A refreshing Avocado Mango Salad is a fantastic choice. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the vibrant flavors of its ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically need:
Core Ingredients:
These are the absolute essentials for your Avocado Mango Salad:
- Avocado: Two to three ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced.
- Mango: One to two ripe mangoes, peeled and diced.
- Red Onion: About half a small red onion, finely chopped, for a sharp, aromatic contrast.
- Cilantro: A handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped.
- Lime Juice: The juice of one to two fresh limes is crucial for the dressing and to prevent the avocado from browning.
For the Simple Vinaigrette:
A light and tangy dressing brings the salad together:
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best.
- Lime Juice: As mentioned above, this is a key component.
- Honey or Agave Nectar (Optional): A teaspoon or two to balance the acidity.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Common and Delicious Add-ins:
To enhance your salad, consider adding some of these popular ingredients for extra texture and flavor:
- Spice: A finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Greens: A bed of arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce.
- Cheese: Crumbled feta or queso fresco for a salty, creamy element.
- Nuts and Seeds: Toasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Other Vegetables: Diced red bell pepper or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
- Protein: To make it a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans.
To prepare, you’ll simply combine the diced avocado, mango, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and any sweeteners or seasonings for the dressing. Gently toss the dressing with the salad, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy immediately!