If you’re looking to brighten up your meal times with something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is a must-try. This refreshing salad perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes with a zesty lime kick and the gentle heat of sweet chilli sauce, all brought together by a wonderfully creamy avocado and crunchy peanuts. It’s a colorful, healthful dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you want a light lunch, a side dish that wows, or a crowd-pleasing salad for your next gathering, this recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe plays a vital role. From the natural sweetness of mangoes to the aromatic burst of coriander, these components come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s textured, colorful, and beautifully balanced in flavor.
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce: Brings a sweet and mildly spicy essence that acts as the backbone of the dressing.
- Juice of 2 limes: Adds a zesty freshness that brightens every bite, cutting through the richness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides a silky texture to smooth out the dressing’s flavors.
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup: Enhances the natural sweetness and balances the acidity perfectly.
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger: Offers a subtle warmth and a fresh kick to the dressing.
- Sea salt flakes, to taste: Elevates all the flavors you’ll find in this salad.
- Cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle peppery note for depth.
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced: The star ingredient, bringing juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced: Adds creamy richness and soft texture that balances the crunch.
- ½ small red onion, finely sliced: Provides a sharp, tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the mango.
- 1 small cucumber, halved lengthways, then sliced: Contributes refreshing crispness and a cooling effect.
- 1 cup (30g) coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped: Infuses herbal brightness and a subtle citrus aroma.
- ¼ cup (40g) crushed peanuts: Adds irresistible crunch and nutty depth.
How to Make Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by combining the sweet chilli sauce, fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and freshly grated ginger in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well blended. Taste and then season with sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper according to your preference. This dressing is the soul of the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Next, get your fresh produce ready. Peel and dice the mangoes and avocado into bite-sized cubes. Slice the red onion finely to introduce a little sharpness without overpowering the salad. Halve the cucumber lengthwise and slice it thinly for a crisp contrast. Roughly chop the coriander leaves to sprinkle over later. For a stunning presentation, layer these ingredients in a shallow dish starting with mango, then cucumber, avocado, onion, and finally coriander. This layering not only looks beautiful but also allows each ingredient’s color and texture to shine.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour the freshly made sweet chilli lime dressing evenly over the salad layers. Then sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top to bring an exciting crunch. Just before serving, gently toss the salad so every piece is kissed by the dressing while keeping the vivid colors intact. This final touch ensures that every bite delivers the vibrant, fresh flavors that make this Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe so irresistible.
How to Serve Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, try garnishing your salad with a few sprigs of coriander or extra crushed peanuts right before serving. A light drizzle of lime zest can add a zingy burst that enhances the fresh citrus notes. These simple additions will elevate your salad’s appeal whether you’re serving it at a casual lunch or an elegant dinner party.
Side Dishes
This mango salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fresh seafood like shrimp or fish, or even chilled tofu for a plant-based option. It also complements rice dishes or light noodle bowls perfectly, making it a versatile star side or a refreshing main course on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Serve the salad in hollowed-out mango halves to impress your guests or pile it high on crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held option at casual gatherings. You can even use it as a topping for crunchy toasts or tacos for a taste twist. The vibrant colors and exciting textures make it a feast for the eyes wherever it appears.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing and fresh ingredients will stay fresh for up to 24 hours, but the avocado might brown slightly, so it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible for peak freshness.
Freezing
This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is best served fresh and doesn’t freeze well because the delicate textures of mango, avocado, and cucumber will become mushy or watery upon thawing. For the best experience, prepare smaller portions that can be eaten fresh.
Reheating
This salad is served cold, so there is no need for reheating. Simply give it a gentle toss if it sits for a bit, and enjoy the refreshing burst of flavors as intended.
FAQs
Can I use dried chilli flakes instead of sweet chilli sauce?
You could, but it won’t provide the same sweetness and balanced tang that sweet chilli sauce offers. If you choose dried chilli flakes, add a bit of honey or sugar to mimic the sweetness, and adjust to taste.
Is there a substitute for coriander if I don’t like it?
Absolutely! Fresh mint or basil make delightful alternatives, adding their own unique fresh herbal notes without overpowering the salad’s overall flavor.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge in a sealed container. Just give it a quick whisk before drizzling it over your salad for best results.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger on hand?
Ground ginger can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be less fresh and vibrant. Use about ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger to replace ½ teaspoon of fresh grated ginger.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is completely vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey, making it perfect for plant-based diets.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that instantly lifts your mood with its brightness, freshness, and bold flavors. It’s an absolute joy to prepare and even more delightful to eat, whether as a solo treat or shared with friends and family. Dive in and let this salad bring a splash of sunshine to your table — I promise, it won’t disappoint!
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Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mango Salad with a zesty Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing, combining ripe mangoes, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and fresh coriander, topped with crunchy peanuts for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad makes a quick and healthy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
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
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, layer the diced mango, sliced cucumber, diced avocado, finely sliced red onion, and roughly chopped coriander leaves in that order to create a visually appealing presentation.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared sweet chilli lime dressing evenly over the layered salad ingredients. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts to add a delightful crunch.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad just before serving, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing while maintaining the vibrant colors and fresh textures.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a dash of chopped fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the cucumber and the creaminess of the avocado.
- To keep avocado from browning, toss it in a little lime juice right after dicing.
- Can be served as a light lunch, side salad, or appetizer.
- Substitute crushed peanuts with cashews or toasted almonds for a different nutty flavor.
