Transform your summer dining with this exquisite **strawberry and mango salad**, a vibrant dish brimming with fresh, seasonal flavors. This light, refreshing, and incredibly easy-to-make salad combines the sweet succulence of ripe strawberries and the exotic tang of juicy mangoes, perfectly complemented by the salty creaminess of feta cheese. Drizzled with a zesty, fragrant ginger vinaigrette, it’s not just a meal; it’s a sensory experience designed to delight your palate and invigorate your summer days. Whether you’re seeking a quick, healthy lunch, an elegant side dish for your next BBQ, or a new way to enjoy abundant summer produce, this strawberry and mango salad recipe is your answer.
During the warmer months, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen can be less than appealing. This easy mango and strawberry salad offers a fantastic solution, allowing you to create a gourmet-quality dish in mere minutes. It’s a testament to the power of fresh, quality ingredients, proving that simple doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Ideal for those who appreciate natural goodness, this **healthy fruit salad** provides a delicious and nutritious option that’s bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Say goodbye to mundane meals and welcome a burst of summer to your table with every bite of this irresistible salad.
For those who love fresh strawberries but are looking beyond eating them plain or baking them into desserts, this salad offers a fantastic alternative. It pairs the natural sweetness of berries with the bright, tropical notes of mango, creating a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and surprisingly sophisticated. The homemade ginger vinaigrette ties all the elements together, adding a refreshing zing that elevates the entire dish. It’s a beautiful, tasty, and healthy meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
If you’re eager to explore more delightful strawberry recipes, be sure to check out some of my other popular creations: my Strawberry White Chocolate Cheesecake offers a rich, decadent treat; the Classic Strawberry Pavlova is a perfect light and airy summer dessert; and for a comforting baked good, don’t miss my Strawberry Crumble Bars. Each recipe celebrates the versatility of this beloved berry!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mango Salad
- Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal prep and cook time, this salad comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy mango, and savory feta creates a dynamic flavor profile that’s truly unforgettable.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh fruits and greens, it’s a dish that tastes good and does good for your body.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of red strawberries, golden mango, and green basil make this salad a beautiful centerpiece for any table.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences or available ingredients, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a light lunch, a healthy dinner, a potluck contribution, or a sophisticated side dish, this salad fits right in.
Ingredients for the Perfect Summer Salad
Crafting this wonderful salad requires only a handful of fresh, simple, and unprocessed ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures:
- Strawberries: As one of the stars of this recipe, fresh, ripe strawberries are paramount. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. Their sweet and slightly tart notes provide a foundational flavor. If strawberries aren’t in peak season, you can substitute them with other ripe berries like raspberries or blueberries, though this will subtly alter the salad’s overall character. For the best flavor, choose locally grown, in-season strawberries.
- Mango: This tropical fruit adds a beautiful sweetness and a fragrant, exotic aroma to the salad. Fresh, ripe mango is ideal, offering a soft, juicy texture. To select a good mango, gently squeeze it; it should yield slightly but not be overly soft. You can also use frozen mango chunks, thawed before adding to the salad, for convenience, especially when fresh mangoes are not readily available.
- Salad Greens: The foundation of our salad, providing a fresh, crisp base. I often opt for a ready-made mix of spinach, rocket (arugula), and watercress for their peppery and slightly bitter notes, which beautifully contrast the sweet fruits. However, feel free to use your favorite salad greens – crisp romaine, tender butter lettuce, or even a spring mix would work wonderfully.
- Fresh Basil: For an extra layer of fresh, aromatic, and slightly peppery flavor. Basil pairs surprisingly well with both strawberries and mango, adding an herbaceous depth that elevates the fruit. If basil isn’t your preference, fresh mint makes an excellent alternative, offering a cooling, vibrant touch.
- Feta Cheese: The salty, creamy texture of feta cheese is a crucial counterpoint to the sweet and sharp flavors of the strawberries and mango. Its briny taste provides a delightful contrast that makes the salad truly pop. I recommend using full-fat feta for its rich creaminess, but a reduced-fat version can also be used if preferred.
- Flaked Almonds: Toasted flaked almonds are essential for adding a delightful crunchy texture and a subtle, nutty flavor. Toasting them briefly enhances their aroma and crispness. If you have nut allergies or prefer other seeds, pumpkin or sunflower seeds can be used as excellent substitutes, providing similar crunch and healthy fats.
- Vinaigrette Dressing: This homemade dressing is the secret weapon of the salad. It’s crafted from high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a touch of honey for sweetness, the bright zest and juice of a fresh lemon, and freshly grated ginger for a warm, spicy kick. Honey can be swapped for maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan option, and lime or orange juice can be used instead of lemon for a different citrus note.
Tips for Choosing the Best Ingredients
- **Strawberries:** Look for berries with a uniform red color, a shiny appearance, and fresh green caps. Avoid any with white spots or mold.
- **Mangoes:** Choose mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a fruity aroma near the stem. The color isn’t always an indicator of ripeness, as some varieties remain green when ripe.
- **Greens:** Ensure your salad greens are crisp and vibrant. Avoid any wilted or discolored leaves.
- **Feta:** Opt for block feta packed in brine for the best flavor and texture, rather than pre-crumbled varieties, which can be drier.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this strawberry and mango salad is incredibly simple and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for quick meals. Follow these easy steps to assemble your vibrant, flavorful salad:
Step 1: Combine the Base. In a large mixing bowl, place your chosen salad greens. Add the freshly chopped strawberries and diced mango. Gently toss to combine the colorful fruits with the greens.
Step 2: Add Feta Cheese. Crumble the feta cheese directly into the salad bowl over the fruit and greens. The savory notes of the feta will begin to meld with the sweet fruit.
Step 3: Introduce Crunch. Sprinkle the toasted flaked almonds over the top of the salad ingredients. Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture will add a delightful contrast.
Step 4: Dress and Serve. Drizzle the prepared ginger vinaigrette generously over the entire salad. Gently toss all ingredients together one last time to ensure everything is well coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Hint: When toasting almonds, keep a close eye on them! They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Shake the frying pan frequently to ensure even toasting and prevent sticking.
Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions
While this strawberry and mango salad is fantastic on its own, its versatility allows for a variety of creative twists and serving options. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Add Protein for a Heartier Meal: To transform this into a more substantial main course, consider adding some grilled chicken breast, pan-seared prawns, or flaky grilled salmon. These proteins complement the fresh flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian protein boost, crispy baked tofu or chickpeas are excellent additions.
- Explore Different Dressings: If ginger isn’t your favorite, or you’re simply in the mood for something different, this salad is incredibly adaptable. A simple lemon and mint olive oil dressing, inspired by my Super-clean Spinach and Beetroot Salad, would offer a bright, herbaceous alternative. A balsamic glaze or a poppy seed dressing could also provide a unique flavor profile.
- Make it Vegan: Easily adapt this recipe for a vegan diet by substituting traditional feta cheese with a high-quality vegan feta alternative. Many plant-based options are now available that mimic the texture and briny flavor of dairy feta. Ensure your honey is replaced with maple or agave syrup in the vinaigrette.
- Grain Bowl Addition: Serve this vibrant fruit salad over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a complete and satisfying grain bowl. The grains will absorb the delicious dressing, adding another layer of texture and nutrition.
- Brunch Highlight: This salad makes an elegant and refreshing addition to a brunch spread. Pair it with eggs Benedict, quiche, or avocado toast for a balanced and delightful meal.
- Leftover Mango Magic: Don’t let any leftover mango go to waste! Use it to whip up a refreshing and delicious Mango Lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt drink that’s perfect for a hot day.
Storage Tips for Freshness
For the absolute best flavor and texture, this strawberry and mango salad is truly at its peak when enjoyed fresh, on the day it’s prepared. The crispness of the greens, the firmness of the fruits, and the vibrant kick of the dressing are all best experienced immediately after assembly.
However, if you happen to have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. It’s important to note that salad greens are quite delicate and tend to wilt if stored for longer periods, especially once dressed. The moisture from the dressing and the fruits can cause them to lose their crisp texture. To maximize freshness for future enjoyment, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving. You can also store the chopped fruits and greens in separate containers, then combine and dress when ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about incorporating fruit into salads and other related topics, to help you get the most out of your culinary adventures:
Why add fruit into salad? Shouldn’t salad be made solely with vegetables?
Absolutely not! The culinary world is constantly evolving, and incorporating fruit into salads is a fantastic way to introduce an exciting array of textures, flavors, and nutritional benefits. Fruits bring a natural sweetness, a vibrant tang, and often a juicy burst that can elevate an otherwise ordinary bowl of greens into something truly special. They add complexity and make the dish visually more appealing, transforming it into a meal you’ll genuinely look forward to eating. Beyond flavor, fruits are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, boosting the overall health profile of your salad.
What fruit goes well with salads?
The beauty of fruit in salads lies in its versatility. Generally, whatever fruit is in season will work best. For instance, during late spring and early summer, berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are perfect, offering sweet-tart notes. As summer progresses, stone fruits like peaches (don’t miss my Peach Salad recipe with fresh dill), nectarines, cherries, and plums can add a juicy, refreshing element. Moving into late summer and early autumn, crisp apples and pears provide a wonderful crunch and subtle sweetness. Beyond the fruits themselves, think about pairing them with crunchy nuts (like the almonds in this recipe!), creamy cheeses (feta, goat cheese, blue cheese), or even savory proteins for a well-rounded dish.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! The ginger vinaigrette can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container or a sealed jar in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep even quicker on the day you plan to serve the salad. Just give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling over your salad, as the oil and other ingredients may separate upon standing.
What kind of salad greens are best for fruit salads?
Light and crisp greens work wonderfully with fruit salads. Options like spring mix, baby spinach, arugula (rocket), butter lettuce, or mixed greens with tender leaves are excellent choices. Their delicate texture won’t overpower the fruit and will absorb the dressing beautifully. Avoid overly bitter or tough greens unless you specifically want that contrast.
Is this salad good for meal prep?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare components for meal prep. Store the chopped strawberries and mango in separate containers. Keep the salad greens unwashed and dry until ready to assemble. The toasted almonds should also be stored separately to maintain their crunch. Prepare the dressing and store it in a small jar. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure everything remains fresh and crisp.
I genuinely hope you’ll give this easy, delicious, and incredibly vibrant strawberry and mango salad a try this summer! It’s truly a delight. If you have any questions as you prepare it, please don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments below.
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📖 Recipe: Strawberry and Mango Salad
Print Recipe
4.97 from 32 votes
Strawberry and Mango Salad
Seasonal and summery salad with fresh strawberries and mango, drizzled with ginger-flavored vinaigrette. Serve as a main or as a side dish during any gatherings this season!
10 mins
2 mins
12 mins
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon flaked almonds
- 150 g mixed salad of choice
- 1 large handful of fresh basil (whole leaves or roughly chopped)
- 300 g fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 1 large mango (chopped)
- 100 g feta cheese
For ginger dressing:
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 medium lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
Instructions
- Place the almonds in a small, heated frying pan, and roast them for about 2 minutes. Once they start getting aromatic and turn golden brown, take off the frying pan and set aside.
- Place the salad of your choice and basil into a large bowl. Add chopped strawberries and mango and mix all to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted flaked almonds and mix again to combine the ingredients well.
For the ginger vinaigrette:
- Mix all the dressing ingredients together, add some salt and pepper to taste, if desired. Drizzle over the salad and serve!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Notes
- Swap fresh basil for fresh mint if you’d like.
- Honey in the ginger vinaigrette can be swapped for maple or agave syrup for a vegan option.
Storage:
This strawberry mango salad should be served fresh, on the day it was made. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 12 hours. For best results, store dressing separately and add just before serving if preparing ahead.
Nutrition
Serving: 80g |
Calories: 304kcal |
Carbohydrates: 29g |
Protein: 7g |
Fat: 20g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 11g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 22mg |
Sodium: 297mg |
Potassium: 384mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 20g |
Vitamin A: 1112IU |
Vitamin C: 86mg |
Calcium: 174mg |
Iron: 1mg
Did you make this?
Tell me how you like it! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag @anna_wierzbinska on Instagram. I love seeing your take on my recipes!
This recipe for strawberry and mango salad was originally published in June 2018. It has been thoroughly updated with new photos, a revised recipe, and additional tips in June 2022 to provide an even better experience for my readers.