Bright, refreshing, and bursting with tropical flavor, this Easy Mango Salad is a must-have for any occasion. Sweet, juicy mangoes meet crisp red bell pepper, zesty lime, and fresh herbs in a colorful salad that’s perfect for summer lunches, light dinners, or as a vibrant side dish. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness, acidity, and mild heat, making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals, picnics, and parties.
This salad is more than just eye-catching; it’s a nutritious and quick-to-make dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or as a standalone snack. Its simplicity, combined with bold tropical flavors, makes it one of the best weeknight side dishes you’ll keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep.
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Tropical & Refreshing: Juicy mango and crisp vegetables create a lively flavor profile.
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Kid-Friendly: Sweet, colorful, and appealing for all ages.
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Versatile: Works as a side, taco topping, or light snack.
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Healthy: Packed with fresh fruits, veggies, and natural flavor without heavy dressings.
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Customizable: Add spice, herbs, or other fruits to suit your taste.
Ingredient Breakdown
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Mangoes (2 ripe): Provide natural sweetness, juiciness, and a tropical aroma.
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Red Bell Pepper: Adds crunch, vibrant color, and subtle sweetness.
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Red Onion (½, thinly sliced): Contributes mild pungency and balance to the sweet mango.
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Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Gives herbal freshness and brightness to the salad.
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Fresh Mint (1–2 tbsp, optional): Adds cooling notes and a fragrant accent.
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Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper (small, minced, optional): Introduces a gentle heat that complements the sweetness.
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Fresh Lime Juice (3 tbsp): Provides tanginess and enhances the flavors of the fruit.
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Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps bind the dressing and adds richness.
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Maple Syrup or Sugar (1 tsp, optional): Balances acidity and adds a subtle sweetness.
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Salt (pinch): Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the taste.
Pro Tips
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Choose Ripe Mangoes: Look for mangoes that are fragrant, slightly soft, and deep yellow-orange for maximum flavor.
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Balance Sweetness and Acidity: Adjust lime juice and optional maple syrup based on mango ripeness.
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Prep Ingredients Evenly: Slice mangoes, bell pepper, and onion uniformly for a visually appealing salad.
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Chill Before Serving (Optional): Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and refresh.
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Control the Heat: Remove seeds from jalapeño or serrano to reduce spiciness, or add more for a bolder kick.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Fruits: Add pineapple, papaya, or mango-peach combo for tropical variety.
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Herbs: Swap cilantro for fresh basil or parsley for a different herbal note.
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Spice: Use red chili flakes, or skip peppers for a milder version.
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Dressing Variations: Replace olive oil with avocado oil or a light honey-lime vinaigrette.
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Crunch Factor: Toss in toasted nuts like cashews or sliced almonds for texture.
Serving Suggestions
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As a Side Dish: Perfect with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or shrimp skewers.
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Taco Topping: Adds a sweet and spicy contrast to tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
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On Greens: Serve over mixed greens for a tropical salad bowl.
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Snack or Appetizer: Serve in small cups or bowls as a refreshing finger food.
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Plating Tip: Garnish with extra cilantro, mint leaves, or a lime wedge for an attractive presentation.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Short-Term Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Longer storage may cause mangoes and peppers to soften and release water.
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Prep Ahead: Slice mangoes and vegetables in advance; toss with dressing right before serving for best freshness.
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Avoid Sogginess: Keep dressing separate if preparing several hours ahead, then combine before serving.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Mango salads are inspired by tropical and Latin American cuisines, where fresh fruit and vegetables are commonly paired with citrus and chili to create lively, balanced dishes. This type of salad celebrates the flavors of the tropics, combining sweetness, acidity, and heat in a simple yet elegant way, perfect for warm-weather meals and festive gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
A: Yes, thaw frozen mango and drain excess liquid. Fresh mango is preferred for best texture and flavor.
Q: How spicy is this salad?
A: The heat is mild if you remove seeds from the pepper. Adjust spice by adding more or less jalapeño/serrano.
Q: Can this salad be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, but combine dressing just before serving to maintain crispness of vegetables and freshness of mango.
Q: What else can I add for crunch?
A: Toasted nuts, seeds, or diced cucumber can enhance texture.
Q: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, keep fruit and dressing separate for 1–2 days in the fridge to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Easy Mango Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the diced mango, thinly sliced red bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, mint (if using), and minced jalapeño/serrano (if using).
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, maple syrup or sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Pour the lime dressing over the mango mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust lime juice, sweetness, or salt if needed.
- Serve immediately as a side dish, topping for grilled foods, or light snack.