Mango's sweet-tart flavor is undeniably delicious in desserts, but this tropical fruit is also scrumptious in a bright, fresh mango salad. This is made with fresh mango, crunchy jicama, red pepper, red onion, and lots of fresh cilantro, all tossed in a simple dressing made with lime juice and a bit of honey. A sprinkling of chili-lime seasoning is the perfect way to add a little kick and really make the flavors pop! This salad tastes like an absolute dream alongside delicate or rich, meaty . It's also the perfect for cookouts!

Do you peel mango before cutting it?

Yes, peeling a mango whole is much easier than peeling each individual slice.

The easiest way to do this is with a Y-shaped vegetable peeler, which offers good control and reduces the chance of the mango slipping. Once peeled, use a sharp knife to carefully slice off the cheeks of the mango, avoiding the large pit in the center. Then it’s time to slice it up!

How do you pick a good mango?

The first step to , is choosing a perfectly ripe one. For this recipe, Ataulfo mangoes are best. They're sometimes labeled honey mangoes or even champagne mangoes, and are sweet with a buttery, smooth flesh. When searching through a bin of them, look for a mango that feels slightly soft when gently squeezed, similar to choosing a ripe avocado or banana.

Avoid mangos that are too mushy, as they are overripe and will be difficult to cut. On the other hand, a firm, underripe mango will not have the sweetness that this salad needs. If your mango isn't quite ripe yet and you're not in a rush, place it in a paper bag for a few days to ripen to perfection. 

2 tbsp.

lime juice (from 1 or 2 limes)

2 tbsp.

olive oil

1 tsp.

honey

3/4 tsp.

kosher salt, plus more to taste

1/4 tsp.

ground black pepper 

2

Ataulfo mangoes, cut into 3-by-1/2-inch spears

1

red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2

small jicama, peeled and sliced into matchsticks (about 1/2 cup)

1/2

small red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 c.

cilantro, chopped

Chili-lime seasoning, such as Tajín, for serving

Step  1 In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Gently fold in the mango, bell pepper, jicama, onion, and cilantro. Step  2 Taste the salad for salt. Serve with a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning.

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