Mangoes are a prominent part of summer recipes for Pakistanis, Asians, and Mexicans. This spicy salad recipe is inspired by my love of mangoes and all three cuisines. This is a favorite in my family, along with my grilled peach salad, Thai chicken salad with mango, and pear salad with goat cheese and dates.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Diet-friendly - This grain-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan spicy salad is perfect for people with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Easy Recipe - This recipe requires minimal ingredients and a short preparation time. The perfect side - This spicy salad (with mango) pairs with almost any entree. Try it with some homemade-deli-roast-beef sandwiches, sheet-pan-chicken-quesadillas, or grilled-tandoori-lamb-chops Colorful - I love serving this bright and vibrant salad when hosting a cookout, potluck, or other dinner.
Ingredient notes
Mango - I like using ripe, juicy, sweet champagne mangoes for this recipe. If these are unavailable at your local store, use Ataulfo or Honey Mango. Red Onions- Due to their mild flavor, these are always my go-to ingredients for salads, salsas, or chutneys. Red Bell Pepper - This pairs perfectly with the mango and adds a pleasant crunch to the spicy salad. Basil Microgreens - I love using microgreens when I can. If you can’t source these, use regular basil. Lime juice - The only dressing this salad needs; this adds flavor and prevents the mangoes from discoloring. Tajin - If you’ve never tried this Mexican version of chili lime salt, you’re missing out. Perfect for mangoes, I love adding this to all my fruit. Readily available at most stores, Trader Joes’ chili lime seasoning blend is a great substitute.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and recipe instructions.
Substitutions & variations
Make it spicier - Tajin is only mildly spicy. If you want to add more of a kick to this salad, add some jalapenos, serranos, or red pepper flakes. Add different herbs - Cilantro and mint taste good in this recipe. Use them in place of the basil. Add some cucumber - Use English or Persian cucumber to give the salad a refreshing taste and crunchy texture. Crunchy toppings - Add peanuts or cashews if you are not worried about nut allergies. Change the dressing - Add some infused olive oil or vinegar to add more depth. Bulk it up - Add avocados, beans, chickpeas, or any other favorite ingredient to make this salad heartier and more filling.
Step-by-step instructions
Expert Tips
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