Looking for a fresh twist on salad night? Try my Mango Arugula Salad recipe! It's a delightful mix of peppery arugula, juicy mango chunks, tasty blueberries, cranberries, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. Quick to toss together and burst with flavor, this colorful arugula and mango salad is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Burst Of Freshness: The combination of mango, blueberries, and arugula offers a refreshing and vibrant taste.
- Nutritious And Delicious: Packed with fruits, nuts, and leafy greens, this salad is both healthy and flavorful.
- Simple Yet Gourmet: With a tangy honey-Dijon dressing, this Mango Arugula Salad feels fancy but is easy to prepare.
🥘 Ingredients
- Spinach/Arugula Mix: Provides a base of leafy greens with a mix of flavors and textures.
- Fresh Mango: Adds sweetness and tropical flavor to the salad.
- Fresh Blueberries: Offer bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Feta Cheese: Provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit.
- Date: Adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture to complement the other ingredients.
- Walnuts: Offer crunch and nuttiness for added texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Forms the base of the dressing and adds richness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides acidity and brightness to balance the flavors.
- Honey: Adds sweetness to complement the fruit and balance the acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dressing.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Tropical Burst: Enjoy the sweetness of mango slices paired with the tangy flavor of blueberries. Add a touch of zest with a squeeze of lime juice.
- Mango Avocado Salad: Enjoy a perfect summer salad with creamy avocado slices and tangy goat cheese, beautifully complemented by the freshness of mango slices. Add a tangy kick with a splash of lime juice.
- Refreshing Summer Salad: Elevate your salad cuisine with the perfect balance of sweet mango slices and zesty onion slices. Drizzle with a refreshing blend of champagne vinegar and lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
🔪 How To Make Mango Arugula Salad
Step One: Dice the mango, walnuts, and date. Set them aside. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach/arugula mix, diced mango, fresh blueberries, feta cheese, chopped date, and chopped walnuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Mango Arugula Salad!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Select Perfect Mangoes: Choose mangoes that are ripe yet still firm. This ensures the fruit delivers a burst of natural sweetness without becoming too mushy in the salad.
- Keep It Fresh: Use crisp, fresh arugula for its peppery bite. Rinse and dry the leaves thoroughly so they stay vibrant and don’t water down your dressing.
- Elevate with a Zesty Dressing: A light citrus-based dressing (using lime or lemon juice with olive oil) will brighten the dish. A pinch of salt—and a touch of honey if you prefer—can really enhance the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of the mango.
- Add a Crunchy Contrast: For an extra layer of texture, consider tossing in some toasted nuts or seeds. Almonds or pecans work well to add a satisfying crunch that complements the salad’s fresh components.
💭 FAQs
A ripe mango will give slightly under pressure, particularly at the stem end, and will have a fruity aroma at the stem. It should feel heavy for its size. Avoid overly soft mangoes with wrinkled skins as they may be overripe.
For salads, choose a mango that is firm yet ripe enough to offer sweetness without being mushy. Varieties like Ataulfo (or Honey mango) and Kent provide a good balance of flavor and texture, holding up well when mixed with other ingredients.
It’s best to assemble the salad close to serving time to prevent the arugula from wilting and the mango from becoming too soft. However, you can prep the dressing and chop the ingredients ahead of time.
Store any leftover Mango Arugula Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. If using leftovers for another meal consider adding a protein such as chicken breast or shrimp to make the salad more filling.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with Mango Arugula Salad:
- Grilled Shrimp: Juicy, grilled shrimp seasoned with a touch of lime and chili provide a perfect protein that pairs well with the fresh and fruity flavors of this delicious salad bowl.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken breast marinated in lemon and herbs adds a savory and citrusy element to complement the sweet mango and peppery arugula.
- Pan-Seared Salmon: Rich and flavorful pan-seared salmon with a creamy seasoning of salt, pepper, and maple syrup, enhances the fresh salad beautifully.
- Grilled Tofu: Marinated and grilled tofu slices offer a plant-based protein option that pairs well with the salad's fresh ingredients.
- Seared Scallops: Delicate and buttery seared scallops add a touch of elegance and a delightful texture that complements the mango arugula salad.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Mango Arugula Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Arugula or Spinach
- ½ cup Fresh Mango diced
- ¼ cup Blueberries
- 2 tablespoon Feta Cheese
- 1 Date pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoon Walnuts chopped
For The Dressing
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- Salt And Pepper
Instructions
- Dice the mango, walnuts, and date. Set them aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach/arugula mix, diced mango, fresh blueberries, feta cheese, chopped date, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Mango Arugula Salad!
