Introduction
Tropical Mango Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that captures the essence of tropical flavors. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, making it an ideal choice for a summer meal or as a side dish for barbecues and picnics. The star ingredient, mango, is known for its juicy sweetness and pairs wonderfully with a variety of other flavors. This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its array of bright colors.
Ingredients
- Ripe mangoes: 2, peeled and thinly sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Cucumber: 1, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro: a handful, chopped
- Fresh mint: a handful, chopped
- Roasted peanuts or cashews: 1/4 cup, for garnish
For the Dressing:
- Lime juice: from 2 limes
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1 teaspoon (optional, can be replaced with soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
- Chili pepper: 1, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- Garlic clove: 1, minced
- Salt: a pinch
Directions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, and mint.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, fish sauce (or soy sauce), chopped chili pepper, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the salad with roasted peanuts or cashews for an added crunch.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips
- Make sure the mangoes are ripe but still firm for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of chili pepper according to your spice tolerance.
- This salad can be customized by adding other tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya.
- For added protein, you can include grilled chicken or shrimp.
Tropical Mango Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. Its combination of sweet mangoes, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing makes it a hit for any occasion. Enjoy this light and flavorful salad on a warm day or as a complement to your favorite grilled dishes!
Discussion about this post