Mango Spinach Salad a vibrant and refreshing salad featuring sweet mangoes, fresh spinach, and a tangy Dijon mustard dressing. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side to complement any meal. With the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted almonds
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the fresh spinach with the diced mango, red onion, toasted almonds, and feta cheese (if using).
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
Add protein: For a heartier meal, I like to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Nuts: If I don’t have almonds, I use walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a different texture and flavor.
Cheese: While feta adds a nice salty tang, I sometimes substitute goat cheese or skip the cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
Dressing swaps: If I want a creamier dressing, I can swap the Dijon mustard with Greek yogurt or add a dollop of sour cream.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if I have leftovers, I store the salad components (spinach, mango, onion, and nuts) separately from the dressing. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep the salad fresh, I suggest adding the dressing only right before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, I can prep the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. However, I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving to prevent the salad from wilting.
Can I use frozen mango?
I prefer fresh mango for this recipe, but if I’m using frozen mango, I make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the salad to avoid excess moisture.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this Mango Spinach Salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that the Dijon mustard and any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?
If I want a vegan version, I can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness.
What other fruits can I add to this salad?
I like to mix things up by adding fruits like strawberries, oranges, or even pineapple. The natural sweetness of these fruits pairs wonderfully with the tangy dressing.
Conclusion
This Mango Spinach Salad is a quick, easy, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m serving it as a light lunch, a side dish, or a main with added protein, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. With its combination of fresh ingredients and tangy dressing, it’s a versatile salad I’ll definitely keep making time and time again.
Recipe:
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Mango Spinach Salad
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This vibrant Mango Spinach Salad combines sweet, juicy mango with fresh spinach, red onion, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a tangy Dijon mustard dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish, it offers a refreshing balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Top it with optional feta cheese for added creaminess. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this salad is an ideal choice for any occasion!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Salad:
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup toasted almonds
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
-
In a large bowl, toss the spinach, diced mango, red onion, toasted almonds, and feta cheese (if using).
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
If you prefer a creamier dressing, substitute Dijon mustard with Greek yogurt or add sour cream.
To make the salad heartier, add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
For different textures, substitute almonds with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
For a dairy-free option, skip the feta cheese or use goat cheese.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 210 kcal