Fresh Arugula Mango Salad Recipe: A Zingy Summer Delight

Fresh, vibrant greens dance with sweet tropical notes in this mouthwatering arugula and mango salad that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

Peppery arugula leaves create a zesty backdrop for juicy, ripe mango chunks that add a surprising sweetness to the mix.

Light and refreshing, this salad brings together contrasting textures and bold ingredients that sing on your plate.

A simple yet elegant dish, it combines fresh produce with a tangy dressing that ties everything together perfectly.

Crisp and colorful, the salad offers a delightful balance of flavors that will make you fall in love with each forkful.

You’ll appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or stunning side dish.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds explore a symphony of fresh, bright flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

Arugula and Mango Salad Shopping List

• Lime Juice: Adds zesty brightness and helps tenderize the salad ingredients with its acidic punch.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates smooth, silky base that binds the dressing and provides rich, heart-healthy flavor.
• Honey: Balances the tangy lime with natural sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing smoothly.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances and harmonizes all flavor profiles in the dressing.

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds a bold, spicy undertone and provides nutrient-packed foundation for the salad.
• Red Onions: Delivers sharp, crisp crunch and vibrant color contrast to the softer salad elements.

• Mango: Brings tropical sweetness, juicy texture, and vibrant golden color to the salad.
• Avocado: Adds creamy richness, healthy fats, and smooth counterpoint to the peppery arugula.
• Pine Nuts: Introduces delicate nutty crunch and elegant toasted flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Salad Tools for Arugula and Mango Salad

• Medium Bowl or Mason Jar: Perfect for whisking and emulsifying the zesty dressing.
• Fork: Essential for mixing lime juice, olive oil, and honey until smooth.
• Large Serving Bowl: Ideal for tossing and combining all fresh salad ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing mango, avocado, and red onions with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for clean, even cuts of ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning honey and seasonings.

How to Toss the Perfect Arugula and Mango Salad

• Zesty Citrus Base

Craft a lively dressing by blending tangy lime juice with silky olive oil and sweet honey. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and unified, then sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper for depth.

• Vibrant Produce Blend

Gather crisp arugula leaves and slice sun-kissed mangoes, creamy avocados, and sharp red onions into a spacious serving bowl. The colors will dance together, creating a visual feast.

• Flavor Fusion

Gently cascade the prepared dressing over the fresh ingredients. Softly toss everything together, allowing each leaf and chunk to become beautifully coated with the bright, harmonious sauce.

• Nutty Finale

Scatter toasted pine nuts across the top, introducing a delightful crunch that elevates the entire salad’s texture and adds a warm, earthy undertone.

• Sensory Experience

Take a moment to taste and adjust seasonings. The final touch transforms this salad from simple to spectacular, ready to delight taste buds and spark conversation around the table.

Dressings and Additions for Arugula and Mango Salad

• Salad Swap Magic: Replace arugula with baby spinach or mixed greens for a different flavor and nutrient profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or crumbled feta cheese to transform this light salad into a satisfying main course.
• Nut Alternatives: Swap pine nuts with toasted almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds for a unique crunch and texture variation.
• Dressing Remix: Experiment with different citrus juices like orange or grapefruit instead of lime, or add a touch of fresh mint or basil to elevate the dressing's complexity.

Serving Options for Arugula and Mango Salad

• Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair this zesty salad with light coconut-crusted shrimp or grilled Caribbean-style chicken for a refreshing weekend meal that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
• Summer Picnic Star: Pack this salad in a chilled container for outdoor gatherings, making it a perfect side dish that adds a burst of color and freshness to your picnic spread.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled shrimp, seared salmon, or crumbled goat cheese to boost protein and create a satisfying, nutrient-rich lunch option.
• Cocktail Hour Elegance: Serve small portions as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party, accompanying it with crisp white wine or a citrusy mojito that complements the salad's bright flavors.

Arugula and Mango Salad Storage Notes

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container, keeping ingredients crisp and fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator's main compartment.
• Dressing Separation Trick: Keep homemade lime dressing in a sealed glass jar at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, shaking well before each use.
• Smart Ingredient Prep: Dice mangoes and avocados just before serving to prevent browning, maintaining the salad's vibrant colors and preventing oxidation.
• Advance Meal Planning: Prepare components separately – wash arugula, chop onions, toast pine nuts – and store in individual containers, allowing quick assembly during busy weekdays.

Zesty Arugula and Mango Salad

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Refreshing arugula and mango salad combines zesty greens with sweet tropical fruit for a light summer dish. Crisp ingredients and tangy citrus dressing create a perfect balance of flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 oz (142 g) arugula
• 1 ripe mango, peeled, pit removed, and diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 avocado, peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup (40 g) thinly sliced red onions
• ⅓ cup (45 g) toasted pine nuts
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) honey
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Vinaigrette Creation: Whisk lime juice, olive oil, and honey in a mixing bowl until a smooth, well-integrated emulsion forms, seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
2. Salad Assembly: Layer arugula in a serving dish, strategically arranging diced mango, avocado cubes, and thinly sliced red onions across the verdant base.
3. Dressing and Finishing: Drizzle the prepared lime-honey vinaigrette over the salad, gently tossing to ensure even distribution, then crown with toasted pine nuts for a delightful textural contrast.
4. Serving: Perform a final seasoning check, adjusting salt and pepper as needed, and serve immediately to capture the vibrant, fresh essence of the dish.

Notes

• Emulsify Dressing Carefully: Whisk lime juice, olive oil, and honey thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended vinaigrette that coats ingredients evenly.
• Balance Flavor Profiles: Adjust salt and pepper to enhance the dressing’s tanginess and complement the salad’s sweet and sharp ingredients.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Arrange arugula as the base, then methodically add mango, avocado, and red onions for visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Maximize Texture Contrast: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts for a satisfying crunch that elevates the salad’s overall sensory experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg