Crisp lettuce, sweet mango slices, and sharp red onions combine to make this a deliciously simple Mango Summer Salad. With a light and slightly spicy dressing, this salad was a hit with my family.

Salad with Mango

The first time I can remember seeing a mango was when my older sister shared one with me as a teenager. Here was this giant fruit with a soft green and yellow leathery skin. She peeled the outer layer back and sliced off a wedge. 

It was incredible. She has always had a knack for picking them when they are perfectly ripe. Juicy and sweet, with tender yellow flesh that was tinged slightly orange.

My first attempts at picking them were less successful. Tart, to say the least! But, I got better at recognizing the slight give when squeezed that signals their ripeness. Any time I get it just right, it inevitably reminds me of my sister. 

Experimenting with a Mango Salad was just a given, and I’m glad that it turned out as well as it did! The sweet and spicy dressing takes these simple ingredients and kicks them into overdrive.

Salad with Mango Recipe

1. In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, honey, vinegar, chile powder, and salt. Whisk or shake to combine.
2. Prepare the lettuce, mangoes, and onion and combine in a large bowl. Immediately before serving, drizzle with about 1/2 of the dressing and toss gently.
3. Taste and adjust dressing accordingly.

Summer Salads

I am a huge fan of fresh fruit in our salads, especially in the summertime. There’s nothing quite like eating fruit when in season. The flesh is juicier and sweeter, and you’re more likely to find bargains at the store.

Whether it’s a Strawberry Spinach Salad, Balsamic Berry Salad, Peach Caprese Salad, or Apple Walnut Salad, there is often fruit in our salads or in the dressings–or in the case of the Spicy Spinach Fruit Salad with Strawberry Grape Vinaigrette there’s fruit in BOTH! 

{originally published 8/18/11 – recipe notes and photos updated 5/11/22}