Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe

This vibrant Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is a refreshing explosion of flavors that brings together the sweetness of ripe mangoes, creamy avocado, and the zing of a homemade sweet chilli lime dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a light lunch on hot days. The contrast of textures and the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors make this salad absolutely irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Effortless: From start to finish, this gorgeous salad comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for those days when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet mangoes, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and that zingy dressing creates a taste experience that’s seriously addictive.
• Visually Stunning: The beautiful layers of vibrant colors make this salad a showstopper at any table—people will think you spent way more time on it than you actually did!
• Versatile: Works brilliantly as a side dish with grilled meats, as a topping for tacos, or simply enjoyed on its own as a light meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing:

• Sweet chilli sauce: The base of the dressing that provides sweetness with a gentle kick of heat.
• Lime juice: Freshly squeezed is a must here! It brings a tangy brightness that makes the whole salad sing.
• Olive oil: Just a touch to smooth everything out and help the dressing coat all those beautiful salad ingredients.
• Honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch more sweetness to balance the acidity of the lime.
• Fresh ginger: That warming, aromatic zip takes the dressing to another level—don’t skip it!
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that brings everything together.

For the Salad:

• Mangoes: Choose ones that are ripe but still firm for the perfect sweet flavor and texture.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness that beautifully contrasts with the other ingredients.
• Red onion: Provides a gentle bite and lovely color contrast. Slice it super thin!
• Cucumber: Brings freshness and a satisfying crunch.
• Coriander (cilantro): That distinctive herbal flavor that complements tropical fruits perfectly.
• Crushed peanuts: The final touch that adds wonderful texture and a nutty dimension.

Variations

• Protein Power: Add grilled chicken strips or cooked prawns to transform this into a complete meal.
• Tropical Twist: Include diced pineapple or papaya alongside the mango for an even more exotic flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some thinly sliced bell peppers or julienned carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Seed Swap: Replace peanuts with toasted sesame seeds or pepitas if you have allergy concerns.
• Herb Mix: Try mint or Thai basil alongside (or instead of) the coriander for a different aromatic profile.

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, lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and freshly grated ginger until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be vibrant and balanced—tangy, sweet, with a hint of warmth from the ginger.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and dice the mangoes, ensuring you get neat chunks that will look beautiful in the salad. Dice the avocado, slice the red onion as thinly as possible, and slice the cucumber into half-moons. Roughly chop the coriander leaves.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a shallow serving bowl, create beautiful layers starting with the diced mango, followed by cucumber slices, avocado chunks, thinly sliced red onion, and finally a generous scattering of chopped coriander. This layering not only looks impressive but ensures every serving gets a bit of everything.

Step 4: Finish with Dressing and Garnish

Drizzle the sweet chilli lime dressing evenly over the top of the salad. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts for that final touch of texture and flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Gently toss the salad just before serving to maintain its beautiful presentation while ensuring every bite is coated with that delicious dressing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Mango Selection: The key to this salad is using perfectly ripe mangoes—they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be too soft.
• Avocado Timing: Add the avocado at the last minute to prevent browning, or sprinkle with a little extra lime juice to keep it fresh.
• Onion Soak: If you find raw red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad—this takes away the harshness while keeping the flavor.
• Dressing Balance: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Everyone’s sweet chilli sauce varies in sweetness and heat, so adjust the lime juice or honey accordingly.
• Presentation Matters: Use a glass bowl if you have one to showcase those beautiful layers—people eat with their eyes first!

How to Serve

This vibrant salad works wonderfully in so many settings:

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal
• Pair with coconut rice for a tropical-themed dinner
• Add to a summer buffet table alongside other salads and grilled meats

Serving Suggestions:

• For a dinner party, serve individual portions in stemless wine glasses
• Bring to a potluck in a clear glass bowl to showcase the gorgeous layers
• Use as a topping for fish tacos for an unexpected twist

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the salad components, prepare everything except the avocado ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator. Add the freshly cut avocado and assemble the layers just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

While best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The avocado may oxidize slightly, but a squeeze of extra lime juice can help prevent this. The flavors will still be delicious even if the presentation isn’t as pristine.

Note: This salad is not suitable for freezing as the texture of the fresh ingredients would be compromised.

Refreshing Leftovers

If you have leftover salad, drizzle with a bit more fresh lime juice and give it a gentle toss before serving again to brighten the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
While fresh mango provides the best texture and flavor for this salad, you can use thawed frozen mango in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your salad. The texture will be slightly softer, but the flavor will still be delicious.

How can I tell if my mangoes are ripe enough for this salad?
The perfect mango for this salad should give slightly when gently squeezed and have a sweet, fruity aroma at the stem end. If your mangoes are too firm, leave them at room temperature for a couple of days to ripen. Avoid mangoes that are overly soft or have wrinkled skin.

Is there a nut-free version I can make?
Absolutely! Simply omit the peanuts and consider replacing them with toasted coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, or crispy fried shallots for that essential crunchy element without using nuts.

Can I make this salad more substantial for a main dish?
This salad transforms beautifully into a main dish with the addition of protein. Grilled chicken, seared prawns, or pan-fried tofu cubes work wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, add some black beans or chickpeas for protein and staying power.

Final Thoughts

This Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. It’s my go-to when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, and it never fails to get compliments. The bright colors, contrasting textures, and bold flavors make it much more than just a salad—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Give it a try at your next gathering, and I promise it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!

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