Let me introduce you to your new favorite summer dish: Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing. This vibrant salad bursts with juicy mango, crunchy peppers, and fragrant herbs, all coated in a tangy, sweet, and lightly spicy dressing that will wake up your taste buds with every bite. It’s the ideal combination of refreshing, colorful, and just a little bit decadent, all while being effortless enough for a quick lunch or impressive enough for a dinner party starter. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing on repeat.

Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient shines in the final dish. Every addition brings color, texture, and flavor that make the salad completely irresistible.

Ripe mangoes: Choose mangoes that yield slightly to touch for the juiciest, sweetest flavor and perfect texture.
Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced, it gives a delightful crunch and a splash of sunset-hued color.
Small cucumber: Half-moon slices bring refreshing crispness and keep the salad feeling light.
Red onion: A touch of sharpness and color contrast that lifts the sweet fruits and veggies.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a citrusy, herbal note that feels so summery.
Fresh mint: A pop of coolness and fragrance that instantly elevates every bite.
Roasted peanuts: Roughly chopped for nutty crunch and a bit of savory depth.
Red chili (optional): If you’re after a spicy kick, toss in a little sliced chili for extra heat.
Sweet chili sauce: The heart of the dressing, blending sweetness and gentle spice into every forkful.
Juice of 1 lime: Brightens everything with its zingy fresh acidity.
Fish sauce (or soy sauce): For salt and umami; use soy if you want a vegetarian twist.
Sesame oil: Just a touch is enough to bring a toasty, nutty aroma.
Salt: Season to taste and let those juicy flavors sing.

How to Make Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing

Step 1: Prep All Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by peeling and slicing your mangoes into bite-sized strips—try to cut them a little on the thick side so they hold up when tossed. Slice up your red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion; aim for thin, uniform pieces to make every mouthful balanced. Chop the cilantro and mint, and roughly chop the roasted peanuts for that all-important crunch. If you like some heat, slice your red chili thinly so you can control just how spicy the finished salad gets.

Step 2: Mix the Mango Salad Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the sliced mangoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Sprinkle in your freshly chopped cilantro, mint, roasted peanuts, and red chili if you’re in the mood for a little fire. Give everything a gentle toss to introduce all those flavors to each other. At this stage, you’re already halfway to salad bliss!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, stir together the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Give it a taste and tweak as needed: a splash more lime for added brightness, or a touch more chili sauce if your sweet tooth craves it. This dressing is the magic that ties the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing together.

Step 4: Combine and Let the Flavors Meld

Pour the dressing over your salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly so every piece is glossed in that addictive, sweet-tart-spicy goodness. Let the salad sit at room temperature or in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes—those few extra minutes meld the flavors and turn a good salad into a crave-worthy one.

Step 5: Serve and Savor!

Scoop the finished Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing onto plates or into a big communal bowl. Serve it chilled for the ultimate heat-beating lunch or at room temperature if that’s your style. Now, pause and appreciate what you’ve just created—because it’s going to disappear fast!

How to Serve Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing

Garnishes

Elevate your Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing by sprinkling a few extra roasted peanuts or fresh mint leaves right on top. Add a few thin slices of red chili or a wedge of lime on the side for those who want an at-the-table flavor boost. These finishing touches bring even more color, crunch, and sparkle to your salad.

Side Dishes

This salad sings on its own, but it’s also a knockout alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu if you want to make it a more substantial meal. Pair it with sticky rice, Vietnamese spring rolls, or crispy wontons for a full spread that keeps the fresh, light mood going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra wow-factor, try serving Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing in lettuce cups or hollowed out mango skins for a fun and edible bowl. For parties, portion the salad into small glasses or jars—colorful, individual servings are always a hit at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. The salad holds up beautifully for about 2 days—the flavors mingle and deepen, while the herbs keep things fresh. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing is not a freezer-friendly dish. The fresh mango and vegetables lose their texture and appeal after thawing, so enjoy this salad while everything is crisp and vibrant.

Reheating

This dish shines brightest when enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating, as it can make the mangoes and veggies mushy. For the best texture and flavor, just bring it to room temperature if it’s been chilled for a while.

FAQs

Can I make Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of the salad ingredients and the dressing a few hours in advance and keep them separate in the fridge. Combine and dress just before serving to maintain the best crunch and color.

What can I use instead of peanuts for a nut-free version?

For a nut-free twist, try roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch. Toasted coconut flakes add a fun, tropical note as well.

Is there a vegan option for the dressing?

Absolutely! Simply swap the fish sauce for soy sauce or tamari. It keeps all the beautiful flavors and transforms Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing into a fully vegan treat.

How spicy is this salad?

The heat is super customizable. Using the red chili is optional, and you can add as much or as little as you’d like. The sweet chili sauce is more sweet than hot, so feel free to adjust to match your spice comfort level!

Can I add extra protein to make it a main meal?

Definitely! Grilled shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even pan-seared tempeh work beautifully stirred into the Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing for a hearty and satisfying main course.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and incredibly flavorful, look no further than Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing. Packed with crunchy veggies, juicy mangoes, and a zippy dressing, it’s the dish I always count on for a taste of sunshine. Grab your ingredients and give this one a go—you won’t regret it!

Mango Salad with Sweet Chilli Lime Dressing Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and vibrant mango salad with a zesty sweet chili lime dressing, perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small cucumber, sliced into half-moons
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

Dressing:

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
salt to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine mangoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, mint, peanuts, and red chili if using.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, and salt. Adjust seasoning.
Combine: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy immediately, chilled or at room temperature.