The Fresh & Zingy Arugula and Mango Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Crisp arugula paired with sweet mango creates a vibrant culinary experience that dances between peppery and tropical notes.

Green leaves burst with a distinctive sharp essence that tingles your taste buds.

Refreshing ingredients combine in a symphony of contrasting flavors and textures.

Summer’s bounty shines through this light and zesty dish that feels simultaneously elegant and approachable.

Nutritional powerhouses mingle effortlessly, offering a balanced blend of vitamins and minerals.

Bright colors and bold tastes upgrade an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey of unexpected flavor combinations.

How to Toss Arugula and Mango for Flavor

Step 1: Whisk Zesty Citrus Dressing

In a medium bowl or mason jar, blend lime juice, olive oil, and honey. Stir vigorously with a fork until ingredients become smooth and well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper.

• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Carefully dice ripe mango into small cubes. Slice creamy avocado into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice red onions for a sharp flavor punch.

• Mango
• Avocado
• Red onion

Step 3: Build Vibrant Salad Base

Transfer arugula leaves into a large serving bowl. Gently add diced mango, avocado, and sliced red onions on top of the peppery greens.

Step 4: Drizzle and Toss

Pour the prepared citrus dressing over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, softly mix everything to ensure each ingredient gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Sprinkle Crunchy Topping

Scatter toasted pine nuts across the salad, adding a delightful nutty crunch and textural contrast.

Step 6: Final Season and Serve

Do a quick taste test and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately while ingredients are fresh and crisp.

Tips for Balancing Sweet and Peppery Notes

• Massage Arugula: Gently massage arugula leaves with a bit of olive oil to soften their peppery bite and reduce bitterness.
• Dice with Precision: Cut mango and avocado into uniform, bite-sized cubes for a consistent texture and beautiful presentation.
• Chill Ingredients: Refrigerate mango and avocado before preparing to keep them crisp and enhance the salad's refreshing quality.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Lightly toast pine nuts in a dry skillet, watching closely to prevent burning and maximize their nutty flavor.
• Dress Just Before Serving: Add dressing moments before serving to prevent wilting and maintain the salad's vibrant, crisp texture.

Save and Refresh Leftover Mango Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Prep Before Storing: Remove pine nuts and set aside to maintain their crunch. Store mango and avocado salad components separately to preserve texture.
• Revive and Refresh: Before serving chilled leftovers, give the salad a quick toss and add fresh pine nuts for restored crispness and enhanced flavor.

Pairings That Enhance Mango Arugula Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the salad's bright, zesty flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the lime and mango notes while cutting through the richness of avocado.
• Elevate with Grilled Protein: Add succulent grilled shrimp or chicken to transform this salad into a complete meal, matching the tropical mango and peppery arugula with light, tender proteins.
• Create a Tropical Cocktail Companion: Serve alongside a refreshing mojito or passion fruit margarita, mirroring the salad's citrusy and sweet undertones while adding a festive summer vibe to your dining experience.
• Balance with Crusty Bread: Offer a side of warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the tangy dressing and provide a delightful textural contrast to the crisp salad ingredients.

Twists on This Salad That Keep It Fresh

• Spicy Tropical Kick: Replace lime juice with passion fruit juice and add a small diced jalapeño for heat. Sprinkle red chili flakes on top for extra spiciness.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap pine nuts with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped fresh basil and mint. Use za'atar seasoning as a final sprinkle for an herbal Mediterranean touch.
• Protein Power Salad: Incorporate grilled chicken or shrimp to transform the salad into a complete meal. Replace pine nuts with toasted almonds for additional protein and crunch.
• Citrus Summer Version: Substitute mango with fresh orange segments and add segments of grapefruit. Use orange zest in the dressing for an intense citrusy flavor profile.

Arugula and Mango Salad That’s Light and Bright

• Burst with Vibrant Flavors: This salad explodes with a zesty lime dressing that perfectly balances the peppery arugula, sweet mango, and creamy avocado, creating a taste sensation in every bite.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whipped up in just minutes, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and uses simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Wonderland: Enjoy a delightful mix of crisp arugula, silky avocado, juicy mango, and crunchy toasted pine nuts that provide an exciting contrast of textures in a single dish.
• Healthy Summer Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant colors, this salad is a nutritious option that's perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light lunch that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients for Fresh Mango Arugula Salad

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds a bold, spicy flavor to the salad and provides a nutritious foundation.
• Mango: Sweet tropical fruit that brings vibrant color and refreshing taste to the dish.
• Avocado: Creamy fruit that adds richness and smooth texture to balance the peppery arugula.

• Pine Nuts: Toasted nuts that provide a delicate, buttery crunch and nutty undertone.
• Red Onions: Sharp and crisp vegetable that adds a slight bite and beautiful color contrast.

• Lime Juice: Fresh citrus that brightens the entire salad and adds tangy acidity.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality oil that creates a smooth, rich base for the dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the lime's tartness and adds depth to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out the overall flavor profile.

Arugula and Mango Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty arugula and mango salad blends peppery greens with sweet tropical fruit. Crisp ingredients and tangy lime dressing create a refreshing summer sensation you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (142 grams) arugula
• 1 ripe mango, peeled, pit removed, and diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 avocado, peeled, cored, and diced

Complementary Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (40 grams) thinly sliced red onions
• ⅓ cup (45 grams) toasted pine nuts

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking together tangy lime juice, rich olive oil, and golden honey in a mixing container until the ingredients seamlessly blend into a smooth emulsion.
2. Season the dressing with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting the flavor profile to your preference.
3. In a spacious serving vessel, gently layer crisp arugula leaves as the foundational green base for the salad.
4. Carefully scatter vibrant, sun-kissed diced mango pieces across the verdant arugula landscape.
5. Introduce creamy, buttery avocado cubes to complement the salad’s texture and add a luxurious element.
6. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onions for a sharp, piquant contrast against the sweet and mellow ingredients.
7. Delicately drizzle the prepared lime-honey vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring each ingredient receives a light, even coating.
8. Using soft, sweeping motions, toss the ingredients together to distribute the dressing and harmonize the flavors.
9. Elevate the salad’s texture by scattering toasted pine nuts, providing a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
10. Make final seasoning adjustments with an additional pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
11. Present the vibrant, refreshing salad immediately and relish the symphony of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Opt for ripe, fragrant mangoes that yield slightly when gently pressed to ensure maximum sweetness and juiciness in your salad.
• Select fresh, peppery arugula leaves with bright green color and crisp texture for the best flavor and nutritional punch.
• Consider toasting pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown to enhance their nutty aroma and crunchy texture before sprinkling them on top.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg