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

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

SWEET CHILLI LIME DRESSING

3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Juice of 2 limes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1/2 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
1/2 small red onion, finely sliced
1 small cucumber, halved lengthways and sliced (unpeeled)
1 cup (30 g) coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup (40 g) crushed peanuts

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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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 215kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg