Fiery Sweet & Tangy Thai Mango Salad
This Thai Mango Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances sweet tangy and spicy flavors. Made with ripe mangoes crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing it offers a burst of freshness with every bite. This salad is a great way to bring a taste of Thailand to your table in just minutes. The addition of chili and lime gives it a fiery kick while the sweet mango and tangy dressing provide a mouthwatering contrast. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light meal it’s sure to be a hit!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 ripe mangoes peeled and julienned
1 medium carrot julienned
1 cucumber julienned
1/4 red onion thinly sliced
1 small red chili (optional or to taste)
Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts (optional for garnish)
Dressing:
2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon sugar (palm sugar if possible)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chili sauce or 1 minced fresh chili (adjust to spice preference)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables and Mango: Peel and julienne the mangoes carrot and cucumber. Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer the salad to be spicier finely chop the red chili.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl combine the fish sauce sugar lime juice rice vinegar chili sauce or fresh chili and sesame oil. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl toss the julienned mango carrot cucumber and red onion together. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and roasted peanuts for extra crunch. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips:
Choose Ripe Mangoes: For the best flavor and texture use ripe mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch. They should be sweet and juicy not overly fibrous.
Adjust the Spice Level: You can control the heat of the salad by adjusting the amount of chili. If you prefer a milder version use less chili or omit it entirely. For extra heat add more fresh chili or a spicy chili sauce.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the mango carrot cucumber and onion ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just add the dressing and garnish before serving to maintain freshness.
Balance the Flavors: If the salad is too tangy for your taste add a little more sugar to the dressing. If you want more acidity squeeze in more lime juice.
Peanuts for Crunch: Roasted peanuts add a great crunch and extra flavor to the salad. If you don’t like peanuts you can use cashews or sesame seeds as alternatives.
Variations:
Add Protein: To turn this salad into a more filling meal you can add grilled chicken shrimp or tofu. These proteins pair wonderfully with the tangy dressing and fresh ingredients.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint or basil leaves can add a fragrant and aromatic twist to the salad enhancing the Thai flavors.
Use Other Fruits: While mango is the star of this salad you can experiment with other fruits such as papaya pineapple or even a combination of tropical fruits for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly version make sure to use soy sauce instead of fish sauce and avoid the roasted peanuts if you’re allergic or looking for an alternative.
Add More Veggies: Include thinly sliced bell peppers shredded cabbage or bean sprouts for added crunch and variety. These vegetables also complement the salad’s light and fresh flavor.
Vegan Version: For a vegan version use a plant-based protein like tofu and replace the fish sauce with a vegan-friendly soy or tamari sauce.
Q&A
Q: Can I use unripe mangoes?
A: Yes but ripe mangoes give the salad a sweeter taste and softer texture.
Q: Is this salad spicy?
A: It can be but you can adjust the chili to make it milder or spicier.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes use soy sauce instead of fish sauce and add tofu for protein.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to one day.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 150–200
Protein: 2–4g
Carbohydrates: 25–30g
Fat: 5–8g
Fiber: 3–5g
Vitamins & Minerals: High in vitamin C vitamin A potassium and antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables
Conclusion
Fiery Sweet & Tangy Thai Mango Salad is a quick vibrant and flavor-packed dish perfect for warm days or anytime you need a fresh pick-me-up. It combines the perfect balance of sweet heat and tang with a crunchy texture that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether served as a light lunch a side dish or a party favorite it’s sure to impress with its bold flavors and colorful presentation.