This Easy Sweet and Spicy Thai Mango Salad is bursting with flavor! It combines ripe mangoes, crunchy veggies, and a kick of heat to make a refreshing dish.
Toss it together in minutes—it’s perfect as a side or a light lunch! I love enjoying it on warm days when I want something fresh and bright. 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mangoes: Ripe mangoes bring sweetness and flavor. If they’re not in season, try using stone fruit like peaches or nectarines for a similar taste. You can also go for canned mango in a pinch.
Veggies: Carrots and cucumbers add crunch. If you want to mix things up, zucchini or bell peppers work great too. Spiralized veggies are fun, but traditional slices are just as tasty!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is essential for that authentic Thai flavor. If you’re not a fan, try fresh mint or basil for a different twist. Both add freshness to the salad.
Fish Sauce: This adds depth and umami. For a vegetarian option, soy sauce can be a great substitute, but consider adding a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Balance of Flavors?
The dressing is key to this salad. Start by combining your lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), honey (or palm sugar), rice vinegar, and chili flakes in a small bowl. The goal is to create a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
- Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely before adding to your salad. Taste and adjust as needed—maybe a little more honey for sweetness or extra lime juice for tang.
- Toss your salad gently with the dressing only when you’re ready to serve. This keeps the veggies crisp and fresh!
Easy Sweet and Spicy Thai Mango Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and julienned or sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup julienned cucumber or spiralized cucumber
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Crunchy Toppings:
- 1/4 cup raw cashews
Dressing:
- 1 fresh green chili, thinly sliced (adjust to taste for heat)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option)
- 1 tbsp honey or palm sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra spice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish. Plus, it is best enjoyed fresh, so there’s no need to wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
Start by grabbing a small bowl. Whisk together the fresh lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), honey (or palm sugar), rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will create a zesty and flavorful dressing that brings the salad to life!
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your curated salad ingredients—julienned mangoes, carrots, julienned cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced green chili, and fresh cilantro leaves. Don’t be shy, mix them all together for a colorful medley!
3. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time to pour your freshly made dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring that every piece is evenly coated in that sweet and spicy dressing. You want all those delicious flavors to mingle!
4. Add the Crunch:
To finish off your salad, sprinkle the raw cashews on top. They add a lovely crunch and contrast to the soft and juicy mangoes and vegetables.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Thai mango salad immediately for the freshest taste. It’s perfect enjoyed on its own or as a vibrant side with any Thai inspired main courses. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures!
FAQ about Easy Sweet and Spicy Thai Mango Salad
Can I Use Unripe Mangoes for This Salad?
It’s best to use ripe mangoes for this salad, as they provide optimal sweetness and flavor. However, if you only have unripe mangoes, you can try using them, keeping in mind they will be less sweet and have a firmer texture. You might want to add a touch more honey to balance the flavors.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. If you need to prep ahead, store the vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge and combine with the dressing the moment you’re ready to enjoy it.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days, but keep in mind that the veggies may lose some crunch over time. You can refresh it by adding a little more lime juice before serving.
Is This Salad Spicy?
The level of spiciness can easily be adjusted to your taste! The recipe includes a fresh green chili and optional chili flakes, but feel free to reduce or omit them completely if you’d prefer a mild salad. You can also increase them if you like it hot!
