When the warm months arrive and you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish to complement your meals, the Avocado Mango Salad is a flawless choice. The combination of juicy mango, creamy avocado, and crisp, peppery arugula creates a flavorful harmony that’s simply irresistible. The salad is beautifully adorned with toasted pine nuts for that delightful crunch and brought together with a zesty honey-lime dressing that highlights each ingredient’s essence. Not only is this salad visually stunning with its vivid colors, but it’s also brimming with nutrients, making it a healthy option for lunch or as an accompaniment to dinner. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both last-minute gatherings and casual family meals. So, if you’re passionate about fresh, seasonal ingredients, this Avocado Mango Salad is sure to delight your taste buds while elevating your seasonal cooking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Mango Salad
Discover why this salad will become a staple in your kitchen rotation:
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet mango, creamy avocado, and spicy arugula create a delicious balance.
- Quick & Easy: You can whip up this salad in just a few minutes, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Nutritious: Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or as a vibrant side dish.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start preparing the Avocado Mango Salad, make sure your kitchen is set up for efficient cooking. Begin by clearing your workspace and ensuring you have a large mixing bowl ready. A sharp knife and sturdy cutting board are essential for slicing the mango and avocado precisely. To toast your pine nuts, have a small skillet handy. Additionally, you’ll need a whisk or small jar with a lid for emulsifying the honey-lime dressing. Having these tools ready will streamline the process and help you achieve the best results for this salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 5 oz fresh arugula
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup pine nuts, toasted
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by adding the lime juice, olive oil, and honey to a small bowl or mason jar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This zesty dressing will enhance the flavors of the salad beautifully.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh arugula, diced mango, cubed avocado, and sliced red onion. These ingredients provide a stunning array of colors and textures that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Step 3: Add Dressing & Nuts
Drizzle your desired amount of dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure each ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top for added crunch and nuttiness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, which will bring all the flavors to their full potential.
Variations
- Protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Vegetables: Incorporate sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch.
- Spices: For a kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes or cumin powder.
Cooking Notes
- For the best results, use ripe but firm mangoes and avocados to maintain a good texture.
- To toast pine nuts evenly, keep stirring them over medium heat and be cautious not to burn them.
Serving Suggestions
- This salad pairs perfectly with grilled fish or chicken for a refreshing and hearty meal.
- Serve in small mason jars for an appealing picnic food presentation.
Tips
- Prepare the dressing in advance to allow the flavors to meld together for a more intense taste.
- If preparing ahead of time, keep the avocado pit in the salad to maintain the avocado’s freshness and minimize browning.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of arugula?
Absolutely! Baby spinach or mixed greens would also work well in this salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components a few hours ahead, but combine them just before serving to retain freshness.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Indeed, all of the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Avocado Mango Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a delightful experience full of fresh flavors and textures that speak of summer’s bounty. Assembling this salad is a simple task that results in a masterpiece of taste and appeal. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want to treat yourself to a wholesome lunch, this recipe is a nutritious and delicious choice worth trying. We invite you to make this vibrant salad, share your experiences, and perhaps even explore the variations to discover new favorite combinations. Enjoy the journey of flavors that this salad offers and savor each bite.
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Avocado Mango Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The combination of juicy mango, creamy avocado, and crisp, peppery arugula creates a flavorful harmony that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 5 oz fresh arugula
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup pine nuts, toasted
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by adding the lime juice, olive oil, and honey to a small bowl or mason jar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh arugula, diced mango, cubed avocado, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle your desired amount of dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For the best results, use ripe but firm mangoes and avocados to maintain a good texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 5 g