A Refreshing, Nutritious Burst of Summer on Your Plate
Looking for a vibrant, healthy salad that tastes just as good as it looks? This Avocado Mango Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing is a colorful celebration of flavor and nutrition—perfect for lunch, light dinners, or your next potluck gathering. Let’s dive in and make it together!
Introduction
Nothing says fresh and flavorful like a crisp summer salad loaded with ripe avocado, juicy mango, zesty red onion, and peppery arugula. Add to that a tangy-sweet honey-lime dressing and a sprinkle of buttery pine nuts, and you’ve got a salad that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing.
This Avocado Mango Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, tangy, and savory. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly versatile, and packed with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re looking to serve it as a starter, a side dish, or a standalone light meal, this recipe fits the bill.
Not only is this salad beautiful on the plate, but it also provides a powerhouse of nutrients, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins. So if you’re aiming to eat clean without compromising on flavor, this dish is the ultimate solution.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Prep Time
Tools Required:
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Salad bowl or serving platter
- Small whisk or fork
- Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
- Measuring spoons
Servings:
Serves 4 as a side salad or 2 as a main course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1 large mango, peeled and diced
- 4 cups fresh arugula
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Honey-Lime Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is emulsified and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best zing and natural citrus flavor. If you prefer a more tart dressing, add an extra splash of lime.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Peel and slice the avocados into thick, even slices. Dice the mango into small cubes. Thinly slice the red onion and toast the pine nuts if not already toasted.
To toast pine nuts, simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Be careful—they toast quickly.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl or serving platter, create a bed of fresh arugula. Layer the sliced avocados and diced mango evenly across the top. Scatter the red onion slices over the salad, followed by the toasted pine nuts.
Tip: For visual appeal, arrange the ingredients in separate stripes or sections over the arugula before tossing. This makes the salad presentation-worthy for guests.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the honey-lime vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving. You can gently toss everything together or leave it arranged in layers so each person can mix their own plate.
Add a final touch of cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt, if desired, to enhance flavor.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
- Choose ripe but firm avocados. They should give slightly when pressed but not be mushy. Overripe avocados can lose their structure and make the salad look messy.
- Use a juicy, ripe mango. The mango adds sweetness that balances the peppery arugula and tangy dressing. Ataulfo or Kent mangos work especially well.
- Slice onions thinly. Red onions have a sharp flavor; slicing them thin ensures they don’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Toast the pine nuts fresh. Freshly toasted pine nuts add a warm, nutty crunch that elevates the salad texture.
- Serve immediately after dressing. Avocado tends to brown and arugula can wilt if left in dressing too long. Assemble and dress just before serving for best freshness.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Ideas:
- Serve as a light main course for two people, perhaps with grilled chicken or shrimp on top.
- Offer as a colorful side salad with tacos, grilled meats, or summer BBQ dishes.
- Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra richness.
- Add quinoa or farro to make it more filling and grain-based.
Storage Tips:
- Undressed salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but it’s best to keep the avocado slices separate to prevent browning.
- Dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in a sealed jar. Shake or whisk before using.
- Once assembled and dressed, the salad is best served immediately to maintain texture and visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all ingredients ahead of time except for slicing the avocado, which should be done just before serving to avoid browning. Store ingredients separately and assemble right before mealtime.
2. What can I substitute for pine nuts?
If pine nuts aren’t available, try toasted almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. These all add crunch and a nutty element to balance the creamy avocado.
3. Can I use a different green instead of arugula?
Absolutely. Spinach, mixed baby greens, or romaine are great alternatives. Arugula provides a peppery bite, but you can adjust based on your preference.
4. Is this salad vegan?
Not as written, since it contains honey. To make it vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.
5. What protein can I add to make this a complete meal?
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, chickpeas, or tofu to boost the protein content and make it a hearty, balanced meal.
Conclusion
This Avocado Mango Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing is the embodiment of freshness—simple ingredients, no cooking required, and full of vibrant flavors that burst with every bite. It’s nutritious, delicious, and incredibly easy to throw together whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a dinner side, or an impressive starter for guests.
With its tropical flair and satisfying textures, this salad is a beautiful way to enjoy summer’s bounty or add sunshine to any season. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your salad rotation.
Ready to upgrade your salad game? Gather your ingredients and whip up this irresistible Avocado Mango Salad today—it’s everything your taste buds have been waiting for.
