Spicy Salad (With Mango)

Name: Spicy Salad With Mango
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 mangoes; 1 red bell pepper; 1/2 purple onion; 1 lime; 1 tsp tajin; 2 tbsp basil microgreens ((see notes))

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The beauty of this Spicy salad (with mango) recipe lies in its simplicity. Ready in 15 minutes, with just six ingredients, this sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy salad will be your new summer favorite.

A bowl filled with a spicy mango salad is resting on a blu napkin with a red onion and bell pepper in the background.

Mangoes are a prominent part of summer recipes for Pakistanis, Asians, and Mexicans. This spicy salad recipe is inspired by my love of mangoes and all three cuisines.

This is a favorite in my family, along with my grilled peach salad, Thai chicken salad with mango, and pear salad with goat cheese and dates.

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredient notes
Substitutions & variations
Step-by-step instructions
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQS
Other mango recipes you may like
Spicy Salad With Mango

Why you'll love this recipe

Diet-friendly - This grain-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and vegan spicy salad is perfect for people with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Easy Recipe - This recipe requires minimal ingredients and a short preparation time.
The perfect side - This spicy salad (with mango) pairs with almost any entree. Try it with some homemade-deli-roast-beef sandwiches, sheet-pan-chicken-quesadillas, or grilled-tandoori-lamb-chops
Colorful - I love serving this bright and vibrant salad when hosting a cookout, potluck, or other dinner.

Ingredient notes

The ingredients for a spicy salad with mangoes are resting on a white kitchen counter.

Mango - I like using ripe, juicy, sweet champagne mangoes for this recipe. If these are unavailable at your local store, use Ataulfo or Honey Mango.
Red Onions- Due to their mild flavor, these are always my go-to ingredients for salads, salsas, or chutneys.
Red Bell Pepper - This pairs perfectly with the mango and adds a pleasant crunch to the spicy salad.
Basil Microgreens - I love using microgreens when I can. If you can't source these, use regular basil.
Lime juice - The only dressing this salad needs; this adds flavor and prevents the mangoes from discoloring.
Tajin - If you've never tried this Mexican version of chili lime salt, you're missing out. Perfect for mangoes, I love adding this to all my fruit. Readily available at most stores, Trader Joes' chili lime seasoning blend is a great substitute.

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and recipe instructions.

Substitutions & variations

Make it spicier - Tajin is only mildly spicy. If you want to add more of a kick to this salad, add some jalapenos, serranos, or red pepper flakes.
Add different herbs - Cilantro and mint taste good in this recipe. Use them in place of the basil.
Add some cucumber - Use English or Persian cucumber to give the salad a refreshing taste and crunchy texture.
Crunchy toppings - Add peanuts or cashews if you are not worried about nut allergies.
Change the dressing - Add some infused olive oil or vinegar to add more depth.
Bulk it up - Add avocados, beans, chickpeas, or any other favorite ingredient to make this salad heartier and more filling.

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Step-by-step instructions

Sliced red bell pepper and red onions are in a stainless steel container.

First step - Cut the red bell peppers in half, remove the white center and seeds, and cut them into thin strips. Next, add thinly sliced onion.

Sliced ingredients for a mango salad, topped with tajin are sitting in a stainless steel tray.

Second step - Peel the mangoes and cut the flesh around the seed, removing and discarding the pit. Cut the flesh into long strips, add it to the other ingredients, and sprinkle with the Tajin.

Basil microgreens are being mixed in a mango based salad.

Third step - Add the basil microgreens and mix well.

Fourth step - The lemon juice is added before the salad is served.

Expert Tips

Choosing the right mangoes - Picking a juicy mango is essential to this salad. Press the fruit slightly with your thumb and forefinger; the mango will be ripe if you can press without resistance.
Cutting the mangoes - There are many ways to cut a mango. For this recipe, peel it first using a paring knife. Then, slice into the flesh, cutting it into four large pieces, and removing the pit. Slice into thin, long pieces and add to the salad.

Recipe FAQS

Can I make this ahead of time?

This salad is easy to make ahead of time. Cut everything and add lime juice to help prevent the mango from discoloring. Store this in a container with an airtight lid and add in the herbs and tajin before serving.

Can I use frozen mangoes for this recipe?

Unfortunately, these will not work. You need to source fresh, ripe mangoes and cut them lengthwise for this salad.

How do I store my leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in a container with an airtight lid for up to two days.

Other mango recipes you may like

If you decide to try this recipe, Please don't forget to leave a rating and comment below! If you take a picture, tag me on Instagram! Thank You!