Summer Meal Recipes

3-Ingredient Mango Salad

Ingredients:

Salad:

  • 2 ripe mangoes, medium firmness (not too mushy—just enough give when squeezed)

  • ½ of a red bell pepper (or yellow—go for sweetness!)

  • ¼ of a red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

Dressing:

  • 2 tsp creamed honey (or regular honey if you don’t have creamed honey)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp pure sesame oil

  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (about ½ a lime)

  • Zest of 1 lime

  • Pinch of salt

  • Chili flakes to taste

How to Make It

  1. Prep the Produce

    • This is the real game-changer. Using a mandolin slicer:

      • Carefully slice the mango, bell pepper, and red onion into ultra-thin strips. (Use the guard or cut-resistant gloves!)

      • Thin slicing brings out the mango’s juiciness and balances each bite with pepper and onion.

Tip: If your mango is too soft for a mandolin, slice by hand or cube it gently.

  1. Make the Dressing
    In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

    • Creamed honey

    • Olive oil

    • Sesame oil

    • Lime juice

    • Lime zest

    • Salt and chili flakes

  2. Assemble the Salad

    • Toss the mango, pepper, onion, and cilantro in a bowl.

    • Drizzle over the dressing and gently mix until evenly coated.

  3. Chill or Serve Immediately
    This salad is delicious right away but gets even better after chilling for 15–30 minutes.

Serving Ideas

  • Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a vibrant summer dinner.

  • Spoon over tacos or tostadas.

  • Serve it as a colorful side at a barbecue or potluck.

  • Add avocado or quinoa for extra texture and heartiness.

Tips & Variations

  • No sesame oil? Use all olive oil, but you’ll miss that nutty depth.

  • Want it spicy? Add finely chopped jalapeño or more chili flakes.

  • Not a fan of cilantro? Fresh mint or basil works beautifully too.

Final Thoughts

This mango salad is one of those low-effort, high-reward recipes that becomes a staple once you try it. Sweet, crunchy, tangy, and just a little spicy—it's everything you want in a summer dish.

If you make this salad, I'd love to hear how you served it! Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram.

If you're looking for a summer dish that sings with flavor, look no further than this 3-ingredient mango salad. Juicy ripe mango, crunchy bell pepper, and sharp red onion come together in a simple but magical way—and it only gets better with a drizzle of honey-lime sesame dressing. This salad is quick, vibrant, and packed with sweet, savory, and citrusy notes.

It's one of those recipes that looks like you tried, even though it only takes about 10 minutes to pull together.

Why You'll Love This Salad

  • Only a handful of fresh ingredients

  • Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan

  • Perfect as a side, light lunch, or topping for grilled fish or tacos

  • No cooking required!

Let’s dive in.

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