Tropical Avocado Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a burst of sunshine on your plate! This Tropical Avocado Salad combines fresh, vibrant ingredients that are perfect for a summer gathering or a refreshing side dish. It's a delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures, sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients for Tropical Avocado Salad

Avocados bring creaminess and healthy fats to the salad, acting as a rich base that complements the other ingredients. Choose ripe ones for the best texture.

Mango adds a juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the avocados. Its tropical flavor is a highlight in this dish.

Red Onion gives a sharp bite, balancing the sweet and creamy elements with its crispness.

Cilantro provides a fresh, citrusy note that enhances the tropical theme. It's aromatic and adds a pop of green.

Red Chili introduces a subtle heat to the salad. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Lime Juice is essential for a zesty, tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together.

Olive Oil helps to emulsify the dressing, adding a smooth texture and a touch of richness.

Toasted Coconut Flakes contribute a nutty sweetness and a delightful crunch on top.

Macadamia Nuts offer a buttery crunch, enhancing the tropical vibe and adding a bit of protein.

Tips & Tricks

  • To easily dice an avocado, cut it in half, remove the pit, and score the flesh in a grid pattern before scooping it out with a spoon.
  • If you're sensitive to spice, start with half a chili and add more to taste.
  • For an extra touch of flavor, roast the macadamia nuts for a few minutes before chopping them.
  • To keep the avocados from browning, toss them in lime juice as soon as they're diced.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a side dish at a summer BBQ, complementing grilled chicken or fish beautifully. For a light lunch, serve it over a bed of mixed greens or with quinoa for added fiber and protein. It also pairs well with tortilla chips for a fun, tropical twist on chips and salsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components and mix them just before serving. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for mango?
Pineapple or papaya would work well if you can't find ripe mangoes. They offer similar sweetness and tropical flavor.
Is there a way to make this salad nut-free?
Omit the macadamia nuts and consider adding sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch.

Tropical Avocado Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a large bowl and gently combine the diced avocados and mango. These are your main players, so handle them with care to keep them intact. Toss in the red onion, cilantro, and red chili. Stir them together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Next, in a small separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dressing is simple but packs a punch, tying the whole salad together. Once it's well mixed, pour it over your avocado mixture.

Now, give everything a gentle toss to coat the ingredients with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocados — you want those lovely chunks to stay whole!

Finally, sprinkle the salad with the toasted coconut flakes and macadamia nuts right before serving. This last step adds texture and visual appeal, making your salad look as good as it tastes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in just 15 minutes!
  • Packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
  • Visually stunning with its bright, colorful ingredients.
  • Great for potlucks, BBQs, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
1 large mango, peeled and diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 medium red chili, finely chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
1/4 cup macadamia nuts, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, mango, red onion, cilantro, and red chili.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the avocado mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle the salad with toasted coconut flakes and macadamia nuts before serving.

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