Tropical Mango Salad with Cilantro Dressing Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and vibrant colors, the Tropical Mango Salad with Cilantro Dressing Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad combines luscious, sweet mango with crisp veggies and a zesty, herbaceous cilantro dressing that ties everything together beautifully. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for warm days when you want something both healthy and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light main, this salad’s tropical charm is guaranteed to brighten up any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tropical Mango Salad with Cilantro Dressing Recipe calls for a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find but pack incredible taste and texture. Each element plays a crucial role—juicy mango adds sweetness, crisp veggies bring crunch, and the cilantro dressing offers a fragrant, tangy finish.

• 2 mangos (chopped): Choose ripe yet firm mangos for the best sweetness and texture.
• 1 clove garlic: Adds a gentle kick of savory flavor to the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness for the dressing.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Provides body and richness to the dressing.
• 1/4 cup champagne or white wine vinegar: Gives a crisp, slightly tangy bite to brighten the salad.
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves (not chopped): Infuses the dressing with fresh, citrusy herbal notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dressing and salad.
• 1 head green lettuce (washed and torn): The perfect fresh, crunchy salad base.
• 1/2 English cucumber (seeded and sliced): Adds refreshing crispness without overpowering.
• 1 medium carrot (shredded): Contributes subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Brings a juicy, mild crunch and bright red hue.
• 1/4 large red onion (thinly sliced): Offers a sharp, lightly pungent contrast.
• 1 mango (cubed): For extra bursts of juicy mango flavor in the salad.
• Macadamia nuts, chopped: Adds buttery crunch and a touch of richness.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped: Perfect for finishing with fresh herbal brightness.

How to Make Tropical Mango Salad with Cilantro Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Dressing

Start by combining the two chopped mangos, garlic, agave nectar, olive oil, vinegar, fresh cilantro leaves, and coarse salt in a food processor or blender. Puree everything until smooth, scraping down the sides to catch every bit of flavor. This mango cilantro dressing is the heart of the recipe—creamy, tangy, and bursting with tropical sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the fresh veggies.

Step 2: Prep the Lettuce

While the dressing chills, prepare your greens. Tear or chop the washed green lettuce into bite-sized pieces. I’m a fan of using a crisp green lettuce or a mix with romaine because it holds up well with the dressing without getting soggy. It provides a lively, crunchy base that makes the salad so satisfying.

Step 3: Assemble the Veggies and Fruits

Add the sliced cucumber, shredded carrot, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl with your lettuce. Then, toss in the mango cubes to ensure those juicy pops of fruit shine through in every bite. You can also add avocado right before serving for an extra creamy texture that works amazingly well with the cilantro dressing.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

Pour about half a cup of the prepared mango cilantro dressing over the salad, then toss everything gently to distribute the flavors evenly. Taste the salad and feel free to add more dressing if you want a bolder mango and cilantro kick. This step really brings the salad together, coating the crunchy fresh ingredients in luscious tropical flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Tropical Mango Salad with Cilantro Dressing Recipe with a generous sprinkle of chopped macadamia nuts for crunch and extra fresh cilantro for a herbaceous zing. This final touch adds texture and elevates the dish into something truly special and memorable.

How to Serve Tropical Mango Salad with Cilantro Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

Adding chopped macadamia nuts and fresh cilantro leaves not only boosts texture and flavor but also gives a beautiful, inviting look to your salad. For extra flair, try sprinkling toasted coconut flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving. These small touches announce the tropical vibe of the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood like shrimp or mahi-mahi, or alongside lightly seasoned chicken for a light, vibrant meal. It also works as a refreshing companion to more indulgent dishes like coconut curry or jerk-spiced favorites, balancing rich flavors with its fresh brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow factor, serve the salad in hollowed-out mango halves or inside mini coconut shells. You can also prepare individual salad cups using lettuce leaves as edible bowls, perfect for parties or casual entertaining. Presentation that nods to the tropical theme elevates the whole experience and makes sharing this recipe even more fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh. Place the dressing in an airtight jar in the fridge, and cover the salad with plastic wrap. The salad retains its crunch best when dressed just before eating, so add the dressing again at serving time.

Freezing

Because this is a fresh salad, freezing is not recommended. The crisp vegetables and lettuce will lose their texture and become watery. However, you can freeze any leftover dressing by itself in small portions for future use—just thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Since it relies on fresh veggies and fruit, reheating will diminish its quality. Instead, keep any prepared salad cold and add dressing fresh each time you serve for maximum deliciousness.

FAQs

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh in the Tropical Mango Salad with Cilantro Dressing Recipe?

Fresh cilantro is key for that bright, citrusy flavor in the dressing, so dried cilantro will not provide the same fresh herbal punch. If you can’t find fresh, try substituting with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lime for a similar effect.

Is it okay to substitute the agave nectar?

Absolutely! You can use honey, maple syrup, or even a little sugar if you prefer. Just keep the sweetness balanced so it complements the tangy vinegar and zesty cilantro without overpowering the mango.

What lettuce works best in this salad?

Green leaf lettuce or romaine are ideal because they add nice crunch without becoming soggy quickly. You can mix in baby spinach or arugula for extra flavor, but avoid delicate greens that might wilt under the dressing.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The mango cilantro dressing actually benefits from resting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as flavors meld beautifully. Just give it a quick shake or stir before tossing onto the salad.

What nuts work well if I don’t have macadamia nuts?

Cashews, almonds, or toasted pecans make excellent substitutes. Choose nuts that offer a mild, buttery crunch to complement the tropical flavors without overwhelming the salad.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the Tropical Mango Salad with Cilantro Dressing Recipe in your hands, get ready to enjoy a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as stunning as it is simple. It’s an everyday salad that feels like a special treat—the perfect way to brighten your table with tropical sunshine in every bite. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation all year long!

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