Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado

If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with flavor, you’ve found it! This Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado is one of my absolute favorites. It’s simple enough to whip up on busy weeknights but special enough for family gatherings or a dinner party. The combination of juicy mango, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocado creates a delightful medley of textures and tastes that everyone will love.

What makes this salad even more special is the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette that brings everything together. It adds a sweet and tangy kick that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect option for those hectic evenings.
• Family-friendly: With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Perfectly portable: Whether you’re heading to a picnic or need a meal prep option, this salad travels well and stays fresh.
• Nutrient-packed: Loaded with vitamins from the fruits and vegetables, it’s not only tasty but also healthy—win-win!
• Versatile base: Feel free to add your favorite proteins or grains for an easy main dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado. You’ll find that these items are easy to find at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.

Fresh Ingredients

• 1 sparkling grape juice mango (peeled, seeded, and diced)
• 1 Persian cucumber (diced)
• ¼ red onion (minced and let sit for 15 minutes)
• 3 cups arugula
• 1 avocado (chopped)
• ½ cup blueberries
• ¼ cup walnuts (toasted)
• ¼ cup cilantro

For the Dressing

• 2 Tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup
• 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• A pinch sea salt
• A dash freshly cracked black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add some protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.
• Change up the nuts: Swap walnuts for toasted almonds or pecans for a different crunch.
• Try different greens: If arugula isn’t your favorite, mix in spinach or kale for another layer of flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a slice of jalapeño or sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

How to Make Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the vinaigrette. This step is crucial because it allows all those delicious flavors from the lime juice, maple syrup, and garlic powder to blend together beautifully. Give it a taste—adjust as needed!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the mango, cucumber, red onion, arugula, avocado, blueberries, walnuts, and cilantro. Drizzling the dressing over the top before tossing ensures every bite gets that tangy goodness. Mix gently so you don’t mash the avocado—keeping those lovely chunks intact adds to the texture!

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy!

Once everything is mixed well, serve right away! This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a day. Just remember that avocados can brown quickly; so if you’re making this ahead of time, consider adding them just before serving.

Now you’re ready to dig into this delightful Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado

Creating a vibrant Mango Cucumber Salad is easy, especially with these handy tips to elevate your dish!

• Choose ripe mangoes: A perfectly ripe mango will add natural sweetness and a delightful juiciness to your salad, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Let the onion sit: Allowing minced red onion to rest for 15 minutes helps mellow its sharpness, making it more palatable and harmonious in the mix.
• Toast the walnuts: Toasting walnuts before adding them gives an extra crunch and a deeper flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and produce to maximize flavor and nutrition. Fresh cilantro and ripe avocados can really elevate your salad.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to modify the vinaigrette ingredients according to your preference. A little more lime juice or maple syrup can tailor the dressing to your liking.

How to Serve Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado

This colorful salad not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any table. Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro leaves: Sprinkling a few fresh cilantro leaves on top adds a pop of color and an aromatic touch.
• Lime wedges: Serve lime wedges alongside for guests who enjoy an extra zing of citrus right before digging in.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: This fluffy quinoa dish can be infused with herbs and spices, making it a nutritious complement that balances the flavors of your salad.
• Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms grilled to perfection can add a smoky element that pairs well with the freshness of the salad.
• Chickpea Hummus with Veggies: Creamy hummus served with crunchy carrot sticks or cucumber slices provides a delightful contrast in textures while keeping the meal light.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice, beans, or grains, these vibrant peppers make for a hearty side that rounds out your meal beautifully.

Enjoy crafting this delicious Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado as part of your next meal. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance, and the flavors only get better as they mingle. Here’s how to store your salad for maximum freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

• This salad is not ideal for freezing, as the textures of fresh ingredients like cucumbers and avocados may change after thawing.
• It’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it within a few days.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this dish; it’s delicious served cold.
• If you prefer a warm salad, gently toss it in a pan over low heat, but be mindful of the avocados.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful salad!

Can I customize the Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits or nuts that you love. Consider adding diced bell peppers or swapping out walnuts for pecans. The possibilities are endless!

How can I make the Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! It contains no animal products, making it a great option for plant-based diets.

What can I serve with Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado?

This refreshing salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, or can be served on its own as a light meal. It also makes a great side dish at summer barbecues!

Can I use frozen blueberries in this salad?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just thaw them before adding to your salad to maintain the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you truly enjoy making this vibrant Mango Cucumber Salad with Blueberry and Avocado! It’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful mix of flavors and textures that’s sure to brighten your day. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a family gathering, this recipe is special because it celebrates fresh ingredients. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience. Happy cooking!