This refreshing avocado mango salad is perfect for summer days! With ripe avocados, juicy mangoes, and a splash of lime, it’s light, colorful, and delicious.
You can whip it up in no time, and it’s a great side for any meal. I love it best chilled—perfect for hot days when all you want is something cool and tasty! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: Look for ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed. If you need a substitute, try diced cucumbers for a crunchy texture, though you’ll miss the creaminess of avocados.
Mangoes: Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. If mangoes aren’t available, try peach or nectarine as a fruit alternative. They offer a similar juicy sweetness!
Red Onion: The mild flavor of red onion balances the salad well. For a milder taste, use green onions or shallots instead.
Cilantro: This adds a fresh taste, but if you’re not a fan, chopped parsley works well too. You can also skip it altogether!
Sesame Seeds: They add a nice crunch. If you don’t have them, chopped nuts like almonds or cashews can be a great substitute. They’ll give the salad a different texture and flavor twist!
How Do I Keep My Avocados Perfectly Fresh in the Salad?
Avocados can brown quickly once cut, which can affect the look of your salad. To keep them fresh:
- Make sure the salad is well-drizzled with lime juice as it helps prevent oxidation.
- Mix the salad gently right before serving to reduce exposure to air.
- If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider adding the avocado just before eating to keep it looking vibrant.
This way, your salad will be as bright and appealing as the summer sun when it’s time to serve!
Easy Avocado Mango Salad Recipe For Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This vibrant salad takes about 10 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 10-15 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In just about 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a delightful, refreshing salad ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, start by adding the diced avocados, diced mangoes, finely chopped red onion, and diced tomato. This colorful mix will be the base of your salad and gives it a vibrant look.
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, gently toss in the fresh cilantro leaves. This herb adds a wonderful aroma and flavor that complements the fruits beautifully. If you prefer, you can substitute cilantro with parsley!
3. Add Some Crunch:
Now, it’s time to sprinkle the black and white sesame seeds over your salad. These seeds not only add a nice crunchy texture but also bring a nutty flavor to the dish!
4. Dressing the Salad:
Drizzle the olive oil over the top and squeeze the juice of one lime evenly across the salad. This adds a fresh zing that brightens up the flavors in the salad.
5. Seasoning to Taste:
Now, season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. This step enhances all the flavors and makes it truly delicious.
6. Tossing with Care:
Gently toss everything together in the bowl, being careful not to mash the avocados. You want all the ingredients to mix well, but the avocados should remain mostly intact for that creamy texture!
7. Chill and Let It Marinate:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and is especially refreshing on a hot day.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s chilled, give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. Enjoy this fresh and colorful salad as a light side dish or as an appetizer. It’s perfect for summer gatherings!
FAQ About Easy Avocado Mango Salad
Can I Use Frozen Mango for This Salad?
Yes, you can use frozen mango! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the salad to avoid watering down the flavors.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the avocados and dress the salad just before serving to prevent browning. If making ahead, store the mixed ingredients without the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
What If I Don’t Like Cilantro?
No problem! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or simply omit it. The salad will still be delicious without it!
How Do I Keep Leftovers Fresh?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the avocados may brown slightly, but the taste will still be good. To minimize browning, add a bit more lime juice before storing!
