Quick Fiery Sweet Thai Mango Salad
Description
This Thai-inspired mango salad bursts with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy ripe mangoes are tossed with fiery chilies, fresh herbs, crunchy veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s refreshing, vibrant, and ready in under 15 minutes — perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or a light lunch!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 large ripe but firm mangoes (preferably Ataulfo or Thai mangoes), julienned
1 small carrot, julienned
1 small cucumber, deseeded and julienned
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2–3 red Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely sliced (adjust to heat preference)
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly crushed
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
2 spring onions, sliced thinly
Optional: ¼ red onion, finely sliced
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
Prepare Mango and Vegetables:
Peel the mangoes and slice them into thin julienne strips. Prepare the carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, and other vegetables similarly for uniform texture.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes until well combined.
Toss the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the mango, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, spring onions, and chilies. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
Add Fresh Herbs and Nuts:
Just before serving, fold in the cilantro and mint leaves. Top with crushed roasted peanuts for that irresistible crunch.
Serve Immediately:
Serve fresh for best texture and flavor. You can also refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes to chill slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings)
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~150 kcal
Carbohydrates ~25 g
Protein ~3 g
Fat ~5 g
Fiber ~3 g
Sugar ~19 g
Sodium ~350 mg
Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredient quantities.
Time Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Mixing & Tossing Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
FAQs about Fiery Sweet Thai Mango Salad
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can prep the veggies and dressing separately and combine just before serving.
Q: Can I use green (unripe) mango instead of ripe mango?
A: Yes! It will be much tangier and more traditional to Thai green mango salads.
Q: What if I can’t handle a lot of spice?
A: Reduce the number of chilies or use milder chilies like jalapeños. You can also omit chili flakes in the dressing.
Q: Is there a vegetarian/vegan option?
A: Absolutely — swap fish sauce with soy sauce or coconut aminos, and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
Q: How can I add protein to this salad?
A: Add grilled shrimp, tofu, shredded chicken, or tempeh for a heartier meal.
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isual graphic version of this recipe too? It would look super cute!
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