If you’re on the hunt for something vibrant, zesty, and downright refreshing, look no further than this Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist. Bursting with juicy mangoes, creamy avocados, and the sweetest cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a lively citrus dressing, this salad is a celebration in a bowl. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, a perfect picnic side, or something bright to jazz up your dinner table, this is sure to become your summertime go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every single ingredient in this Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist plays a star role. The combo of creamy, tangy, juicy, and crisp is why this dish stands out, and even the handful of pantry staples in the dressing make a world of difference!
- Mangoes: Ripe but still firm mangoes add sunshiny sweetness and a pop of color.
- Avocados: Choose avocados that yield slightly to the touch for perfect creaminess without turning mushy.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural burst and balanced acidity are a must for freshness and texture.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion brings a subtle bite and vibrant hue to the mix.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro delivers a signature herby, citrusy punch that wakes everything up.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime juice is absolutely essential for that citrusy zing and to prevent avocado browning.
- Orange juice: Just a splash of orange juice brightens the dressing with a gentle sweetness.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for a lush, silky finish.
- Honey or agave nectar: Adds a touch of balancing sweetness; use agave for a vegan option.
- Salt: Salt pulls all the flavors together and lifts the natural taste of the produce.
- Black pepper: A quick grind adds subtle warmth and balances the acidity.
How to Make Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist
Step 1: Prep the Fruits and Veggies
Start by peeling, pitting, and dicing your mangoes and avocados into generous cubes — you want them chunky enough to hold their own, but still bite-sized. Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop up the fresh cilantro. Pile everything into a large bowl and get ready for the magic to happen.
Step 2: Whip Up the Citrusy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine the juice of two limes, a couple tablespoons of orange juice, olive oil, honey (or agave), salt, and black pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth and emulsified — you’ll know it’s done when it looks glossy and a little creamy from the citrus and oil. This simple dressing is what gives Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist its signature zing.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Pour the citrusy dressing over your fruit and veggie mix. Now, gently (I mean, gently!) toss everything together, making sure to coat all the pieces evenly but without smashing the perfectly ripe avocado. The goal is a salad where every bite has a bit of mango, tomato, and avocado, all happily mingling in that luscious dressing.
Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. This short chill time gives the flavors a chance to marry and makes the whole salad even more refreshing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
When it’s time to eat, give the Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist a gentle toss once more and pile it onto your serving plate or bowl. Garnish if you’d like, and prepare yourself for a wave of flavor and color.
How to Serve Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist
Garnishes
Elevate your salad by showering it with a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch, a few extra leaves of cilantro for brightness, or even thin chili slices if you like a touch of gentle heat! A pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving amps up every bite.
Side Dishes
This salad is fabulous with a variety of mains. Serve alongside grilled fish, juicy chicken breasts, or as a colorful addition to tacos and burritos. For a plant-based twist, pair with warm black beans and rice, or spoon over greens for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, try layering the Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist in clear individual cups for a vibrant starter. Or scoop it into halved avocado shells for a playful, edible bowl. Serving on a large platter with lime wedges around the edges looks stunning for potlucks and buffets!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in a covered container. The lime and orange juice help slow the browning of the avocado, but the texture is truly best enjoyed soon after making it. Give it a quick toss before enjoying again.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this is one salad that doesn’t love the freezer. The fresh produce loses its vibrant texture and can turn mushy once thawed. For best results, always make this salad fresh and savor it right away!
Reheating
There’s absolutely no need to reheat Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist — it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it’s been chilled, simply let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing and chop the mango and tomatoes in advance. However, for the freshest flavor and appearance, dice the avocado and toss everything together just before serving.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you’re not a cilantro fan, try fresh parsley, mint, or even a combination. Each will bring a slightly different but equally bright freshness to the Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist.
Is the salad vegan?
The salad is completely vegan if you swap the honey for agave nectar, making it friendly for almost every kind of eater.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some black beans can boost the protein content if you’re planning to serve this as a main course — the flavors pair beautifully.
Will the avocado turn brown?
Lime and orange juice help protect the avocado from browning for several hours. For absolute freshness, mix the avocado in just before serving if you’re prepping other components ahead.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself and your taste buds a treat by whipping up Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist. It’s colorful, flavorful, and requires just minutes to make — perfect for brightening up any meal or sharing with friends and family at your next gathering. Enjoy every zesty, creamy, and juicy bite!
Print
Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad with a Citrusy Twist is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines the sweetness of mangoes, creamy avocados, and juicy cherry tomatoes with a zesty citrus dressing. Perfect for a light side or a topping for grilled meats.
Ingredients
Mango, Avocado, and Tomato Salad:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Citrus Dressing:
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mangoes, avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy as a side dish or a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add diced cucumber or toasted pumpkin seeds.
- This salad is best served fresh; add avocado just before serving if preparing ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Tossed
- Cuisine: Fusion, Latin-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
