Can I make this salad without cilantro?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of cilantro, substitute with fresh mint leaves or Thai basil for an equally delicious but different flavor profile. The fresh herbs add brightness that complements the mango beautifully.

How can I tell if my mangoes are ripe enough for this salad?

The perfect mango for this salad should yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe avocado. It should smell sweet at the stem end, and the skin should have a slight give. Color isn't always a reliable indicator as different varieties show ripeness differently.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

For the freshest presentation, prepare all components separately up to a day ahead. Dice the mango and cucumber, slice the onion, and make the dressing—but store everything separately in the refrigerator. Cut the avocado and assemble the salad just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the vibrant appearance.

Is there a nut-free version of this salad?

Certainly! You can replace the crushed peanuts with toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even crispy wonton strips for crunch. For a completely seed-free option, try crispy fried shallots, which add wonderful texture and flavor.

Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe

Name: Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 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; 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced; 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced; ½ small red onion, finely sliced; 1 small cucumber, halved lengthways and sliced (unpeeled); 1 cup (30 g) coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped; ¼ cup (40 g) crushed peanuts

This vibrant Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that dance on your palate. Ready in just 15 minutes, this refreshing salad combines juicy mangoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber, all brought together by a zingy sweet chilli lime dressing that will transport you straight to the tropics. It’s an ideal light meal for warm days or a stunning side dish that will brighten any dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: From start to finish in just 15 minutes—perfect for those days when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Explosion of Flavors: The combination of sweet mangoes, creamy avocado, and the punchy sweet-spicy dressing creates a perfect harmony that will make your taste buds sing.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors make this salad as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for impressing guests or brightening up a family meal.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a side dish, light lunch, or even topped with grilled protein for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mangoes: The star of the show! Choose ripe, juicy mangoes for natural sweetness and tropical flavor. The slightly fibrous texture adds wonderful body to the salad.
Avocado: Provides creaminess and a buttery texture that beautifully contrasts with the crisp cucumber and juicy mango. Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, pungent kick that cuts through the sweetness. The thin slices bring both flavor and a pop of purple color.
Cucumber: Delivers refreshing crunch and hydration. Leaving the skin on adds color and nutrients—plus saves prep time!
Coriander (cilantro): Brings a fresh, citrusy note that complements the tropical flavors perfectly. If you’re in the cilantro-averse camp, substitute with mint or Thai basil.
Crushed peanuts: Provides essential crunch and a nutty flavor that rounds out the dish. They’re not just a garnish—they’re fundamental to the eating experience.
Sweet chilli sauce: Forms the base of the dressing, delivering both sweetness and a gentle heat. Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade takes this to another level.
Lime juice: Fresh is absolutely necessary here—bottled just won’t deliver the same bright acidity that makes this dressing sing.
Honey or maple syrup: Balances the acidity of the lime and adds depth to the dressing. Maple syrup works wonderfully for a vegan option.
Ginger: That zippy, aromatic quality that fresh ginger brings is irreplaceable. Don’t skip this—it elevates the entire dressing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This salad is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to transform this into a complete meal.
Tropical Twist: Include diced pineapple or papaya alongside the mango for an even more exotic flavor profile.
Grain Addition: Toss with cooked quinoa or rice noodles to create a more substantial dish.
Heat Adjustment: Add thinly sliced red chilli or a dash of sriracha to the dressing if you prefer more spice.
Nut Alternatives: Substitute cashews, almonds, or sunflower seeds for the peanuts if you have allergies.

How to Make Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chilli sauce, freshly squeezed 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. The dressing should be vibrant, with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Step 2: Arrange the Salad

In a shallow serving bowl, begin layering your ingredients. Start with the diced mangoes as the base, followed by the sliced cucumber, then the diced avocado. Scatter the finely sliced red onion over the top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of roughly chopped coriander leaves.

Step 3: Finish and Serve

Drizzle your beautiful sweet chilli lime dressing over the arranged salad, making sure to distribute it evenly. Sprinkle the crushed peanuts over everything to add that final touch of texture and flavor. Just before serving, give everything a gentle toss to marry the flavors while still maintaining that gorgeous visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Mango Selection: Choose mangoes that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t too soft. The Alfonso or Ataulfo varieties are particularly good for this salad due to their smooth, fiber-free flesh.
Textural Balance: Cut your mango and avocado in similar-sized chunks for the best eating experience—aim for bite-sized pieces that allow you to get multiple flavors in each forkful.
Dressing Control: Start by adding about three-quarters of the dressing, then taste and add more if needed. Different mangoes vary in sweetness, which might affect how much dressing you’ll want.
Prepare Just Before Serving: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prep ahead, keep the dressing separate and the avocado uncut until the last minute to prevent browning.

How to Serve

This vibrant Mango Salad works beautifully in multiple settings:

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside grilled fish, chicken, or pork for a complete meal with a tropical twist. The sweet-tangy flavors particularly complement spice-rubbed or coconut-crusted proteins.

For a Light Meal

Enjoy on its own for a refreshing lunch, or add your protein of choice directly to the salad. A slice of crusty bread on the side makes it more substantial.

Party Perfect

Serve in a large, shallow platter at gatherings—not only is it delicious, but the vibrant colors make for a stunning presentation that will have guests reaching for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead

You can dice the mango, slice the cucumber and red onion, and make the dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The avocado may darken slightly, but the lime in the dressing helps slow this process.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content of the fruits and vegetables—the texture would be compromised upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this salad without cilantro?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, substitute with fresh mint leaves or Thai basil for an equally delicious but different flavor profile. The fresh herbs add brightness that complements the mango beautifully.
How can I tell if my mangoes are ripe enough for this salad?

The perfect mango for this salad should yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe avocado. It should smell sweet at the stem end, and the skin should have a slight give. Color isn’t always a reliable indicator as different varieties show ripeness differently.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

For the freshest presentation, prepare all components separately up to a day ahead. Dice the mango and cucumber, slice the onion, and make the dressing—but store everything separately in the refrigerator. Cut the avocado and assemble the salad just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the vibrant appearance.
Is there a nut-free version of this salad?

Certainly! You can replace the crushed peanuts with toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or even crispy wonton strips for crunch. For a completely seed-free option, try crispy fried shallots, which add wonderful texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is sunshine in a bowl—a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and crunchy elements that come together in a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, enjoying it as a light lunch, or presenting it as a colorful side dish, it’s sure to bring joy to your table. The best part? It takes just minutes to create something that tastes like you’ve transported yourself to a tropical paradise. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

This vibrant and refreshing Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Loaded with juicy mangoes, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and garnished with aromatic coriander and peanuts, this dish is perfect as a light starter, a side dish, or even a healthy snack. The sweet chilli lime dressing ties it all together with a zesty and mildly spicy kick, leaving your taste buds wanting more.

Instructions

Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey, and freshly grated ginger until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Adjust the seasoning with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper to suit your taste.
Assemble the salad
In a shallow serving bowl, layer the ingredients in the following order for visual appeal: diced mangoes, sliced cucumber, diced avocado, finely sliced red onion, and roughly chopped coriander leaves.
Dress the salad
Drizzle the sweet chilli lime dressing evenly over the top of the layered salad. Finally, sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the salad for a delightful crunch. Gently toss the salad just before serving to evenly distribute the dressing and toppings.

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm mangoes and avocados to maintain the salad’s texture.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a small amount of finely chopped fresh chili to the dressing.
Toasting the crushed peanuts lightly in a dry pan can enhance their flavor.
This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours—add the dressing just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.