This Thai Mango Salad is a burst of freshness! Sweet mango, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing come together for a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm days.
If you’re like me, the mix of flavors and colors makes you smile. Toss it all in a bowl, and you’ve got a salad that’s fun to eat! Pair it with grilled chicken for a tasty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Green Mangoes: Choose ripe green mangoes for their tartness and crunch. Can’t find them? Try using other firm fruits like unripe papaya or even apples as a substitute.
Red Bell Pepper: It adds sweetness and color to the salad. If you’re not a fan, substitute with yellow or orange bell peppers, or even thinly sliced cucumber for a refreshing twist.
Fish Sauce: This gives the salad a unique umami flavor. If you’re vegetarian, use soy sauce or a mixture of tamari and miso paste as a substitute.
Palm Sugar: It adds rich sweetness. You can easily swap it with brown sugar or maple syrup; just reduce the quantity slightly as they are sweeter.
How Do I Get the Perfect Balance of Flavors?
Achieving the ideal balance of sweet, sour, and salty is key in Thai cooking. Here’s how:
- Use fresh lime juice for tanginess, which brightens the salad.
- Make sure to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad! Adjust lime juice or palm sugar based on your preference.
- Start with 1 Thai chili when mixing in, and gradually add more if you like it spicy.
- Mix all ingredients lightly—too much tossing might bruise the delicate mango.
Enjoy assembling this salad as it’s forgiving and adapts well to your taste buds. Each bite should invigorate your palate!
Fresh and Flavorful Thai Mango Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe green mangoes, peeled and julienned
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1 to 2 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Thai Mango Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and simple, making it a perfect choice for a last-minute dish. Just toss everything together, and it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together, so make sure it’s well mixed!
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the julienned mangoes, carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and red onion. These crunchy veggies will give your salad a vibrant and colorful look.
3. Combine the Dressing and Veggies:
Pour the dressing over the prepared veggies in the bowl. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly without breaking the mango pieces.
4. Add Fresh Herbs and Spice:
Now, add the chopped Thai chilies, cilantro, and mint leaves to the salad bowl. Mix it all together gently to ensure the fresh herbs and spices are distributed evenly. Adjust the chili level to pack in the heat based on your preference!
5. Serve it Up:
Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. For the finishing touch, sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts on top for an extra crunch that complements the salad perfectly.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and freshness. This Thai Mango Salad is perfect as a refreshing starter or as a tangy side dish to your favorite main course. Enjoy the bright flavors and vibrant colors!
FAQ for Thai Mango Salad
Can I Use Ripe Mangoes Instead of Green Mangoes?
While traditional Thai Mango Salad uses green mangoes for their tartness, ripe mangoes can work too! Just keep in mind that the flavor will be sweeter, and you may want to reduce the sugar in the dressing to balance it out.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover Thai Mango Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh as the veggies can become soggy over time.
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you need a substitute for fish sauce, try soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option. You can enhance the flavor with a splash of lime juice or a dash of seaweed to bring in a similar umami taste!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but consider adding the dressing just before serving to keep the veggies crisp. Make the dressing separately and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to combine everything.
