Can I prep the salad ahead of time?

Parts of it, yes! You can chop the mango, slice the tomatoes, and even the jalapeño ahead, but wait until just before serving to add the avocado and basil. Toss everything together right before eating to keep it fresh and vibrant.

What can I use instead of mango?

Pineapple, papaya, or juicy peaches work as great substitutes if mangoes aren’t available. The key is choosing a fruit with natural sweetness and a soft texture.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

A light spritz of lime or lemon juice over the avocado cubes before mixing in the rest of the ingredients helps slow browning for a few hours.

Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just be mindful if you add extras like cheese or serve with non-gluten-free chips or bread.

Tropical Mango Salad Recipe - LittleSpoonBites

Name: Tropical Mango Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 avocado; 1 fresh mango, peeled and cubed; Approximately 1/2 – 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1/2 – 1 jalapeño, seeded & sliced; A large handful of fresh basil, torn or chopped; 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or more to taste); Sea salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Tropical Mango Salad is a breeze to make and will instantly transport you to a sun-soaked paradise—even on the busiest weeknight! With creamy avocado, juicy mango, zippy cherry tomatoes, and just a hint of jalapeño heat, this salad brings together fresh, irresistible ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and exciting. Every bite is a delicious mix of luscious, tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy, making it the perfect side or light meal, ready in mere minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in just about 15 minutes from start to finish. No cooking needed, no special tools or techniques—just simple chopping and tossing.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet mango, creamy avocado, and zesty jalapeño join forces with the herbaceous freshness of basil and the lovely acidity of cherry tomatoes. Every ingredient shines!
Seriously Versatile: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, potluck, or impromptu lunch, this salad rises to the occasion. It pairs well with just about anything.
Nutrient-Rich: Not only is it packed with vitamins and healthy fats, your body will thank you for every spoonful.
Foolproof: Anyone can make this, and you really can’t go wrong. Just toss and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad is all about letting each ingredient join in a harmonious, sun-kissed chorus. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for each:

Avocado: Adds an irresistible creaminess that balances the brighter, sharper flavors. Look for just-ripe avocados—they’ll yield slightly with gentle pressure.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bring juicy, tangy notes that cut through the richness. Any sweet, ripe small tomato will do the trick.
Mango: The undeniable star! Go for mangoes that smell fragrant and give just a little when pressed. Slice and cube for perfect pops of sweetness.
Jalapeño: For a gentle kick. Remove the seeds for a milder heat, leave a few in if you like a little more fire!
Fresh Basil: Never skip this! Basil threads freshness through the whole dish and ties the flavors together beautifully. Sub with mint for a twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A glug brings everything together, adding a subtle fruitiness and silkiness.
Sea Salt & Pepper: Not just for seasoning—salt intensifies the fruit flavors while pepper adds a whisper of warmth.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Salads are made for experimentation! Try out a few of these ideas to adapt the recipe to your taste or what’s in your kitchen:

Herb Swap: No basil? Fresh cilantro or mint both work beautifully.
Add Protein: Toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or flaked salmon for a heartier meal.
Fruit Switch-Up: Papaya, pineapple, or even strawberries can sub in for mango if you’re in the mood to mix things up.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle over toasted cashews, pepitas, or crushed tortilla chips at the end.
Cheese It Up: Crumbled feta or goat cheese takes this to another level of decadence.
Leafy Greens: Serve the salad atop a bed of arugula, spinach, or baby greens.

How to Make Tropical Mango Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by peeling and cubing the mango. Slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and cube the flesh. Halve the cherry tomatoes. If you like things mild, carefully remove the seeds from the jalapeño before slicing it thinly.

Step 2: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, add the mango, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeño. Tear or chop the basil and sprinkle it over the top.

Step 3: Dress and Season

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad, then season generously with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the avocado.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your salad a taste! Add more salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed. If the mango or tomatoes aren’t as sweet as you’d like, a tiny squeeze of lime can work wonders.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salad immediately for the freshest, brightest flavor. It truly shines when eaten right away.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Knife Skills Matter: Use a sharp knife to keep the mango and avocado cubes neat, which helps the salad look beautiful and prevents mushiness.
Gentle Tossing: Avocado is delicate! Use a broad spoon or even your hands to combine the salad without smashing it.
Customize the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, try just a few slices of jalapeño or substitute with sweet bell pepper for extra color.
Make It Shine: Don’t forget to taste as you go and adjust seasoning. A little extra sea salt can really make the fruit flavors pop.

How to Serve

This salad steals the show on its own but also makes the perfect companion to so many dishes:

As a Side: Wonderful next to grilled fish, shrimp skewers, or roasted chicken.
With Chips: Scoop it up with crispy tortilla chips for a tropical salsa vibe.
Over Grains: Serve over coconut rice, quinoa, or couscous for a more filling bowl.
Summery Tacos: Spoon it onto fish or shrimp tacos for a splash of sweetness and color.
Brunch Booster: Pile it beside scrambled eggs or fold into a wrap for a breakfast upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Note: This salad is best fresh, but leftovers can be stored short term in the refrigerator.

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one day. The avocado may brown slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Freezing

This is not a freezer-friendly salad—fresh mango and avocado lose their texture after freezing.

Reheating

No reheating needed—this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold. If it’s been in the fridge, let it come to room temperature for the best flavor before serving.

FAQs

Can I prep the salad ahead of time?

Parts of it, yes! You can chop the mango, slice the tomatoes, and even the jalapeño ahead, but wait until just before serving to add the avocado and basil. Toss everything together right before eating to keep it fresh and vibrant.
What can I use instead of mango?

Pineapple, papaya, or juicy peaches work as great substitutes if mangoes aren’t available. The key is choosing a fruit with natural sweetness and a soft texture.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?

A light spritz of lime or lemon juice over the avocado cubes before mixing in the rest of the ingredients helps slow browning for a few hours.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free. Just be mindful if you add extras like cheese or serve with non-gluten-free chips or bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of this Tropical Mango Salad to brighten up your day. Vibrant, fresh, and bursting with flavor, it’s a reliable recipe to have in your back pocket for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—mix, taste, experiment, and savor every bite. Give it a try and get ready to crave it all summer (and the rest of the year) long!