| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 175 | 6g | 1g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 24g | 4g | 4g | 0.33g |
In my culinary adventures, I’ve fallen head over heels for the vibrant taste and tantalizing aromas of the Thai Mango Salad with Kaffir Lime Leaves. The Southeast Asian cuisine is a delightful departure from my usual Southern-fried comfort zone, offering its symphony of fresh, sour, hot, and sweet flavors. This salad, besides being downright mouth-wateringly delicious, masterfully marries fruits and herbs in a medley that’s as refreshing as an early morning surf at Folly Beach. What I especially love about this recipe is that it elegantly showcases the simplicity of ingredients yet explodes with complex flavors.
In Love with Flavor Combinations
Essentially, Thai food is a balance of three to four flavors – sour, sweet, fiery, and sometimes salty. In the case of the Thai Mango Salad with Kaffir Lime Leaves, the tartness of fresh lime juice is contrasted and complemented by the sweetness of ripe mangoes. Stir in the punchy heat from red chillies, the umami notes from the fish sauce, and the earthy, aromatic tones from a mixture of fresh cilantro, sweet basil and mint leaves, and you’ve got yourself a palate dance that’s sheer nirvana. Plus, the vibrant kaffir lime leaves add a spirited citrus note that’s nothing short of invigorating.
A Twist on Nutrition
Beyond the specter of tantalizing flavors, this sumptuous salad serves up a wholesome plateful of nutrients, too. Mangoes, hailed as the king of fruits, are rich in fiber, vitamin C and A, and host a plethora of antioxidants. When paired with nutritious, heart-healthy peanuts and antioxidant-rich herbs like cilantro and mint, this salad is magnificent for overall well-being. To boost the health factor even higher, try opting for organic or non-GMO ingredients where you can. Here is some more information on the health benefits of mangoes.
Dishes to Pair
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside this Thai Mango Salad, possibilities abound. It pairs seamlessly with grilled dishes, especially seafood like shrimp and scallops. For a satisfying Southeast Asian spread, combine this dish with some Lobster Pad Thai or a soothing bowl of Tom Yum Soup. Not only would this make for a delicious and thoughtful dinner, but you’ll also introduce your loved ones to an entire world of flavors.
As far as fruit salads go, this is my ultimate favorite, and I sincerely hope this foray into my recipe book inspires you to don your chef’s hat and whip up some healthy, tasty magic.
What You’ll Need
- 3 ripe mangoes
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 small red chillies, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 20 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup sweet basil leaves
- 1/3 cup mint leaves
Method
Step One
First, prepare the mangoes. Peel the mangoes and then slice them into thin strips. Set the mango strips aside for later use.
Step Two
Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir these ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved.
Step Three
Add the chopped red chilies and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl of dressing. Stir again to combine these ingredients.
Step Four
It’s time to prepare the herbs. Rinse and dry the cilantro, basil, and mint leaves. Coarsely chop these herbs and add them to a large salad bowl.
Step Five
Add the thinly sliced mango strips to the salad bowl with the herbs. Also, add the finely chopped kaffir lime leaves.
Step Six
Pour the dressing over the mangoes and herbs. Toss the salad well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
Step Seven
Finally, sprinkle the coarsely chopped roasted peanuts over the top of the salad. This adds a nice crunch and contrasts well with the soft mangoes and herbs.
Step Eight
The Thai Mango Salad with Kaffir Lime Leaves is now ready to serve. Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite Thai main course, or as a refreshing meal on its own. Enjoy!
