Thai Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing is a vibrant, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. This salad features ripe, juicy mangoes paired with crisp vegetables like red bell pepper, carrot, and cucumber, all tossed in a zesty chili-lime dressing. Garnished with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

This salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats or seafood, or as a bright addition to any Asian-inspired meal. Its colorful presentation and bold flavors make it not only delicious but visually stunning.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Thai Mango Salad because it’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of sweet mango, crisp vegetables, and spicy lime dressing creates an explosion of flavors that feels indulgent yet light.

The crunch of peanuts and the aromatic herbs like cilantro elevate the dish, making each bite exciting and satisfying.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This salad is a must-try because it showcases the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy all come together in one dish.

The chili-lime dressing adds a refreshing kick that makes the salad addictive, while the herbs and peanuts enhance both flavor and texture.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~200 kcal per serving
• Course: Salad / Side Dish
• Cuisine: Thai / Asian-inspired

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced thinly
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

For the Chili Lime Dressing

• 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian/vegan)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 small red chili or ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon grated ginger for extra zing

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables and mango: Peel and julienne the mangoes, and julienne or thinly slice the carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper. Slice the green onions.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, chili, and ginger until smooth.
3. Assemble the salad: Combine mango, vegetables, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl.
4. Dress the salad: Pour the chili-lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Produce

• Peel and julienne mangoes.
• Julienne or thinly slice carrot, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
• Slice green onions and roughly chop cilantro.
• Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Chili Lime Dressing

• In a small bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili, and ginger.
• Whisk until smooth and emulsified. Adjust chili for desired spice level.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

• Pour the dressing over the mango and vegetables.
• Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated, being careful not to bruise the mango.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle roasted peanuts and extra cilantro on top for garnish.
• Serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness and crunch.

How to Serve

This salad is best served fresh as the mangoes can become soft over time. It pairs wonderfully with:

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish
• Asian-inspired noodles or rice bowls
• Summer BBQs or picnics as a refreshing side
• Wraps, tacos, or lettuce cups for a light lunch

For presentation, serve in a clear or white bowl to showcase the vibrant colors.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe mangoes for maximum sweetness and flavor.
• Julienne vegetables finely for even mixing and texture.
• Adjust chili and lime to your taste — more lime for tang, more chili for heat.
• Serve immediately — the salad is freshest when dressed just before eating.
• Toast peanuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Mango Salad: Add extra chopped chilies or drizzle with chili oil.
• Creamy Version: Mix in a spoonful of coconut milk or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
• Fruity Twist: Mix in thinly sliced pineapple or papaya for tropical notes.
• Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanuts with roasted pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day without dressing.
• Freezing: Not recommended — mango and vegetables lose texture when frozen.
• Meal Prep Tip: Keep dressing separate and toss with mango and vegetables just before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Mixing bowls (large for salad, small for dressing)
• Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
• Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the mango and vegetables in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Q: Can I use dried mango instead of fresh?
A: Fresh mango is strongly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Dried mango will change the salad’s texture significantly.

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?
A: Yes, use soy sauce instead of fish sauce and maple syrup instead of honey.

Q: How spicy is this salad?
A: Mild to medium depending on the amount of chili used. Adjust to taste.

Q: Can I add noodles to make it more filling?
A: Yes! Rice noodles or glass noodles can be tossed in to make a complete meal.

Conclusion

Thai Mango Salad with Chili Lime Dressing is a celebration of freshness, color, and bold flavors. The sweet mango, crisp vegetables, tangy lime, and spicy chili create a perfectly balanced salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Quick, healthy, and visually stunning, it’s perfect for lunches, dinners, or entertaining guests. Once you try it, this salad will become a go-to recipe for a refreshing, flavorful, and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Thai-inspired cuisine.