If you’re craving a salad that tastes like sunshine, this Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is your new go-to. It’s bright, juicy, and packed with creamy avocado and sweet mango — the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This salad is ideal for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

This recipe is simple, colorful, and absolutely delicious. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just want a refreshing meal, this salad delivers in every way.

Why This Salad Works So Well

What makes this salad stand out is the contrast between creamy avocado and sweet mango. The lime dressing adds zesty brightness that ties everything together. Each bite gives you:

Creamy avocado
Sweet mango
Crisp vegetables
Citrus zing
Fresh herbs

It’s a flavor explosion without being heavy — exactly what you want in a summer salad.

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, diced
1 large ripe mango, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cucumber, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño (optional), minced
1 lime, juiced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled feta (optional)
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the fruit and vegetables
Dice the avocado and mango into bite-sized cubes. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
Make the lime dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using).
Combine everything
Add the avocado, mango, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño into a large mixing bowl.
Dress the salad
Pour the lime dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is coated evenly.
Add toppings
Sprinkle crumbled feta and pumpkin seeds over the top if desired.
Serve immediately
This salad is best served fresh. Enjoy it right away or chill for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.

Tips for the Best Avocado Mango Salad

✔ Use ripe but firm mango — Too ripe mango can turn mushy and overpower the salad.
✔ Choose creamy avocado — Look for avocados that give slightly under gentle pressure.
✔ Don’t overdress — Avocado can get mushy if the salad sits too long.
✔ Chill the salad briefly — A quick 10-minute chill helps the flavors blend.
✔ Serve immediately — Best fresh, for maximum crunch and color.

Variations You Can Try

1. Spicy Mango Avocado Salad

Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

2. Protein-Packed Version

Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.

3. Tropical Crunch

Add shredded coconut or sliced almonds for extra texture.

4. Creamy Dressing

Swap lime dressing for a yogurt-based dressing with lime and honey.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs perfectly with:

Grilled fish (like salmon or tilapia)
Grilled chicken breast
Quinoa or brown rice bowls
Tortilla chips as a dip
A light side dish for BBQs or summer parties

It also makes a fantastic meal prep option, especially when paired with protein like chicken or shrimp.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

The combination of mango and avocado is popular in many tropical cuisines. Mango is known as the “king of fruits” in many cultures because of its sweetness and vibrant color. Avocado, originally from Central America, has become a global favorite due to its creamy texture and healthy fats.

In Latin American cuisine, mango and avocado often appear together in salads, salsas, and smoothies because their flavors complement each other so well. The lime dressing adds the perfect citrusy balance, making the salad feel fresh and bright.

Why This Salad Is Healthy

This recipe is a great source of:

Healthy fats from avocado
Vitamin C from mango and lime
Fiber from vegetables and fruit
Antioxidants from cilantro and tomatoes

It’s a nutrient-dense salad that feels indulgent but is still light and fresh.

Storage & Meal Prep

This salad is best eaten immediately, but if you need to store it:

Store in an airtight container
Keep dressing separate
Add avocado just before serving to avoid browning

If you want to meal prep, chop all ingredients and store them separately, then mix before serving.

Final Notes

This Avocado Mango Salad with Lime Dressing is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tangy. It’s quick to make, visually stunning, and incredibly refreshing. Whether you’re hosting guests or just making a healthy lunch, this salad is guaranteed to impress.