Avocado Mango Zesty Lime

This vibrant avocado mango salad delivers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors that transport you straight to a tropical paradise. The zesty lime dressing ties everything together, creating a refreshing dish that works beautifully as a side or light meal on warm days.

I first created this salad for a backyard gathering last summer, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. The vibrant colors and bold flavors have made it my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Ripe avocados provide creamy richness and healthy fats look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
• Ripe mangoes offer sweet tropical flavor choose ones that smell fruity at the stem end
• Red onion adds a sharp contrast to the sweet elements soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer milder flavor
• Red bell pepper contributes crunch and vitamin C select peppers that feel firm and heavy for their size
• Fresh cilantro brings bright herbaceous notes wash and dry thoroughly before chopping
• Jalapeño delivers optional heat remove seeds and membranes for milder spice
• Cherry tomatoes add juicy bursts of flavor choose ripe ones with tight skin and vibrant color
• Fresh lime juice provides essential acidity roll limes on the counter before juicing to extract more juice
• Olive oil creates a smooth base for the dressing extra virgin offers the best flavor
• Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors use kosher salt for better flavor distribution

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables

Dice the avocados and mangoes into uniform 3/4 inch cubes for perfect bite sized pieces. Slice the red onion as thinly as possible to prevent overwhelming other flavors. Dice the bell pepper into small pieces similar in size to the avocado and mango. Finely chop the cilantro including some tender stems for extra flavor. If using jalapeño remove seeds for less heat and chop finely. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juices into the salad.

Create the Dressing

In a small bowl whisk together the fresh lime juice and olive oil until well emulsified the mixture should appear slightly cloudy. Season with salt and pepper starting with 1/4 teaspoon of each and adjusting to taste. The dressing should taste bright and zesty with a perfect balance of acidity and richness.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl add all prepared fruits and vegetables. The key is handling everything gently especially the avocado and mango which can become mushy if mixed too vigorously. Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to lightly fold the ingredients together ensuring even distribution of colors and textures.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the prepared lime dressing over the salad mixture starting with about two thirds of the dressing. Use gentle folding motions to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the delicate fruits. Add remaining dressing as needed the salad should glisten but not swim in dressing.

Serve and Enjoy

For best flavor and texture serve the salad immediately after dressing. The combination of colors creates a beautiful presentation especially when served in a white bowl or on a dark platter. Taste once more before serving and add a final sprinkle of salt if needed to brighten all the flavors.

Bookmark

The secret star of this recipe is actually the humble lime. I discovered that using freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled makes an extraordinary difference in the final flavor profile. My family now knows that whenever they see me buying mangoes and limes at the market, this beloved salad will soon make an appearance on our dinner table.

Storage Tips

This salad is truly at its best when freshly made, but if you need to prepare components ahead of time, there are strategies to maintain quality. Store diced mangoes and bell peppers in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Prepare the dressing separately and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Leave avocados whole until just before serving to prevent browning. If you must store leftover dressed salad, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure and refrigerate for no more than 12 hours.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile salad complements numerous main dishes. Serve alongside grilled fish tacos for a complete meal with Mexican flair. For an elegant dinner, pair with seared scallops or grilled chicken breast. The salad also works beautifully with Caribbean jerk chicken or simple grilled shrimp. For a vegetarian option, serve over quinoa or alongside black bean cakes for a satisfying protein boost. The tropical flavors pair exceptionally well with both sparkling water with lime and crisp white wines.

Seasonal Adaptations

While this salad shines brightest in summer when mangoes are at their peak, you can enjoy variations year round. In winter, substitute persimmons or sectioned oranges for mango. Spring brings the opportunity to add tender greens like arugula or watercress to the base. In fall, try adding pomegranate seeds for jewel like color and tart flavor. The avocado provides consistent creaminess throughout the seasons, while the dressing works with virtually any fruit combination you choose.

Recipe FAQs

→ How far in advance can I prepare this avocado mango salad?

For best results, prepare this salad no more than 2 hours before serving. The lime juice helps prevent the avocados from browning, but the salad is most vibrant and texturally appealing when fresh. If needed, you can prepare all ingredients separately and combine with the dressing just before serving.

→ Can I make substitutions for the cilantro?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of cilantro, try fresh mint or flat-leaf parsley instead. Both herbs work wonderfully with the tropical flavors of mango and avocado while providing a fresh accent to the dish.

→ What proteins pair well with this avocado mango salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp, chicken, or fish. The tropical flavors complement seafood especially well. For a vegetarian option, add black beans or toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to increase the protein content.

→ How can I tell if my avocados and mangoes are perfectly ripe?

A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure but shouldn't feel mushy. For mangoes, look for ones that give slightly when squeezed and have a sweet, fragrant aroma at the stem end. Both fruits should feel heavy for their size when perfectly ripe.

→ Is there a way to make this salad spicier?

Yes! Beyond the optional jalapeño, you can add more heat by incorporating serrano peppers, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the dressing. Adjust according to your heat preference.

→ How can I make this dish more substantial for a main course?

To transform this into a heartier main dish, add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. You could also incorporate quinoa, farro, or black beans for a vegetarian option. Serving it over a bed of greens with some crusty bread on the side also makes for a satisfying meal.