrant and incredibly delicious Mango Avocado Salad is an absolute must-try, perfect for any season but especially delightful during warm summer months. Combining the sweet, juicy essence of fresh mango with the creamy richness of ripe avocado and the satisfying crunch of macadamia nuts, this salad is a symphony of textures and flavors. Drizzled with a light, zesty vinaigrette, it offers a refreshing escape and a burst of nutrients in every bite. Whether you’re seeking a healthy side dish for your next backyard barbecue or a simple, no-cook meal for a busy weeknight, this recipe promises to impress with its effortless preparation and unforgettable taste.
Are you searching for that ultimate bright and fresh salad to elevate your summer gatherings, or perhaps a hassle-free, no-cook meal solution for those sweltering evenings? Look no further than this exquisite Mango Avocado Salad! It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience, bringing together tropical sweetness, creamy indulgence, and a delightful crunch, all harmonized by a vibrant dressing.
Boasting generous chunks of sun-ripened mango, perfectly ripe avocado, and buttery macadamia nuts, this salad is crowned with a light yet zesty vinaigrette that ties all the elements together. Its irresistible combination of fresh produce ensures it will be a resounding hit at any table, appealing to both seasoned foodies and picky eaters alike. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings with every forkful.
One of the best aspects of this refreshing dish is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. Forget complicated culinary techniques or lengthy ingredient lists. With this recipe, you simply need to slice your fresh ingredients, whisk together the effortless dressing in a jar, and then gently toss everything in a large serving bowl. Voila! A gourmet-quality salad is ready in minutes, proving that healthy and delicious food doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
Why This Mango Avocado Salad Is a Must-Make
This isn’t just another salad recipe; it’s a culinary gem that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Effortless Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, finding recipes that are both healthy and quick is a treasure. This salad comes together in mere minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. No cooking required, just simple slicing and mixing.
- Flavor Harmony: The natural sweetness of ripe mango perfectly complements the buttery, mild flavor of avocado. Add the rich, slightly salty macadamia nuts and the peppery notes of arugula, and you have a beautifully balanced flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Beyond its delicious taste, this salad is brimming with health benefits. Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium, and macadamia nuts offer essential minerals and healthy fats. Arugula adds valuable antioxidants and vitamins.
- Versatile and Adaptable: While perfect as a standalone light meal, this salad also shines as a refreshing side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or any barbecue fare. Plus, it’s highly customizable – feel free to add other ingredients to suit your preference.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of fresh mango, green avocado, and dark arugula make this salad incredibly appealing to the eye. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes, guaranteed to brighten up any table.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual backyard BBQs and potlucks to elegant brunches and light lunches, this mango avocado salad fits seamlessly into any dining scenario. It’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to various dietary preferences, being naturally vegetarian and gluten-free.
Essential Ingredients for a Stellar Mango Avocado Salad
Crafting the perfect Mango Avocado Salad begins with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to create this delightful dish at home, with detailed notes on each component (specific measurements are provided in the full recipe card at the bottom of this post).
- Mango: The star of the show! Choose a ripe mango that yields slightly to gentle pressure and has a fragrant, sweet aroma. Varieties like Kensington Pride (popular in Australia) are excellent for salads due to their firm flesh and intense sweetness, but any good quality ripe mango will work beautifully.
- Avocado: Look for avocados that are ripe but not overly soft, offering a creamy texture without being mushy. Hass avocados are a popular choice. Their healthy fats add a luxurious mouthfeel and nutritional boost.
- Macadamia Nuts: These buttery, crunchy nuts provide a wonderful textural contrast and a rich, slightly sweet flavor. They are also packed with healthy fats and essential minerals. Lightly toasted macadamia nuts can further enhance their flavor.
- Rocket / Arugula: This peppery green adds a refreshing, slightly bitter kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the mango and the richness of the avocado. Its delicate leaves are ideal for a light salad.
- Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the dressing. It provides the essential zesty, tangy element that brightens the entire salad and prevents the avocado from browning.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality, light-flavored extra virgin olive oil forms the base of our simple vinaigrette. Its fruity notes complement the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Garlic: A single crushed garlic clove adds a subtle aromatic depth to the dressing, enhancing its savory profile.
- Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard acts as an emulsifier, helping the dressing ingredients combine smoothly, and adds a slight tang and depth of flavor.
- Red Chilli: For those who appreciate a touch of heat, finely sliced red chili provides a wonderful spicy counterpoint to the sweet and creamy elements. Deseed it for less heat, or omit it entirely if you’re spice-averse.
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this stunning Mango Avocado Salad is a breeze. Follow these easy steps to bring this flavorful dish to life:
- Prepare the Dressing: Begin by combining all the dressing ingredients – fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, and finely sliced red chili (if using) – in a small jar or a bowl. Secure the lid on the jar or whisk vigorously in the bowl until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; you might want a little more lime for zest or chili for heat. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large, attractive serving bowl, gently combine your diced mango, diced avocado, macadamia nuts, and fresh rocket (arugula). Arrange them appealingly for a beautiful presentation.
- Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared zesty vinaigrette evenly over the salad ingredients. Lightly toss the salad to ensure all components are coated with the dressing, being careful not to overmix to maintain the integrity of the avocado. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Mango Avocado Salad
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Mango Avocado Salad from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Choose Your Mango Wisely: The quality of your mango makes all the difference. In Australia, Kensington Pride mangoes are often lauded for their superb flavor and firm texture, making them ideal for salads. If you can’t find them, opt for any ripe mango that is fragrant, slightly soft to the touch, and free of blemishes.
- Prevent Avocado Browning: Avocado oxidizes quickly once cut, turning brown. The lime juice in the dressing helps prevent this, but for extra protection, prepare the avocado last or toss it immediately with a small amount of lime juice before adding to the salad.
- Customize the Spice Level: The fresh red chili adds a fantastic zing. If you prefer a milder salad, remove all the seeds from the chili or reduce the amount. For a completely heat-free version, simply omit the chili entirely.
- Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Taste the dressing after you’ve shaken it. If you like more tang, add a bit more lime juice. For extra garlic punch, add another tiny clove. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, a pinch of honey or maple syrup can be added.
- Don’t Over-Dress: Start by drizzling about half to two-thirds of the dressing over the salad. Toss gently and taste. You can always add more if needed, but you can’t take it away. Over-dressing can make the salad soggy and overwhelm the delicate flavors of the fresh produce.
- Make Ahead Considerations: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance. The dressing can be made and stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also dice the mango ahead of time. However, dice the avocado and assemble the full salad just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and prevent browning.
- Toasting Macadamia Nuts (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your macadamia nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Mango Avocado Salad
This Mango Avocado Salad is a fantastic base for creativity. Here are some ideas to customize it or serve it in new and exciting ways:
Creative Variations:
- Add Protein: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, flaky white fish, or even a can of drained chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
- Incorporate Other Fruits: Enhance the tropical feel with other fruits like pineapple chunks, segmented oranges, or thinly sliced red onion for a sharper contrast.
- Vegetable Additions: Consider adding thinly sliced cucumber, bell peppers (red or yellow for color), or cherry tomatoes for more texture and nutrients.
- Herb Power: Fresh cilantro or mint would be delightful additions, lending an extra layer of herbaceous freshness.
- Cheese Please: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese can add a creamy, salty counterpoint to the sweet mango.
- Nutty Alternatives: If macadamia nuts aren’t available, toasted cashews, pecans, or even almonds would make good substitutes, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- Dressing Twist: For a creamy dressing, blend a small amount of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of tahini into the vinaigrette.
Perfect Serving Suggestions:
- BBQ & Grilling Companion: This salad is an ideal complement to any grilled meats like steak, chicken skewers, or pork chops. Its refreshing quality cuts through the richness of grilled foods.
- Seafood Sensation: Pair it with pan-seared salmon, grilled cod, or baked shrimp for a light and incredibly healthy meal.
- Taco Tuesday Upgrade: Serve this salad as a vibrant side or even a topping for fish tacos or chicken fajitas.
- Brunch Highlight: A beautiful and fresh addition to any brunch spread, especially alongside quiches, frittatas, or avocado toast.
- Light Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy it on its own as a fulfilling and refreshing light meal, perhaps with a slice of crusty bread.
- Picnic Perfect: Pack it in a sealed container for your next picnic or outdoor event. Just remember to keep it chilled!
More Must-Try Salads to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Mango Avocado Salad, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic salad recipes. Each offers a unique blend of ingredients and flavors, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire:
- Roast Pumpkin and Feta Salad: A delightful combination of sweet roasted pumpkin, salty feta, and crunchy greens.
- Cabbage and Crunchy Noodle Salad: A textural delight with crisp cabbage and satisfying crunchy noodles, often with an Asian-inspired dressing.
- Roasted Sweet Potato and Feta Salad: Another hearty and flavorful option, featuring tender roasted sweet potatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy feta.
- Mexican Chicken Salad: A vibrant and zesty salad packed with Mexican-inspired flavors, perfect for a fulfilling meal.
- Chickpea Avocado Salad: A simple yet satisfying vegetarian salad, rich in protein and healthy fats.
- Easy Greek Salad: A timeless classic with crisp vegetables, olives, and feta, all dressed in a simple vinaigrette.
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📋 RECIPE
Mango Avocado Salad
4 servings
10 minutes
10 minutes
This easy and healthy Mango Avocado Salad is the perfect summer side dish. It’s filled with chunks of fresh mango, avocado and macadamia nuts, and topped with a light and zesty vinaigrette.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (Based on 1 review)
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large Mango, ripe and diced
- 1 large Avocado, ripe and diced
- 100g Rocket / Arugula
- ¼ cup Macadamia Nuts
Dressing
- 1 Lime, juiced (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, light-flavored
- 1 Garlic Clove, crushed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- ¼ Red Chilli, deseeded & sliced finely (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Place all dressing ingredients (lime juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, and red chili) together in a jar. Shake well to combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust to your preference – you might want a little more lime for tang or chili for heat. Set aside.
- Assemble and Serve: In a large serving bowl, gently combine the diced mango, diced avocado, macadamia nuts, and fresh rocket/arugula. Drizzle the prepared salad dressing evenly over the ingredients. Lightly toss the salad to ensure all components are coated. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use ripe Kensington Pride mangoes if available. Any good quality ripe mango will work.
- If you prefer a milder salad, feel free to omit the fresh chili entirely or use a smaller amount.
- Always adjust the dressing to suit your personal taste; a little more lime or chili can make a big difference.
- You might find you have a little dressing leftover. Store any remaining dressing in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 296Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 169mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 6gSugar: 13gProtein: 5g