Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad is an irresistible combination that’s hard to beat! This vibrant, healthy, and tropical salad is packed full of essential nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Embrace the taste of the tropics with this delightful Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad. It’s an ideal choice for your summer gatherings, backyard BBQs, or simply whenever you can find those perfectly juicy, ripe mangoes that transport your taste buds to an exotic paradise. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and textures, offering a refreshing escape from the everyday.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Tropical Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad
This isn’t just another fruit salad; it’s a culinary experience designed to delight your senses and nourish your body. Here’s why this Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad should be your next kitchen adventure:
- A Flavorful Introduction to Mangoes: If mangoes are new to your family or friends, this vibrant salad offers a deliciously easy and appealing way to introduce them to the sweet, exotic flavor of this incredible fruit. Its combination with familiar strawberries and creamy avocado creates an approachable yet exciting taste profile.
- Effortless Elegance with a Simple Dressing: The light, bright, and simple citrus salad dressing is the perfect complement to the natural sweetness of the fruits. It enhances their flavors without overpowering them, making for a sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare dish.
- Endless Adaptability for Every Palate: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with whatever summer fruits you adore. Grapes, blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced bananas can be wonderful additions. Just remember to add softer fruits like bananas or apples right before serving to prevent browning and maintain optimal freshness.
- A Wholesome and Healthy Indulgence: While rich in natural sugars from the fruits, this salad remains a far healthier and more nutrient-dense option than processed snacks like cookies or candies. It provides sustained energy and a wealth of beneficial compounds, making it a guilt-free pleasure.
- Packed with Essential Nutrients: Beyond its incredible taste, this salad is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Mangoes, strawberries, and avocados contribute significantly to your daily nutritional intake, supporting overall health and well-being. We’ll dive deeper into these benefits shortly!
- Visually Stunning: The array of vibrant colors – golden mangoes, ruby red strawberries, and creamy green avocados – makes this salad a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It’s a guaranteed showstopper on any table.
- Refreshing and Hydrating: With its high water content from fresh fruits, this salad is incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day. It helps keep you hydrated while satisfying your cravings for something sweet and satisfying.
As a food enthusiast, I’m always thrilled when new culinary inspirations arrive. Not long ago, a package of fresh, perfectly ripe mangoes appeared, sparking an exciting challenge. When I reached out to my community for their favorite mango recipes, the response was overwhelming! Drawing inspiration from a variety of suggestions, I crafted this unique Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad. The result was an incredible symphony of tropical flavors and delightful textures, proving that sometimes, the best recipes are born from shared passion and experimentation.
Mastering Your Ingredients: What You Need for the Ultimate Tropical Salad
Creating this exquisite salad begins with selecting the finest, freshest ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and how to prepare each item:
- Kitchen Staples: A good quality Olive Oil forms the base of our simple dressing, providing a rich, fruity note. A delicate Pinch of Table Salt is crucial for enhancing all the natural sweetness and tartness, balancing the entire flavor profile without making the salad taste salty.
- Lime Juice: For the most vibrant and zesty dressing, Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice is absolutely essential. Its bright acidity cuts through the sweetness of the fruit, adding a refreshing tang.
- Orange Juice: While freshly squeezed is always a treat, high-quality brands from the refrigerated section of your grocery store work beautifully. The natural sweetness of Orange Juice is key to balancing the tartness of the lime juice, creating a harmonious dressing that complements the fruit perfectly.
- Avocado: Choose ripe but firm avocados. To maintain their beautiful green color and creamy texture, it’s best to Cube Avocados Right Before Serving. This minimizes exposure to air and prevents undesirable browning. The avocado adds a rich, buttery smoothness that beautifully contrasts with the other fruits.
- Jicama: This often-overlooked root vegetable is a game-changer in this salad. When you Dice Jicama into Smaller Pieces than the other fruits, it adds a fantastic, refreshing crunch without overpowering any flavors. It’s a neutral, hydrating element that brings an unexpected textural delight.
- Mango: The star of our salad! To prepare a mango, first, Remove the Skin using a peeler or a sharp knife. Then, carefully Cut Pieces of Fruit from Around the Large Flat Seed before cubing the flesh into bite-sized pieces. We’ll discuss how to select the perfect mango and cut it efficiently in our FAQ section.
- Pineapple: For that extra tropical punch, incorporate fresh Pineapple. Ensure it’s Cored with the Outer Skin Removed and then cut into uniform cubes. Its sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture are indispensable in this blend.
- Strawberries: Fresh, ripe Strawberries add a burst of sweetness and a beautiful red hue. Simply Hull and Chop them into pieces that are roughly the same size as your other fruit components for a harmonious bite.
Expert Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad
Achieving salad perfection goes beyond just combining ingredients. These expert tips will help you elevate your Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad from great to absolutely extraordinary. I once had the pleasure of tasting two incredible mango varieties, Tommy Atkins and Ataulfo, both perfectly ripened—soft, sweet, juicy, and even with some spicy undertones. That experience taught me the profound impact of ingredient quality.
- Uniformity in Every Bite: For the best eating experience, Cut All the Fruit into Similar Bite-Sized Pieces. This ensures that you get a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every single forkful, making the salad more enjoyable and easier to eat.
- Embrace Fruit Diversity: While our core recipe is fantastic, don’t hesitate to personalize it! Feel Free to Add Whatever Fruit You Enjoy. I specifically chose fruits with a vibrant tropical flavor profile for this recipe, but other berries, kiwi, star fruit, papaya, or even melon would also be incredibly tasty additions.
- The Golden Rule of Mangoes: For unparalleled flavor and texture, always Make Sure Your Mangoes Are Ripe and Fragrant. A ripe mango will yield slightly to gentle pressure and emit a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem. This ensures maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- Avocado’s Creamy Secret: Adding avocado to this fruit salad might seem unusual to some, but it’s a revelation! It doesn’t add more sweetness; instead, it contributes an incredibly luxurious, Ultimate Creaminess that beautifully balances the tart and sweet fruits. It makes the salad feel more substantial and indulgent.
- PRO-Tip: Preventing Browning: To keep your diced avocados (and any bananas you might add) looking fresh and vibrant, Gently Toss the Cubes in Some of the Dressing or a Squeeze of Lemon/Lime Juice right after cutting. The acidity helps to minimize oxidation, which is the chemical reaction that causes browning.
- The Jicama Advantage: As mentioned, jicama is a textural hero. It Provided a Nice Neutral Crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy fruits, adding an element of surprise and satisfaction to each bite.
- Dressing Ahead for Convenience: You can certainly Make Your Salad Dressing Ahead of Time. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Before using, remember to take it out about an hour beforehand so that any olive oil that might have solidified can return to room temperature, ensuring a smooth, emulsified dressing.
- PRO-Tip: Last-Minute Additions: For fruits prone to browning, such as bananas, apples, or pears, always Peel, Slice, and Mix Them In Right Before Serving. This minimizes their exposure to air and prevents oxidation. The same rule applies to avocados for optimal freshness and appearance.
- PRO-Tip: The Magic of Salt: Don’t Be Put Off by a Pinch of Salt in a sweet dish. Salt is a remarkable flavor enhancer for any recipe, whether sweet or savory. In fruit salads, it miraculously brightens and intensifies the natural sweetness of the fruits, making them taste even more vibrant.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If, after tasting, the orange juice in the dressing doesn’t provide enough sweetness to satisfy your palate, simply Whisk In a Little Honey or Maple Syrup, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
- PRO-Tip: Versatile Serving: This delightful fruit salad is incredibly versatile. Use This Salad as a Zesty Salsa to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light, refreshing meal. For a salsa consistency, simply chop the fruit into slightly smaller cubes.
- Leftover Mango Delights: If you find yourself with any extra ripe mangoes, I highly recommend exploring other mango-based recipes. A delicious raspberry mango salsa, for example, is fantastic paired with crispy tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad
Mangos are truly a superfruit! They are exceptionally high in Vitamin C, which is crucial for immune function and skin health, and a good source of fiber, aiding in digestion. They also provide Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, as well as Magnesium and Potassium, vital for nerve and muscle function. Furthermore, mangoes are loaded with powerful antioxidants like mangiferin, which may offer anti-cancer effects and help reduce inflammation, promoting overall wellness and protecting cells from damage. Their nutrients collectively support immune system health, vision, and contribute to healthy skin and hair.
Cutting a mango can seem challenging due to its thick skin and large, flat pit. Here’s a simple, effective method: First, hold your mango vertically on a cutting board. Carefully slice downwards along the widest sides of the pit, aiming to cut off two large “cheeks” of flesh. Rotate the mango and repeat until all the flesh is removed from around the pit. Next, take each “cheek” and, without cutting through the skin, score a crosshatch or grid pattern into the flesh. Then, you can easily scoop out the cubed flesh with a spoon, or gently push the skin side to invert the cheek and slice off the cubes directly into your bowl. Cut these pieces into smaller cubes if needed for your salad.
Knowing when a mango is perfectly ripe is key to enjoying its full flavor. A ripe mango will gently yield when you press it lightly with your thumb. It should feel soft, but not mushy, as mushiness indicates it’s over-ripe. The color can also be a good indicator; many varieties change from green to shades of orange, red, or a rosy blush. However, color isn’t always the most reliable sign, as some varieties remain green even when ripe. The most telling sign is the aroma: a ripe mango will emit a distinctly sweet, fruity fragrance, especially around the stem end. Trust your senses – sight, touch, and smell – for the best selection!
For the best results, it’s recommended to assemble the entire salad just before serving, especially because of the avocado and its tendency to brown. However, you can prep certain components in advance to save time. You can whisk together the dressing and chop all the fruits except the avocado and banana (if using). Store the chopped fruits in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the freshly cubed avocado, pour over the dressing, and gently toss. This way, you get the freshest taste and most appealing presentation.
Jicama adds a unique, neutral crunch, but if you can’t find it, there are a few alternatives. You could use cucumber (peeled and deseeded for less water content) for a similar refreshing element, or even a crisp apple (like Granny Smith) for crunch with a hint of tartness. Water chestnuts could also work in a pinch for texture. The goal is to introduce a contrasting crunch to the softer fruits, so choose something that won’t overpower the tropical flavors.
Explore More Refreshing Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the fresh flavors of this Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delicious, vibrant, and healthy recipes that celebrate fresh ingredients and bold tastes:
- Mango and Black Bean Salsa from A Cedar Spoon: A savory and sweet salsa that’s perfect with chips or as a topping.
- Citrus Spinach Salad: Another bright and healthy salad featuring zesty citrus notes.
- Black Bean and Avocado Salsa: A hearty and flavorful salsa that’s great for gatherings.
- Guacamole Salad: All the goodness of guacamole transformed into a delightful salad.
- Soft Shell Tacos with Mango Salsa: Combine your love for seafood with the freshness of mango salsa.
- Discover more of my Heart Healthy Recipes: A collection of nourishing and delicious options for a balanced lifestyle.
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Mango Strawberry Avocado Salad
15 minutes
15 minutes
4 servings
A delectable taste of the tropics in every bite! This refreshing salad combines sweet mangoes, juicy strawberries, and creamy avocados with a zesty citrus dressing for a perfect healthy treat.
Ingredients
For the Zesty Citrus Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- A pinch of fine sea salt
For the Tropical Fruit Salad:
- 1 medium avocado, cubed
- ½ cup small diced jicama
- ½ cup chopped ripe mango
- ½ cup chopped fresh pineapple
- ½ cup chopped fresh strawberries
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set this vibrant dressing aside.
- In a large serving bowl, gently combine the diced jicama, chopped mango, pineapple, and strawberries. Add the freshly cubed avocados last, just before pouring the prepared dressing over the top of the fruit mixture.
- Carefully mix all the ingredients together, ensuring the dressing evenly coats the fruit, being mindful not to bruise the delicate avocados. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Notes & Variations
Feel free to experiment with any of your favorite seasonal fruits in this versatile salad recipe. Other great additions include blueberries, raspberries, or even a few slices of kiwi for an extra tang.
For a sweeter dressing, if your fruits aren’t overly sweet, simply whisk in a touch of honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar, tasting as you go until it satisfies your palate. A sprinkle of fresh mint or cilantro can also add a delightful herbaceous note.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
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- OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler
- High-Quality Santoku Knife
- Durable Cutting Board
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 178Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 38mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 2g
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Skinny Tip: Elevate Your Health with Simple Choices
I’m thrilled to share a new series of “Skinny Tips,” a response to one of my most frequent inquiries: how I maintain a healthy lifestyle. These practical and easy-to-implement tips will be featured in upcoming posts, designed to help you make small changes for significant health benefits.
Tip #20: Embrace the Stairs! This might seem simple, but opting for the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator is a fantastic way to incorporate more movement into your day. It’s often quicker than waiting for an elevator, especially during peak hours, and provides a remarkable mini-workout for your quads, calves, and glutes. Who doesn’t appreciate firmer thighs and a toned posterior? I recall working as an oncology nurse on the 7th floor of a bustling hospital, and I always took the stairs—even when I was nine months pregnant! Start slowly, perhaps just one or two flights, then gradually increase your pace and the number of floors as your endurance improves. It’s a habit that pays dividends for your cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and overall energy levels. Make it a conscious choice, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!