Thai Mango Salad Recipe With Carrots And Greens
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If you’re looking for a refreshing and colorful salad, this Thai Mango Salad with Carrots and Greens is a must-try! Loaded with fresh mango, crisp greens, and crunchy carrots, this salad is topped with a simple Thai-inspired dressing that brings out a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect as a vibrant side dish or a light main course, this salad is as easy to make as it is delicious.
This Thai mango green salad is so refreshing! It has chopped mango, lettuce, green onions, carrots and cilantro, dressed with a sweet Thai dressing. The flavor of this salad is so unique, and the unusual ingredients go so perfectly together!
Why You’ll Love Thai Mango Salad With Carrots And Greens
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The juicy mango and fresh herbs add an irresistible sweetness and fragrance that balance beautifully with the tangy lime dressing. Each bite is a blend of refreshing and vibrant flavors.
- Quick and Easy to Make: This salad comes together in under 10 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy days or when you need a quick side dish. Minimal prep and no cooking required!
- Packed with Nutrients: Full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this salad is as nutritious as it is tasty. The mango, greens, and carrots offer a range of health benefits in every serving.
- Perfect for Entertaining: The bright colors and fresh ingredients make it a stunning addition to any table. Impress your guests with a beautiful, Thai-inspired salad that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile and Customizable: This salad can be easily adapted with additional veggies or proteins to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
If you want to impress your family and friends with a fancy side salad, make this Thai mango salad. It’s easy to make, yet so elegant, and the taste is divine!
This Thai salad is so colorful and super healthy – full of vitamins and anti-antioxidants. Healthy and tasty – that’s a real winner!
Thai Mango Salad Recipe With Carrots And Greens
Ingredients
- 1 package of lettuce – Provides a fresh, crisp base for the salad; any variety works well.
- 1 mango, peeled and diced – Adds a juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- 2 carrots, peeled and shredded – Adds a juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped – Adds an aromatic freshness and a touch of herbal flavor.
- 4 green onions, chopped – Offers a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Juice of 1 lime – Freshly squeezed for a bright and tangy kick in the dressing.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar – Balances the lime and soy sauce with a bit of sweetness.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – Adds a savory, umami element to the dressing.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Provides smoothness and helps blend the dressing ingredients.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Thai Mango Salad With Carrots And Greens
- Knife – For peeling and dicing the mango and chopping other ingredients.
- Cutting Board – Provides a sturdy surface for safe chopping and dicing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures accurate measurements for dressing ingredients.
- Salad Bowl – Large enough to mix all the salad ingredients comfortably.
- Small Mixing Bowl – For whisking the dressing ingredients together.
- Whisk – Helps blend the dressing ingredients into a smooth mixture.
Instructions
- Make a dressing by mixing lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce and olive oil.
- Mix lettuce leaves, diced mango, shredded carrot, chopped cilantro and chopped green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
Please do not use bottled lime juice – use the fresh lime only! There is a huge difference in taste between bottled lime juice and freshly squeezed. Squeezing a lime is easy – just cut into quarters and squeeze with your thumb and index finger over a cup.
Enjoy this yummy Thai mango salad! For a main dish version of this delicious salad, see how to make Thai chicken salad – it makes an outstanding lunch :)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Thai Mango Salad as a light starter or side dish to any Asian-inspired meal.
- Pair it with grilled chicken or air-fried shrimp to make it a complete and satisfying main course.
- Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flair and texture.
- For a heartier version, add cooked quinoa or rice noodles to make it more filling.
- Enjoy it fresh with iced green tea or a tropical smoothie, like mango pineapple to complement the salad’s fruity flavors.
Tips For Success
- Choose Ripe Mangoes: For the best flavor, select ripe mangoes that give slightly to gentle pressure. They should be juicy and sweet but not mushy. If the mango is too firm, it might taste tart, which could overpower the salad.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Always opt for fresh lime juice instead of bottled. Freshly squeezed lime juice has a brighter flavor and enhances the taste of the dressing. Roll the lime on a countertop before cutting to release more juice.
- Shred Carrots Finely: For an even texture, shred the carrots finely or use a julienne peeler. This ensures they blend seamlessly with the other ingredients and don’t dominate the salad’s texture.
- Chop Cilantro and Green Onions Just Before Serving: To keep the herbs and onions fresh and aromatic, chop them right before assembling the salad. This prevents wilting and keeps their flavors vibrant.
- Dress the Salad Just Before Serving: Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting. This keeps the salad crisp and maintains the fresh flavors of each ingredient.
- Taste and Adjust the Dressing: After whisking the dressing, taste it and adjust the ingredients as needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar; if you like it tangier, squeeze in extra lime juice.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Protein: To make this salad a complete meal, add cooked and chilled proteins like grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu. The added protein makes it more filling and adds texture, making it perfect for a light lunch.
- Swap Cilantro: Not everyone loves cilantro. If it’s not for you, try substituting with fresh basil or mint for a different herbaceous flavor. Both add a fresh twist that complements the mango.
- Make it Spicy: Add a bit of heat by including thinly sliced Thai red chili or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. This adds a nice contrast to the sweet mango and creates a more authentic Thai flavor.
- Try Different Greens: While lettuce is a great base, you can substitute with other greens like spinach, arugula, or even kale for added nutrients. Each brings its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
- Use Coconut Aminos for Gluten-Free: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap soy sauce with coconut aminos. This maintains the salty, umami flavor while being both gluten- and soy-free.
- Add Crunch: For more texture, toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews. They add a satisfying crunch and a touch of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the mango and dressing.
- Boost the Veggies: Add other crunchy vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumber, or red cabbage. These veggies enhance the color and nutrition of the salad without altering the flavors significantly.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the lettuce and herbs may wilt slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Keep Dressing Separate: If you’re preparing the salad in advance, store the dressing separately. Combine the salad and dressing only when ready to serve to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.
- Refreshing the Salad: If the salad has softened after storing, you can freshen it up by adding a few extra greens and a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving. This will bring back some of the salad’s original crunch.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the mango and greens will lose their texture once thawed. Enjoy it fresh or store it in the fridge for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This helps the salad stay fresh and prevents the greens from wilting.
What type of mango works best for this salad?
Any ripe mango variety with a sweet flavor and juicy texture works well. Look for mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure, but avoid any that are overly soft or mushy, as they can make the salad too watery.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice lacks the bright, tangy flavor that fresh lime brings to the dressing and can impact the overall taste.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This swap retains the savory flavor while accommodating gluten-free dietary needs.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh basil or mint as substitutes. Both herbs add a unique freshness that complements the mango and other ingredients without overpowering the salad.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, include thinly sliced Thai red chili, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha. These options add a nice kick to the salad and pair well with the sweet mango and tangy dressing.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! This salad is very versatile, so feel free to add thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumber, or red cabbage for extra crunch and color. These additions enhance the texture without altering the overall flavor profile.
How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?
For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad the same day it’s made. If you need to store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but note that the greens may wilt slightly.
What protein can I add to make this a complete meal?
Grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu are great additions that make the salad more filling. These proteins pair well with the mango and Thai-inspired flavors, transforming the salad into a hearty main course.
For more great recipes with mango, see simple mild mango salsa recipe and step by step instructions how to make mango salsa. Also, see how to tell if a mango is ripe and how to cut a mango.
Thai Mango Salad Recipe With Carrots And Greens
Ingredients
- 1 package lettuce
- 1 mango peeled and diced
- 2 carrots peeled and shredded
- 1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
- 4 green onions chopped
- 1 juice of lime
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Salad bowl
- Small mixing bowl
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil to make the dressing. Whisk until smooth.
- In a large salad bowl, mix together lettuce, diced mango, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled. Fresh lime juice adds a brightness that enhances the overall taste.
Nutrition
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