Mango Salad

Get hooked on this vibrant Mango Salad! This refreshing dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side for any meal. With its delightful combination of fresh fruits and a creamy dressing, it stands out as both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a casual barbecue or a fancy dinner, the Mango Salad is sure to impress with its bright colors and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This Mango Salad can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet mango, juicy blueberries, and crispy almonds creates a taste explosion that you won’t forget.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a side dish, main course, or even as a light lunch—this salad adapts to any occasion!
• Nutritious & Healthy: Packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients, this salad is not only tasty but also good for you.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to substitute your favorite fruits or nuts to make this salad uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Mango Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the process simpler and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Ideal for creating a smooth dressing that blends all the flavors seamlessly.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to toss all ingredients without spilling.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect flavor balance.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping fruits and preparing ingredients quickly.

Ingredients

Get hooked on this vibrant Mango Salad! It’s packed with fresh fruit, cinnamon almonds, and a creamy cinnamon-yogurt dressing—so good!

Fresh Produce

• 8 cups spring mix lettuce blend (5 ounces, or your favorite salad greens)
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup peeled and diced honey mango (2 mangoes)
• 1 cup thinly sliced strawberries (or chopped)
• 2 clementine oranges (1/2 teaspoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice)

Nuts & Dairy

• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cinnamon-roasted almonds
• 1/4 cup mango yogurt (I love Chobani’s mango yogurt)

Sweeteners & Seasonings

• 4 teaspoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

How to Make Mango Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. Stir the mango yogurt well; measure out 1/4 cup and add it to a small blender.
2. Add in the honey, 1/2 teaspoon clementine zest, 2 tablespoons clementine juice, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth. Transfer the dressing to a jar and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, add the spring mix lettuce.
2. Top with blueberries, strawberries, and diced honey mango.
3. Add in the coarsely chopped cinnamon-roasted almonds.
4. Drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad according to your personal preference.
5. Toss gently until everything is well combined. Enjoy your delicious Mango Salad!

How to Serve Mango Salad

Mango Salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s versatile enough for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner side, or even as part of a picnic spread. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Mango Salad experience.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair it with whole-grain bread for a satisfying meal. The crunch of the salad complements the softness of the bread beautifully.

At a Summer BBQ

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey. The sweet flavors of the mango balance nicely with savory meats, making it an ideal accompaniment.

For Meal Prep

• Portion into containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch. This keeps the salad fresh and allows for quick meals throughout the week.

With Added Protein

• Top with grilled shrimp or tofu for extra protein. This makes it heartier and perfect as a main dish, especially on hot days.

How to Perfect Mango Salad

Creating the perfect Mango Salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to get it just right.

• Choose ripe mangoes: Look for mangoes that yield slightly to pressure; this indicates they are sweet and juicy.

• Use fresh greens: Opt for fresh spring mix or your favorite greens to ensure a crisp texture.

• Experiment with nuts: Try swapping in different nuts like walnuts or pecans for varied flavors and crunch.

• Balance sweetness: Adjust the honey in the dressing based on your preference for sweetness; less honey can enhance other flavors.

• Add herbs: Fresh mint or cilantro can add an extra layer of flavor to your salad, enhancing its freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Mango Salad

Mango Salad pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its vibrant flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken pieces grilled to perfection, adding protein without overpowering the salad’s flavors.

2. Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa dish seasoned with herbs that provides a nutty base and complements the salad beautifully.

3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a crunchy side that contrasts well with the fresh salad.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and depth to your meal while contrasting with the coolness of Mango Salad.

5. Vegetable Spring Rolls: These light rolls filled with fresh veggies offer another refreshing option alongside your salad.

6. Chickpea Hummus: A smooth dip packed with protein, perfect for scooping up alongside your fruity salad.

7. Couscous Salad: A light couscous mixed with herbs and lemon zest can enhance the overall meal experience.

8. Fruit Platter: A selection of seasonal fruits can balance out flavors while keeping things light and refreshing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mango Salad, a few common mistakes can impact the flavor and presentation. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old fruits can lead to an unappealing salad. Always choose fresh and ripe mangoes, blueberries, and strawberries for the best taste.
• Skipping the Dressing: The dressing adds flavor and ties all ingredients together. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the overall dish significantly.
• Overdressing the Salad: While dressing is essential, too much can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference.
• Not Preparing Ahead: Preparing ingredients in advance can save time. Chop your fruits and mix the dressing beforehand for a quick assembly when you’re ready to eat.
• Forgetting Texture Variety: A salad with only soft fruits may lack excitement. Include crunchy elements like cinnamon-roasted almonds to create a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mango Salad in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing Mango Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes of fruits after thawing.
• If you must freeze it, consider storing only the dressing separately.

Reheating Mango Salad

• Oven: Not recommended; salads are best served fresh.
• Microwave: Use with caution; warm it briefly if necessary but expect texture changes.
• Stovetop: Avoid heating as it may wilt the greens; serve cold for optimal flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing Mango Salad.

Can I use other fruits in Mango Salad?

Yes! Feel free to incorporate other seasonal fruits like kiwi or pineapple for added flavor and variety.

What type of greens works best for Mango Salad?

Spring mix, spinach, or arugula are excellent choices that complement the sweetness of mangoes well.

How can I customize my Mango Salad?

You can add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or even swap nuts for seeds based on your preference.

Is this Mango Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This vibrant Mango Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different fruits or proteins based on your taste. Give it a try and enjoy a healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

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Mango Salad

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• Author: Florence
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Get ready to indulge in a refreshing Mango Salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures! This delightful dish combines sweet mangoes, juicy blueberries, and crunchy cinnamon-roasted almonds, all drizzled with a creamy dressing that elevates every bite. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light lunch, this Mango Salad is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whip it up in just 30 minutes for a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups spring mix lettuce
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup diced honey mango
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 2 clementine oranges (zest and juice)
• 1/2 cup chopped cinnamon-roasted almonds
• 1/4 cup mango yogurt
• 4 teaspoons honey

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by blending together the mango yogurt, honey, clementine zest, clementine juice, optional cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready.
2. In a large bowl, toss the spring mix lettuce with blueberries, strawberries, and diced honey mango.
3. Add the chopped cinnamon-roasted almonds.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Tropical

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Choose ripe mangoes for the best sweetness. Experiment with different nuts or fruits to make it your own. Keep leftover dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.