This simple, fuss-free salad packs sweet and spicy flavours in one, especially when fresh mango takes center stage. A mango salad like this packs bold flavor, simple prep, and healthy ingredients.
The Flavor Profile: Why Sweet and Spicy Work Together
Mango’s soft, rich sweetness balances the bold kick of chili, creating a taste that’s both surprising and satisfying. This combo is popular across Southeast Asia and Latin America, where fresh, zesty heat meets ripe, juicy fruit in street snacks and salads. Each bite lights up your senses, delivering what chefs call “contrast and harmony”—two words that describe why you keep reaching for more.
Exploring Mango: Choosing the Right Variety
The mango you pick for your salad sets the whole stage. Not every mango is created equal—some are more sweet, some more tangy, and some hold their shape better when tossed.
I have used Alphonso mangoes that are very sweet, crisp, and very fresh. I wanted my salad to have a slightly juicy texture and hence I chose Aphonso the King of Mangoes.
Tip: If you want the bite or firm texture, use slightly underripe mangoes for more bite and a touch of tartness.
Choosing the right variety gives your salad the perfect texture—a little firmness to hold the shape, and enough natural sugar to balance the coming heat.
I was a bit doubtful to choose Alphonso mangoes as when ripe they are not that firm, but it blended well in the recipe. And if you love Alphonso mangoes you will love this Aaamras – without blender or this 2 Ingredients Mango Smoothie.
Have you tried our most popular recipe, Sweet Mango Chili Sauce. It is perfect with salads and chips or a spread on bread.
The Role of Spices and Heat
That fiery note in mango salad doesn’t just wake up your taste buds—it’s also at the heart of what makes the dish unique. Across regions like Thailand and Mexico, people love sprinkling fresh chili or drizzling hot sauce over fruit.
Consider these ingredients when adding a spicy kick:
- Chili flakes or powder: Easy to stir in, they let you control the heat level.
- Fresh chili (like red chili or jalapeño): Thinly sliced, they bring vibrant color and sharp, clean spice. Remove seeds for less heat.
- Sriracha or chili sauce: Adds a gentle burn and a smooth finish.
- Tajin (chili-lime seasoning): A classic in Latin America, it blends salt, chili, and lime for a tangy, addicting sprinkle.
Spice doesn’t just tingle—it can boost circulation and even help you eat more slowly, letting you enjoy each mouthful. The vitamin C and antioxidants in both chilies and mangoes also make this salad more than just a treat.
Hot Chili Sauce I used
I have used a pre-made sauce from O’Mimo’s, a local brand here. I tried Omimo’s head exploder hot chilli sauce and it was just perfect for this salad. It had the bold flavour and the intense heat that paired with the sweet mango. If you are in Ireland, you can buy this online on their site, but if you are in any other country, you can replace it with any sauce that has a little heat and is a little tangy, and has a slight sweetness to it.
My sauce has red chili, oil, salt, a bit of sugar and a few spices. So it is the perfect balance of spice and sugar in one.
Base Ingredients for a Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad
Keep it simple for the best flavor and texture. A standard batch serves 2–4 people and highlights the best mangoes you can find. Here’s what you need:
- Mango: 2 large, just-ripe mangoes, diced or sliced (about 1-1.5 cups). Look for ones with firm but tender flesh.
- Green Papaya: Fresh green papaya, sliced and added, gives a body to the salad and a crunch.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries pair well with mangoes. It is optional, but I would recommend adding it.
- Onion: Adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- Crushed Roasted Peanuts: This adds a crunch in the salad and the protein content.
- Hot Red chili Sauce: 2 tablespoons (More or less depending on the heat level of the sauce)
- Fresh Herbs: 2–3 tablespoons chopped basil for a burst of freshness.
- Fresh Lime Juice: This lifts the flavors and brings everything together.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste. Use flaky sea salt if you’ve got it.
- Pomegranate: Add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the salad.
- Pine Nuts: For garnish and crunch.
I have added blueberries, onion, raw papaya and pomegranate here. One can replace it with avocado, cucumber, bell pepper or carrot. However I will not change this recipe and might just add avocado to the least as it was just perfect for us.
Serve your sweet and spicy mango salad as an
- Appetizer
- Side Dish
- Tacoo Topping
Sweet and spicy mango salad
Equipment
- Chopping Board
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe Mangoes – Sliced or Cubed
- ¼ Cup Green Papaya Sliced
- ¼ cup Fresh Blueberries
- ¼ Cup Onion Sliced
- ¼ Cup Crushed Roasted Peanuts
- 2 tablespoon Hot Red Chili Sauce
- ¼ Cup Pomegranate kernels
- 4-5 Basil Leaves
- 2 tablespoon Lime Juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon Pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl add all the ingredients, leaving salt, lime juice, 1-2 basil leaves and pine nuts for garnish.2 Ripe Mangoes, ¼ Cup Green Papaya, ¼ cup Fresh Blueberries, ¼ Cup Onion, ¼ Cup Crushed Roasted Peanuts, 2 tablespoon Hot Red Chili Sauce, ¼ Cup Pomegranate kernels, 4-5 Basil Leaves
- Mix gently and taste.
- Add salt and lime juice after tasting. As the sauce will have salt and would be sour as well. So add accordingly.Salt, 2 tablespoon Lime Juice
- Adjust the sauce, salt or lime juice as per taste.
- Garnish with Basil and Pine nuts.4-5 Basil Leaves, 1 tablespoon Pine nuts
Notes
- The above measurements are rough guidelines, one can change as per liking.
- Read above for substitutions.
- If making it ahead of time, add salt and lime juice just before serving, as the fruits and veggies will release water.
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