Embark on a journey of vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness with our Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad recipe. This refreshing salad is a celebration of nature’s bounty, combining the creamy richness of avocado, the tropical sweetness of mango, and the nutty crunch of walnuts. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, promising a delightful and nutritious culinary experience.
In this culinary exploration, we invite you to discover the art of creating a salad that not only satisfies the palate but also nourishes the body with a medley of vitamins, minerals, and essential fats. Join us as we unveil the simple yet elegant steps to craft this masterpiece in your own kitchen, bringing together the best of seasonal produce in a bowl of freshness and flavor.
Avocado Mango And Walnut Salad Recipe Ingredients:
Salad:
- Avocado:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced.
- Mango:
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced.
- Walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped.
- Mixed Greens:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach, etc.).
- Red Onion:
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced.
- Feta Cheese (Optional):
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese.
Dressing: 7. Olive Oil:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
- Lime or Lemon Juice:
- Juice of 1 lime or lemon.
- Honey:
- 1 tablespoon honey.
- Dijon Mustard:
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- Salt and Pepper:
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Note: Adjust the quantities based on the number of servings and personal preferences. Ensure all ingredients are fresh and ripe for the best flavor.
Avocado Mango And Walnut Salad Recipe Instructions:
Preparation:
- Dice Avocado and Mango:
- Peel, pit, and dice the avocados. Peel, pit, and dice the mango. Ensure both are cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Toast Walnuts:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once fragrant and slightly golden, remove from heat and let them cool. Roughly chop the toasted walnuts.
Assembling the Salad: 3. Prepare Salad Greens:
- Place the mixed salad greens on a serving platter or in a large salad bowl.
- Layer Avocado and Mango:
- Evenly distribute the diced avocado and mango over the bed of salad greens.
- Add Red Onion:
- Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the avocado and mango.
- Sprinkle Toasted Walnuts:
- Scatter the toasted and chopped walnuts across the salad, ensuring an even distribution.
- Optional Feta Cheese:
- If using, crumble the feta cheese over the salad for a savory touch.
Prepare the Dressing: 8. Whisk Olive Oil and Citrus Juice:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and the juice of one lime or lemon.
- Add Honey and Dijon Mustard:
- Add honey and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Continue whisking until the ingredients are well combined.
- Season with Salt and Pepper:
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
Dressing the Salad:
11. Drizzle Dressing: – Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Gentle Toss:
- Gently toss the salad, ensuring the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
Serve Immediately: 13. Serve Fresh: – Enjoy the Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad immediately to preserve the crispness of the ingredients and the vibrant flavors.
Note: Feel free to customize the salad by adjusting the quantity of ingredients or adding extra toppings according to your taste preferences. This salad is a delightful blend of textures and tastes, showcasing the beauty of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Techniques:
- Prepping Ingredients:
- Peel, pit, and dice the avocado. Peel and dice the mango. Crumble the feta cheese if using.
- Toasting Walnuts:
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to intensify their flavor. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad.
- Assembling Salad:
- Arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter. Layer with diced avocado, mango, sliced red onions, and toasted walnuts. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Whisking Dressing:
- Whisk together olive oil, lime or lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create a well-balanced dressing.
- Dressing the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the assembled salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad as a refreshing side dish or add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Enjoy it immediately to preserve the crispness of the ingredients.
Customization Options:
- Experiment with other types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds.
- Add a handful of cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of color and acidity.
- Swap feta cheese for goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version.
This Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of vibrant colors, diverse flavors, and the joy of nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Explore the beauty of simplicity in this salad that captures the essence of fresh, seasonal produce.
Avocado Mango And Walnut Salad Recipe Variations:
- Balsamic Bliss:
- Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the salad for a tangy and sweet flavor profile. Substitute balsamic vinegar for part of the olive oil in the dressing.
- Quinoa Power Bowl:
- Toss cooked quinoa into the salad for added protein and substance, turning it into a wholesome main course.
- Citrus Burst:
- Include citrus segments such as orange or grapefruit to enhance the citrusy notes in the salad.
- Grilled Chicken Delight:
- Top the salad with grilled chicken slices for a protein-packed option. Marinate the chicken in citrus and herbs for added flavor.
- Minty Freshness:
- Infuse the salad with fresh mint leaves for a burst of herbal freshness. Chop the mint and sprinkle it over the ingredients.
- Jicama Crunch:
- Add jicama slices for a crisp and slightly sweet crunch, bringing an additional layer of texture to the salad.
- Cucumber Coolness:
- Incorporate cucumber slices to introduce a cool and refreshing element, balancing the richness of avocado and sweetness of mango.
- Spicy Kick:
- For a touch of heat, sprinkle red chili flakes or finely chopped jalapeños over the salad. The spice pairs well with the sweetness of mango.
- Goat Cheese Glamour:
- Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese for a tangy and creamy alternative that complements the sweetness of mango.
- Pomegranate Pop:
- Sprinkle pomegranate arils over the salad to add juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Lemon Herb Elegance:
- Infuse the dressing with finely chopped herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro, along with a hint of lemon zest for a burst of herbaceousness.
- Arugula Adventure:
- Substitute arugula for the mixed salad greens for a peppery and slightly bitter undertone.
Feel free to mix and match these variations or create your own combinations to tailor the Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad to your taste preferences. The versatility of this salad allows for endless creative possibilities!
Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad Recipe Presentation and Serving Suggestions:
- Elevated Plating:
- Serve the Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad on a large, flat platter or individual plates to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
- Symmetrical Arrangement:
- Arrange the salad components symmetrically for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Place the avocado and mango pieces evenly, and sprinkle the walnuts in a decorative manner.
- Colorful Contrast:
- Highlight the contrasting colors by placing the green avocado and mango against the white and purple hues of the red onion. This creates visual appeal and makes the salad look more enticing.
- Walnut Garnish:
- Scatter a few whole toasted walnuts on top of the salad as a garnish. This draws attention to the nutty element and adds an inviting texture.
- Feta Finesse:
- If using feta cheese, crumble a bit on top of the salad just before serving. The white crumbles provide a delightful contrast to the colorful fruits and greens.
- Drizzle with Dressing:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, allowing it to glisten and enhance the overall presentation. Consider serving extra dressing on the side for those who prefer an extra burst of flavor.
- Fresh Herb Sprinkle:
- Sprinkle a few fresh herb leaves, such as cilantro or mint, over the salad for a touch of freshness. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also introduces herbal notes to the dish.
- Side Citrus Wedges:
- Serve citrus wedges (lime or lemon) on the side of the platter. This not only enhances the citrusy flavors in the salad but also allows individuals to customize the level of acidity in their portions.
- Transparent Bowl Elegance:
- If using a bowl, consider using a transparent or glass bowl to showcase the layers of ingredients, making the salad even more enticing.
- Dinner Party Centerpiece:
- Make the salad the centerpiece of your dinner table, encouraging guests to admire and appreciate the fresh and vibrant components.
- Personalized Servings:
- For individual servings, assemble the salads in separate bowls or on plates, ensuring each portion is a work of art in itself.
- Photogenic Presentation:
- If sharing your creation on social media or capturing the moment, arrange the salad in a visually appealing way to make it Instagram-worthy.
Remember, the presentation of the Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad is an extension of its freshness and flavor. By taking a few extra moments to arrange the ingredients thoughtfully, you turn a simple salad into a visually stunning and appetizing masterpiece. Enjoy the feast for the eyes and the palate!
Avocado Mango And Walnut Salad Recipe Nutritional Information:
Nutritional Information (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 6-8g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 8-10g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Sodium: 150-200mg
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 100-150% of daily recommended intake
- Vitamin C: 70-90% of daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 4-6% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: 8-10% of daily recommended intake
Healthy Fats:
- The majority of fats come from heart-healthy monounsaturated fats found in avocados and olive oil, along with omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts.
Protein:
- Protein content is moderate, making this salad a suitable side dish or a light meal when paired with additional protein sources.
Note: The nutritional values provided are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and dressing quantities. This Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad is not only a flavorful and refreshing choice but also offers a balance of essential nutrients and healthy fats. If you have specific dietary requirements or health concerns, it’s recommended to consult with a nutritionist for personalized advice.
Avocado Mango And Walnut Salad Recipe Conclusion:
In the final ensemble of flavors, our Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad stands as a tribute to the beauty of simplicity and the joy found in fresh, wholesome ingredients. As you take the last forkful, let the creamy richness of avocado, the tropical sweetness of mango, and the nutty crunch of walnuts linger on your palate.
This salad is more than just a combination of ingredients; it’s a celebration of nature’s bounty, a symphony of colors and textures that elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing side dish or a light and satisfying meal, this salad is a testament to the art of crafting culinary masterpieces with minimal effort.
As you relish the vibrant flavors and nourishing goodness of this creation, we hope it inspires you to explore the endless possibilities that lie within each fresh, seasonal ingredient. From the first crisp bite to the final burst of sweetness, may this Avocado Mango and Walnut Salad be a reminder that good food is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.
Thank you for joining us on this culinary journey. Here’s to savoring the beauty in every bite and embracing the art of wholesome eating. Until our next flavorful adventure, happy cooking and bon appétit!
