Jamaican Mango Vegetable Salad
Highlighted under: Worldly Creations
I absolutely love making Jamaican Mango Vegetable Salad because it’s a vibrant, refreshing dish that brightens any meal. The combination of sweet mangoes, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing comes together beautifully. Each bite offers a balance of flavors that transports me straight to the Caribbean. I often prepare this salad as a light lunch or a side dish, and it never fails to impress my friends and family. Plus, it's quick and easy to whip up, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
During one of my sunny afternoons, I decided to experiment with flavors and came up with this Jamaican Mango Vegetable Salad. The joy of combining mangoes with fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers really excites my taste buds. The dressing, made with lime juice and honey, adds a unique twist that makes this salad visually enticing and delicious.
What I’ve learned about this recipe is that allowing the salad to marinate for just a few minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully. I always use ripe mangoes for that sweet burst when you take a bite. Trust me; it’s easier than you think and will impress everyone at your next gathering!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and tangy flavor profile that refreshes your palate
- Colorful presentation that enhances any meal
- Packed with vitamins and nutrients for a healthy boost
Ingredient Insights
Mangoes are the star of this salad, providing a natural sweetness that balances the zesty dressing. When selecting mangoes, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating ripeness. Avoid mangoes that feel hard or overly squishy, as they may not have the right flavor. You can substitute with other stone fruits like peaches or nectarines if mangoes are out of season, but the unique sweetness and soft texture of mangoes are hard to replicate.
Cilantro adds a bright, herbal note to this dish, enhancing the overall freshness. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can easily swap it out for fresh parsley or mint, both of which lend their own unique flavors. Chopped green onions can also work in a pinch, adding a mild onion flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of the mango.
Preparation Tips
When dicing mangoes, it helps to score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern before scooping the pieces out with a spoon. This technique minimizes waste and ensures that you get neat, evenly sized cubes. Aim for about ¾-inch pieces for the best bite-size texture. The same goes for cucumbers and bell peppers; uniform pieces make for a visually appealing salad and ensure consistent flavor with each forkful.
Setting aside the salad for a few minutes after tossing helps the flavors meld beautifully. I recommend letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the honey and lime dressing to seep into the vegetables and mangoes, enhancing the overall taste experience. However, be mindful not to leave it too long if temperatures are warm, as this can cause the vegetables to wilt.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started:
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all these ingredients to create a delightful salad.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad:
Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, chopped red bell pepper, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Your refreshing Jamaican Mango Vegetable Salad is now ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the salad. Fresh ingredients yield the best flavor, so choose ripe fruits and crispy vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Jamaican Mango Vegetable Salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats, offering a refreshing counterpoint to richer flavors. It pairs wonderfully with jerk chicken or shrimp, as the sweetness of the mango complements the spicy notes beautifully. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside grilled tofu or tempeh for a well-rounded meal.
To turn this salad into a heartier dish, consider adding a protein source such as black beans or chickpeas. Additionally, you can fold in some avocado cubes just before serving, which will add creaminess and healthy fats, making it even more satisfying.
Storage Recommendations
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, be aware that the salad's texture may change as the cucumbers and tomatoes can release water over time, making the salad slightly soggy. To maintain freshness, consider storing the dressing separately and combining it with the salad just before serving.
For meal prep enthusiasts, you can chop the vegetables a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. This way, when you're ready to enjoy your salad, all you need to do is mix in the dressing and diced mangoes. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that every ingredient stays crisp and vibrant until you’re ready to eat.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
→ Is there a substitute for honey?
Absolutely! You can use agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to include ingredients like avocado, carrots, or corn for added variety.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Jamaican Mango Vegetable Salad
I absolutely love making Jamaican Mango Vegetable Salad because it’s a vibrant, refreshing dish that brightens any meal. The combination of sweet mangoes, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing comes together beautifully. Each bite offers a balance of flavors that transports me straight to the Caribbean. I often prepare this salad as a light lunch or a side dish, and it never fails to impress my friends and family. Plus, it's quick and easy to whip up, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
Created by: Eliza Thornton
Recipe Type: Worldly Creations
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: Serves 4
What You'll Need
Salad Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, chopped red bell pepper, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Extra Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the salad. Fresh ingredients yield the best flavor, so choose ripe fruits and crispy vegetables.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g