Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
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Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
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Versatile: Customize with your favorite greens or proteins.
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Visually Appealing: A colorful addition to any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
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4 cups fresh arugula
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1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
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1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
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¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
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3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
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¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons honey
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Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine arugula, mango, avocado, and red onion (if using).
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Dress and Toss: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
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Add Pine Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top just before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Greens: Substitute arugula with spinach, mixed greens, or butter lettuce.
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Nuts: Use toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds instead of pine nuts.
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Cheese: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
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Fruit: Replace mango with ripe peaches or nectarines when out of season.
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Protein: Top with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
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Reheating: Best enjoyed fresh; avoid reheating as the avocado may become mushy.
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I use other nuts instead of pine nuts?
Absolutely! Toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans are great alternatives.
Is this salad vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan if you omit cheese.
How do I ripen a mango quickly?
Place the mango in a paper bag with a banana overnight to speed up the ripening process.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Add the avocado to the salad just before serving and toss gently to minimize exposure to air.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Yes, consider adding berries, citrus segments, or pomegranate seeds for added flavor and color.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this salad spicier?
Add a few slices of fresh chili or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as vegan alternatives to honey.
Conclusion
This Avocado Mango Salad with Arugula, Pine Nuts & Honey-Lime Dressing is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Its simplicity, nutritional benefits, and versatility make it a go-to recipe for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Avocado Mango Salad with Arugula, Pine Nuts & Honey-Lime Dressing
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A vibrant and refreshing salad combining creamy avocado, sweet mango, peppery arugula, and crunchy pine nuts, dressed in a zesty honey-lime vinaigrette, perfect as a side dish or light main course.
- Author: Paula
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: Fusion / Contemporary
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
4 cups fresh arugula
1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine arugula, mango, avocado, and red onion if using.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top just before serving.
Notes
- Substitute arugula with spinach, mixed greens, or butter lettuce.
- Use toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds instead of pine nuts.
- Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
- Replace mango with ripe peaches or nectarines when out of season.
- Top with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Best enjoyed fresh; avoid reheating to prevent avocado from becoming mushy.
- Prepare dressing up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor; bottled lime juice is acceptable.
- Add fresh chili slices or red pepper flakes to make it spicier.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey for a vegan option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg