Mexican Inspired Mango Salad with Avocado Dressing

Mexican Inspired Mango Salad with a creamy avocado dressing, cilantro lime chicken and deliciously filling quinoa and beans. This is a loaded salad full of texture and healthy ingredients. We've got the fresh greens, crunchy tortilla chips, creamy avocado dressing and of course the soft and sweet mango - all in one bowl!

 

 

 

This is proof that healthy salads don't have to be boring. Loaded salads are my life motto, as you may have noticed in this lemon chicken winter salad I posted a few weeks ago, or this healthy pasta salad with tomatoes and zucchini. Why have a boring salad when you can have a loaded one?

 

Usually, when I think of Mexican cuisine it's cheesy enchiladas, quesadillas or tacos, maybe a soup, or chili con carne (or chili sin carne) but why can't we make a Mexican inspired salad as well?

 

The elements to make a perfect salad

 

There are 5 elements to a perfect salad, and they are

 

1. The something green
2. Something crunchy
3. Something sweet
4. And something creamy
5. ...and don't forget the dressing!

 

This is always what I work from. In this case, the something green is a mixture of red rhubarb, spinach and arugula. Something crunchy is snappy red onion and tortilla chips. The something sweet is obviously the delicious mango. The something creamy is both the dressing, avocado and cotija/feta cheese. The dressing is the most fabulous avocado herb dressing, so we are doubling the avocado today!

 

My favorite Mexican condiment is by far this fresh and spicy guacamole, but I think it's a little too thick as a salad dressing. I've used the avocado herb sauce that I'm also using on my healthy baked falafel, in this recipe. You absolutely cannot go wrong with avocado and herbs!

 

If you crave a mango salad another day as well, go for a more Italian inspired mango salad with burrata and prosciutto. That is so easy and quick to make too!

 

 

And if you want a salad to become more than just a side salad, I like to add 2 more elements:

 

1. Protein
2. Grains

 

The protein in this case is the cilantro lime chicken, and if you're one of those that thinks cilantro tastes like soap (more on that below), you are free to omit the cilantro, or use parsley instead. No judging! Or you can try the lemon chicken (but with lime) in this lemon chicken winter salad. The beans are also rich in protein, not to mention ultra delicious.

 

I also like to add some grains, to make the salad more filling as a main course, as I've done in this Halloumi and Garlic Roasted Vegetables Quinoa Salad.

 

So why does cilantro taste like soap to someone?

 

This is really interesting. Everyone in my family thinks cilantro is the best thing ever. But then there's my boyfriend, who loathes fresh cilantro (yes, obviously there's a difference between dry coriander and the fresh herbs!) and several of my friends. Evidently, cilantro can taste like soap due to genetics.

 

14% of the population, find cilantro (or coriander) unpleasant or even terrible. Scientists have found a set of genes related to smell and taste that are responsible for this effect. Some of these genes are related to the smell, and some for the bitter taste. To read a more thorough explanation of this, I can recommend this article.

 

Because there are a percentage difference between different cultures, it seems like the differences can be cultural and environmental also - but for the most part it's your parents fault!

 

 

The best avocado herb dressing with lime and garlic

 

A flavor bomb that is all just dump-in-the-food processor-easy. I'm in love with all the flavors here; ranging from fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley (again, if cilantro is soapy, add more parsley), garlic, fresh lime and a little spicy chili. Add all the ingredients into a food processor and mix. If you find the dressing too thin, add in some almonds, and more water if you think it's too thick. No magic tricks here!

 

 

How to Make Mango Salad with Black Beans and Quinoa

 

To make this mango salad extra flavorful, we marinate the chicken in a cilantro lime marinade for 30 minutes. During this time, it's time to cook the quinoa. Cook the quinoa with salt, garlic and cumin for extra flavor. Once it's done and you have fluffed it with a fork, mix in the beans.

 

The other mango salad ingredients are just chop chop chopping like you wish. I like to slice the avocado, crumble the cheese, dicing the mango and cucumber, and finely chop the onion.

 

There are usually not much needed to get that extra burst of flavor, making a boring salad into something delicious and flavorful. In comes the extra spice in the quinoa, which takes approximately 10 extra seconds to make. The chicken marinade also gives it more flavor and I am loving these simple tricks to delicious salads!

 

Enjoy with a refreshing glass of hibiscus tea or a Blood Orange Margarita on the side! Scroll down for a printable version of the recipe.

 

 

Did you like this mango salad? Here's more delicious salad recipes:

 

• Halloumi and Garlic Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
• Fresh and Zesty Tabbouleh Salad
• Summer Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Lemon Chicken with a Healthy Green Spring Salad
• Lemon Chicken Winter Salad
• Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
• Grilled Peach and Bacon Salad

 

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