Simple Thai Mango Salad

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Introduction

Simple Thai Mango Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly captures the bold, bright flavors of Thai cuisine. Imagine sweet, juicy mangoes paired with tangy lime, crunchy vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, all tossed together in a flavorful dressing of fish sauce, sugar, and chili for a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. This light, fresh salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood, or can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying, healthy meal.

The first time I made this salad, I was amazed at how quickly it came together with just a few ingredients. The sweet mangoes paired with the tangy lime and the heat from the chili were a perfect combination, and the aroma of the fresh herbs—like cilantro and mint—tied everything together beautifully. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes, and it’s always a crowd favorite.

What I love most about Simple Thai Mango Salad is its versatility. You can add protein like grilled shrimp or chicken to make it a heartier meal, or play around with additional ingredients like roasted peanuts or fresh herbs to suit your taste. Whether served as a light appetizer, side dish, or main course, this salad is a delicious, healthy way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thailand.

Perfect for:

  • Summer meals
  • Barbecues and picnics
  • Light lunch or dinner
  • Side dish to Thai or Asian dishes
  • Vegans and vegetarians

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Simple Thai Mango Salad will become your new go-to salad:

  • Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of sweet mangoes, crunchy vegetables, and zesty dressing makes this salad a refreshing burst of flavor.
  • Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a flavorful salad ready in minutes.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or tanginess to your preference with the dressing.
  • Light and Healthy: Packed with fresh produce, it’s a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option for any meal.
  • Vibrant and Beautiful: The bright colors of the mango and vegetables make this salad visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: No cooking required
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium, Antioxidants

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Simple Thai Mango Salad:

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and julienned
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
  • 1-2 red chilies, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce (for a vegetarian option)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Mangoes: The ripe mangoes provide natural sweetness and juiciness, making them the star of the salad.
  • Cucumber and Carrots: These crunchy vegetables add texture and balance to the sweetness of the mango.
  • Peanuts: Roasted peanuts give the salad a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
  • Fresh Herbs: Cilantro adds a burst of freshness and fragrance, which pairs perfectly with the mangoes.
  • Fish Sauce: This key ingredient brings a savory, umami flavor to the dressing, while soy sauce offers a vegetarian alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables and Mango:

  1. Peel and Julienne the Mangoes: Peel the mangoes, cut the flesh into thin strips, and set aside.
  2. Shred the Carrots: Use a box grater or julienne peeler to shred the carrots into thin strips.
  3. Slice the Cucumber and Red Onion: Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion.
  4. Chop the Cilantro: Roughly chop the fresh cilantro leaves.

Prepare the Dressing:

  1. Whisk the Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes until well combined. Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your taste.

Assemble the Salad:

  1. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned mango, shredded carrots, cucumber, and red onion.
  2. Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
  3. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top. Add red chili slices if desired for extra heat.

How to Serve

  • As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, seafood, or Thai-inspired dishes like pad Thai or curry.
  • Light Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy as a refreshing and healthy meal on its own.
  • Party Platter: Serve in small bowls as a colorful, flavorful side at parties or gatherings.
  • With Rice or Noodles: Pair with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
  • Topped with Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top for a more substantial meal.

Additional Tips

  • Use Ripe Mangoes: Choose mangoes that are firm yet ripe, with a slight give when pressed. This ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh.
  • Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of chili flakes or fresh red chilies to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Feel free to add Thai basil or mint for additional layers of flavor.
  • Try a Variation: For a twist, try adding avocado slices or green beans for extra crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Mango Salad: Add more chili flakes or fresh chilies to make it extra spicy.
  2. Avocado Mango Salad: Include creamy avocado slices for a richer texture.
  3. Peach Mango Salad: Use peaches instead of mangoes for a different fruity twist.
  4. Tofu Mango Salad: Add grilled or pan-fried tofu for a vegetarian protein option.
  5. Papaya Mango Salad: Swap mangoes with green papaya for a more traditional Thai-style salad.
  6. Grilled Shrimp Mango Salad: Top with grilled shrimp for a delicious seafood option.
  7. Cabbage Mango Salad: Add shredded cabbage for extra crunch and texture.
  8. Mango & Watermelon Salad: Combine mango with watermelon for a sweet, juicy salad.
  9. Noodle Mango Salad: Toss the salad with cooked rice noodles for a more substantial dish.
  10. Spicy Peanut Mango Salad: Drizzle with a spicy peanut dressing for an extra kick of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the fresh ingredients will lose their texture when thawed.
  • Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad will get more flavorful as it sits but will lose some of its crunch. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Special Equipment

  • Mandoline Slicer: For cutting the mango and vegetables into thin, uniform slices or julienne strips.
  • Mortar and Pestle: Ideal for crushing garlic, chili, and other ingredients to release their full flavors when making the dressing.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing mango, carrots, and other veggies into precise pieces.
  • Vegetable Peeler: For peeling the mango and other vegetables quickly and efficiently.
  • Citrus Juicer: To easily extract juice from fresh limes for the dressing.
  • Mixing Bowls: A set of medium-sized bowls for combining the salad ingredients and tossing the dressing.
  • Grater: Perfect for grating the carrots and any other root vegetables you might include.
  • Salad Spinner: Useful for washing and drying fresh herbs or greens like cilantro and mint.
  • Julienne Peeler: If you don’t have a mandoline, this peeler can quickly create julienne strips for the vegetables.
  • Small Whisk or Fork: For thoroughly mixing the dressing ingredients, especially the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.

FAQ

  1. Can I use a different type of mango?
    Yes, you can use any variety of ripe mango, though Ataulfo mangoes are especially sweet and tender for this salad.
  2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
    You can prep the salad ingredients and dressing separately, but wait to mix them together until just before serving to keep everything fresh.
  3. Can I make this salad spicier?
    Absolutely! Add more fresh chilies or chili flakes to increase the spice level to your liking.
  4. Can I make this salad without fish sauce?
    Yes, soy sauce is a great substitute for a vegetarian version. You can also use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  5. Can I use pre-cut mango?
    While pre-cut mango is convenient, using fresh, whole mangoes will provide better texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Simple Thai Mango Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and tangy flavors, crunchy textures, and beautiful colors, it’s sure to become a favorite. This salad is quick to prepare, versatile, and easy to customize, making it an ideal side dish or a light stand-alone meal.

The combination of ripe mangoes, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing creates a burst of flavor in every bite. Add a bit of heat with some chili peppers or top it off with roasted peanuts for extra crunch. Whether you’re serving it as part of a larger spread or as a refreshing lunch on its own, this salad brings the essence of Thailand right to your table.

I can’t wait to see your take on this Simple Thai Mango Salad! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make it your own. Don’t forget to share any tips or unique twists in the comments. Happy eating!

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