Zesty Mango Shrimp Salad

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 6 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Zesty Mango Shrimp Salad is a refreshing burst of tropical flavors that’s perfect for those warm summer days or when you’re simply craving something light and vibrant. With juicy mangoes and succulent shrimp, each bite is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and a little bit of heat.

Ingredients for Zesty Mango Shrimp Salad

Shrimp is the star protein, bringing a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the mango. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture and ease of eating.

Mangoes add sweetness and a tropical flair. Choose ripe ones for maximum flavor, but not so soft that they turn to mush.

Red bell pepper provides crunch and a slightly sweet, earthy taste that complements the mango.

Red onion adds a sharp, zesty bite that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavors.

Fresh cilantro offers a burst of herby freshness, tying all the ingredients together.

Lime juice serves as the acidic element in the dressing, brightening the dish and enhancing the flavors.

Olive oil brings richness to the dressing, helping to meld the flavors together.

Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing, complementing the mango while balancing the tanginess of the lime.

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • To quickly peel and devein shrimp, use a small paring knife or a specialized shrimp tool.
  • When choosing mangoes, look for ones that give slightly to the touch and have a sweet aroma.
  • If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh mint can be a refreshing alternative.
  • Allow the salad to chill for a bit if you have time; it enhances the flavors, making the dish even more delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is versatile and can be served on its own as a light lunch or alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. It also pairs well with a chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea, making it a great choice for outdoor dining or picnics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
What if I don't have fresh mangoes?
Canned or frozen mango can work in a pinch, but fresh will give you the best flavor and texture.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but note that the texture of the mangoes may change slightly.

Zesty Mango Shrimp Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until they're well combined. This will be the flavorful foundation for your salad.

Next, add the shrimp to the bowl with the dressing. Toss them gently to ensure they're well coated. This will allow the shrimp to absorb some of that delicious lime-honey mixture.

Heat a skillet over medium heat; once hot, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.

In another large bowl, combine your mango slices, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Toss them gently to mix.

Add the cooked shrimp to the mango mixture. Gently toss everything together, making sure the shrimp and dressing are evenly distributed. Serve immediately if you prefer a fresh, crisp salad, or chill it in the refrigerator for up to an hour to let the flavors meld.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
  • Perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
  • Healthy and nutritious — packed with protein and vitamins.
  • Great for impressing guests at a summer gathering.

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them in the dressing.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
4. In another bowl, combine the mango slices, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
5. Add the cooked shrimp to the mango mixture and gently toss everything together.
6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour for enhanced flavors.

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