Mango Avocado Potato Salad
Highlighted under: Fresh & Wholesome Recipes
I absolutely love making this Mango Avocado Potato Salad, especially during the warmer months. The combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado, and tender potatoes brings a vibrant burst of flavor that's simply irresistible. What really makes this salad stand out is the balance between the luxuriously smooth textures and the refreshing zing of lime juice. It's a perfect side dish for barbecues or picnics, and it’s quick to prepare, which means I can spend more time enjoying the sunshine with friends and family.
When I first tried this combination at a friend's barbecue, I was amazed at how well the flavors worked together. The juicy mango and creamy avocado blend seamlessly with the fluffy potatoes and zesty dressing, creating a taste explosion with every bite. I knew I had to recreate this dish at home.
To ensure the potatoes are perfectly tender yet resilient, I always boil them until just fork-tender. Overcooking can lead to mushiness, which is a textural nightmare in salads. The addition of lime adds a tangy brightness that just can't be missed!
Why You Will Love This Salad
- Vibrant flavors that excite the palate
- Creamy texture from the avocado complements the potatoes perfectly
- Quick and easy to prepare, great for any meal
- Nutritious, refreshing, and filling
Understanding the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Mango Avocado Potato Salad plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy avocado not only adds a rich mouthfeel but also helps to bind the other ingredients, ensuring each bite is harmonious. It's important to select ripe avocados to achieve the ideal softness; press gently to check for ripeness—if it yields slightly, it’s ready to use!
The sweet mango brings a delightful contrast to the earthy flavor of the potatoes. Choosing a ripe mango is crucial; it should be slightly soft to the touch and fragrant at the stem end. If fresh mango isn’t available, you can substitute it with diced peaches or even nectarines for a similar sweetness, though these options will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Preparation Tips
When boiling the potatoes, make sure to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. I recommend using waxy potatoes, like red or new potatoes, as they hold their shape well after cooking. After draining, let them cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes before mixing to prevent the avocado from browning prematurely when combined warm with the other ingredients.
The dressing is simple yet essential for brightening the overall dish. If you prefer a more pronounced lime flavor, consider adding lime zest in addition to the juice for an extra zing. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños can be added to the dressing, bringing an exciting kick to the salad.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Mango Avocado Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, diced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Mix all ingredients gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Cook the Potatoes
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, mango, avocado, and red onion. Drizzle with the lime dressing and gently toss to combine.
Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or light main!
This salad can be made ahead of time; however, it's best to add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating diced jalapeños for a little kick or substituting the mango with pineapple for a tropical twist.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This salad not only shines as a fresh side at barbecues but also makes a fantastic light main dish for lunches. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the avocado's vibrant color, try to consume it soon after making it. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate until you're ready to serve.
For serving, consider pairing this salad with grilled proteins like chicken or fish, which complement its tropical flavors beautifully. You can also serve it on a bed of mixed greens or alongside crusty bread, enhancing both the presentation and enjoyment of the meal.
Make-Ahead and Variations
For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the individual components in advance. Wash and dice the mango and avocado, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Cook the potatoes the night before and refrigerate them as well. Combine everything just before serving for optimal freshness and texture, especially for the avocado.
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a vegan twist, simply omit the honey in the dressing or use agave syrup. You can also add diced bell peppers or cucumber for an extra crunch, or swap olive oil for avocado oil for a milder flavor. Don't hesitate to experiment with herbs like mint or basil for a fragrant touch!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use any type of potato you like. Waxier potatoes like red or Yukon gold work best for salads.
→ How long can I store the salad?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Just keep in mind that the avocado may brown.
→ Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is naturally vegan! Just ensure that the dressing products used are vegan-friendly.
→ What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or as a standalone dish for a light lunch.
Mango Avocado Potato Salad
I absolutely love making this Mango Avocado Potato Salad, especially during the warmer months. The combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado, and tender potatoes brings a vibrant burst of flavor that's simply irresistible. What really makes this salad stand out is the balance between the luxuriously smooth textures and the refreshing zing of lime juice. It's a perfect side dish for barbecues or picnics, and it’s quick to prepare, which means I can spend more time enjoying the sunshine with friends and family.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Fresh & Wholesome Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized potatoes, diced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, mango, avocado, and red onion. Drizzle with the lime dressing and gently toss to combine.
Finish with fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or light main!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating diced jalapeños for a little kick or substituting the mango with pineapple for a tropical twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 3g