Sam Looking for a vibrant salad that brings sunshine to your plate and a tropical breeze to your taste buds? This tropical mango avocado salad is everything you want in a refreshing, feel-good dish. With sweet mango, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lime-honey dressing, it’s a flavor-packed salad that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, craving something light for lunch, or need a gorgeous side dish, this salad checks every box.
What makes it truly shine? The contrast in textures: smooth avocado meets juicy mango and crunchy cucumber, all dressed in a bright, citrusy vinaigrette that makes each bite pop. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly, and filled with nutrients that leave you feeling energized, not heavy. Serve it on its own, pair it with grilled protein, or toss it into a taco—it’s endlessly versatile and stunningly colorful on any plate.
RECIPE OVERVIEW
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion
Serving Size: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Nutritional Snapshot (a.k.a. What You’re Really Eating!)
This salad is light yet satisfying, rich in vitamins A, C, E, potassium, and fiber. It promotes digestion, supports immunity, and helps keep skin glowing and hydrated.
- Total Calories: ~210 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Mood Boost Factor: Mango + lime + avocado = tropical bliss
Budget Breakdown
- Mango (2): ~$2.00
- Avocados (2): ~$3.00
- Cucumber (1): ~$1.00
- Red onion, herbs, lime, dressing items: ~$2.00
- Total Cost: ~$8.00
- Cost per Serving: ~$2.00
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, savory, and tangy all in one bite
- Ready in just 10 minutes with zero cooking
- Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly
- Beautiful presentation for parties or picnics
- Refreshing complement to grilled meats or spicy mains
Behind the Recipe
This recipe came to life on a hot day with ripe mangoes and creamy avocados begging to be used. Inspired by tropical flavors and a need for something refreshing, I tossed together a few ingredients and struck gold. Since then, it’s become my go-to whenever I want something light but satisfying, especially when paired with grilled shrimp or chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Spotlight: Mango
Mangoes are more than just juicy and delicious. They’re packed with over 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, A, and B6. According to Medical News Today and Healthline, mangoes help support immunity, eye health, and may even aid digestion thanks to enzymes like amylase.
Avocados, meanwhile, bring heart-healthy fats and potassium to the mix, making this salad both indulgent and nourishing (Harvard School of Public Health).
How to Make Tropical Mango Avocado Salad
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Dice mangoes and avocados, and slice the cucumber and red onion. Gently toss together in a large bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, and sprinkle with chopped herbs. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use slightly firm avocados for cleaner slices
- Chill your ingredients before assembling for extra freshness
- Add lime zest to the dressing for more zing
- Don’t overdress—a light coating keeps the salad crisp
Easy Variations
- Add protein: Toss in grilled shrimp or shredded chicken
- Make it spicy: Add a few slices of red chili or jalapeño
- Add crunch: Top with roasted cashews or crushed tortilla chips
- No honey? Use agave, maple syrup, or skip it for sugar-free
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
- Tip: If prepping ahead, add avocado and dressing right before serving to avoid browning.
Make It a Meal
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Coconut Rice
- Iced green tea or a tropical smoothie
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen mango in a mango avocado salad?
A: Yes! Just thaw the mango and pat it dry thoroughly. Frozen mango can release extra moisture, so draining it helps keep the salad crisp and not watery.
Q: How do I keep avocado from turning brown in salads?
A: Coat the avocado chunks with lime or lemon juice immediately after cutting. You can also press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the salad to reduce oxygen exposure.
Q: Can I make mango avocado salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, but for the best results, prep all the ingredients separately and mix them right before serving. Add the avocado and dressing last to preserve texture and color.
Q: What other fruits pair well with mango and avocado in a salad?
A: Pineapple, strawberries, or papaya add great tropical flair and sweetness to this kind of salad.
Q: Is tropical mango avocado salad healthy?
A: Absolutely. Mango is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while avocado provides heart-healthy fats and potassium. Combined, they offer a nutrient-dense, refreshing, and low-calorie dish.
Q: Is this mango avocado salad suitable for weight loss?
A: Yes, in moderation. It contains whole, fiber-rich ingredients that support fullness and satiety while being low in processed ingredients and added sugars.
Final Thoughts
This tropical mango avocado salad is more than just a quick mix of ingredients—it’s a celebration of color, texture, and taste. Every forkful is creamy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something light and nourishing.
With ingredients that promote heart health, skin glow, and digestion, this salad isn’t just tasty—it’s energizing. Pair it with grilled protein or enjoy it solo; however you serve it, it’s bound to brighten your day.
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📌 Pin This Recipe: Tropical Mango Avocado Salad (Bright, Creamy & Fresh!)
This tropical mango avocado salad is a refreshing blend of juicy mango, creamy avocado, and a citrusy lime dressing. Perfect for summer meals, BBQ sides, and light lunches! Ready in 10 minutes.
Tropical Mango Avocado Salad: Sweet, Creamy, and Refreshingly Zesty
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 2 Ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- ½ Cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
- ¼ Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp Honey or agave syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Produce:Dice mangoes and avocados, and slice the cucumber and red onion. Gently toss together in a large bowl.
- Mix the Dressing:In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Combine & Serve:Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, and sprinkle with chopped herbs. Serve immediately.
