This Easy Sweet and Spicy Thai Mango Salad is a burst of flavor! With ripe mangoes, crunchy veggies, and a zingy dressing, it’s fresh and vibrant. Perfect for a hot day!
I love how quickly this salad comes together. Just chop, mix, and enjoy! It’s like a party in your mouth, plus it’s a great way to impress guests without much fuss. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mango: Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. If not available, try peach or ripe papaya as alternatives. They won’t be exactly the same but can add their own sweet twist!
Carrot: I love the crunch of fresh carrots! However, you can substitute them with red bell pepper for a different vibe or even cabbage for extra crunch.
Cucumber: I prefer using English cucumbers for their mild taste and fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work well too! Spiralized zucchini is another tasty option.
Fish sauce: This adds umami. For a vegetarian option, soy sauce or tamari can be a great substitute. You can also try coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative.
Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your friend, fresh mint or basil makes a nice alternative. They bring a fresh note without the strong flavor of cilantro!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Balance in the Dressing?
The dressing is crucial for bringing all the flavors together in this salad. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Lime Juice: Use fresh lime juice for that bright tang. Bottled lime juice can’t compare!
- Palm Sugar: This adds a lovely caramel taste. If you can’t find it, brown sugar or coconut sugar works, but adjust to your taste since they’re sweeter.
- Mix Well: Whisk the dressing until the sugar dissolves completely before adding it to your salad. This helps the flavors meld nicely!
- Heat Level: Start with a little chili and taste! You can always add more if you like it spicy!
Once you have your dressing balanced, pour it over the salad mixture and toss gently, ensuring every bite is full of flavor!
Easy Sweet and Spicy Thai Mango Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small cucumber, julienned (or spiralized)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup raw cashews
- 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian/vegan)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Simply chop your fresh ingredients, whisk together the dressing, and mix it all up. It’s quick and perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced mangoes, julienned carrot, and cucumber strips along with the halved cherry tomatoes. This colorful mix is the perfect base for your salad and is sure to catch everyone’s eye!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), palm sugar, minced garlic, and sliced chili if you like it spicy. Continue whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is nice and smooth.
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the mango and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all the ingredients are nicely coated with that zesty dressing.
4. Finish with Spice and Herbs:
Sprinkle red chili flakes according to your heat preference and add in the fresh cilantro leaves. The cilantro adds a burst of flavor that complements the sweet mango perfectly!
5. Add Some Crunch:
Garnish your salad with raw cashews for that extra crunch. They add a lovely texture and nutty flavor that balances out the sweetness of the mango.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing, light dish that works great as a side or even on its own! The combination of flavors—sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy—make this salad a delightful treat!
Enjoy this vibrant Thai mango salad, and get ready for a burst of refreshing flavors in every bite! 🌟
FAQ for Easy Sweet and Spicy Thai Mango Salad
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Mango?
Absolutely! If mangoes aren’t available, you can substitute them with ripe peaches, papaya, or even pineapples for a different flavor profile. Each fruit will create a unique sweetness and texture in the salad!
Can This Salad Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, but it’s best to prepare the salad without the dressing and nuts if you want to make it ahead. Store the chopped ingredients in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the dressing and cashews just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad may become a bit soggy as it sits, but you can refresh it with a squeeze of lime juice before eating!
Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, you can increase the amount of red chili flakes, or add more sliced red chili to the dressing. For an even spicier kick, consider adding fresh jalapeños or Thai bird’s eye chilies to the salad!
