Spicy Mango Salad
A vibrant, spicy mango salad combining sweet, tangy, and fiery flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing appetizer for those who enjoy bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 firm mangoes, peeled and sliced into strips ⓘ
- 1 sweet red pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 sweet onion (purple, red, Vidalia, Texas 1015 or Maui), cut into thin strips
- 6 green onions, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 poblano chili pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice ⓘ
- 1 to 2 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mango, red pepper, and onion strips in a large bowl; set aside.
- Cut poblano chili pepper into quarters; remove seeds and membranes.
- Cut the poblano into thin strips and add to the mango mixture.
- Add green onions, lime juice, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper; toss to coat.
- Cover and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added heat, consider using fresh jalapeño instead of poblano or increasing the crushed red pepper. If mangoes are unavailable, peaches or nectarines can be a delightful substitute. Fresh herbs like mint can also complement the flavors well. Adjust lime juice according to your taste preference, and for a creamier texture, you might add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Mango Salad makes for a vibrant side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp, and complements any Mexican recipes. Serve it alongside chips for a refreshing dip or as a topping for tacos or burritos. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Black Bean Salad With Mangoes-Salsa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together, enhancing the taste. Avoid freezing, as the texture of mangoes may become mushy. To refresh the salad before serving, consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice to revive the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Mango Salad contains roughly 71 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1263mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just remember to toss it again before serving to redistribute the flavors. However, it's best to add the cilantro just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
What can I substitute for lime juice?
If you're out of lime juice, fresh lemon juice works as a suitable substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still provide the acidity needed to balance the sweetness of the mangoes.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This Spicy Mango Salad is naturally vegan, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet. It's packed with fresh ingredients and can be enjoyed as a light meal or side dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).