Vietnamese-inspired Mango Salad

Ingredients

• 2 ripe mangoes, julienned 2 ripe mangoes, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for spice) 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for spice)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, honey, vegetable oil, minced garlic, and sliced red chili (if using). Set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned mangoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, carrot, mint leaves, and cilantro.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the crushed peanuts on top and season with salt to taste.
5. 5.
   Allow the salad to marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Vietnamese-inspired Mango Salad chilled and garnish with additional mint leaves, cilantro, and crushed peanuts, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mangoes — Choose ripe mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor and texture.
• Fish sauce — If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Mint leaves — Gently tear the mint leaves to release their aroma before adding them to the salad.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the salad just before serving.
• Customize the salad by adding other vegetables such as bean sprouts or jicama.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red chili according to your preference.
• To make the salad more substantial, you can add cooked shrimp or grilled chicken.
• Make sure to julienne the vegetables thinly and uniformly for a visually appealing salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-inspired Mango Salad as a refreshing appetizer or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with dishes from various cuisines, adding a burst of tropical flavors to your meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful julienned mangoes, vegetables, and herbs on a platter or individual plates. Garnish with additional mint leaves, cilantro, and crushed peanuts for an attractive presentation. The vibrant colors and contrasting textures will make the salad visually appealing and enticing.