The delightful combination of sweet mango, creamy avocado, juicy prawns, and tangy lime dressing makes this salad a refreshing star of summer. Tossed gently with risoni pasta and fresh herbs, each bite delivers a balanced burst of texture and flavor.
Perfect as a light lunch, dinner, or potluck contribution, this colorful dish comes together quickly and effortlessly. You can easily swap out ingredients like rice for quinoa or add extras like corn and cucumber to suit your preferences. It’s a spoon-friendly salad that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to prepare.
Full Recipe:
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2.5 cups cooked risoni/orzo (or rice/quinoa/pearl couscous)
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300–400g (10–12 oz) cooked peeled prawns, chopped (~750g unpeeled whole cooked)
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1 large mango, diced into 1.5cm pieces
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1 ripe avocado, diced into 1.5cm pieces
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75g (2.5 oz) rocket/arugula, roughly chopped
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250g (8 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 red onion, finely sliced
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1/4 cup coriander (cilantro), chopped
Lime Dressing:
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4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp fresh lime juice (plus more to taste)
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1 small garlic clove, minced
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions:
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Shake all the dressing ingredients in a jar until well combined. Set aside.
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Chop the prawns into 1.75–2 cm pieces.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked risoni/orzo, chopped prawns, mango, avocado, rocket, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and coriander.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss very gently using a rubber spatula to avoid mashing the avocado.
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Adjust lime juice or seasoning to taste.
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Serve immediately as a vibrant meal or refreshing side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for risoni) | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 536 kcal | Servings: 4–5 people
Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad: A Vibrant and Refreshing Dish for Summer Days
The Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful dish perfect for hot summer days. With its combination of juicy prawns, sweet mangoes, creamy avocado, and tangy lime dressing, this salad is the ideal meal to enjoy on warm afternoons. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a side dish at a BBQ, or a satisfying meal, this salad offers a burst of flavor with every bite. Its versatility makes it suitable for various dietary preferences and occasions.
Why Choose the Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad?
There are plenty of reasons why the Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad should be your go-to summer dish. First, it’s easy to make, requiring minimal cooking and only a few ingredients. Second, it is packed with nutrients from the fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while prawns provide a lean protein that’s low in fat but high in omega-3 fatty acids. Avocados contribute healthy fats, helping to make the salad not only delicious but also nutrient-dense.
One of the best aspects of this salad is its ability to be customized to suit different tastes. It can be made with various greens, grains, or even other seafood depending on your preference. Whether you’re looking for something light, hearty, or even a little indulgent, this salad can easily adapt to what you have in your kitchen.
Perfect for Entertaining or Everyday Meals
The Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad is a fantastic dish for entertaining. It’s a visually stunning salad that can be served in large bowls for a shared meal or plated individually for a more refined presentation. The colorful contrast between the bright orange prawns, the golden mango cubes, and the vibrant green avocado makes it an attractive dish to serve at gatherings.
For everyday meals, it works wonderfully as a quick lunch or dinner. If you’re pressed for time, this salad comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy days when you want something healthy but don’t have the time to cook an elaborate meal.
How to Customize Your Salad
While the basic version of this salad is already a delicious combination of prawns, mango, avocado, and lime dressing, there are many ways to tweak it based on your preferences.
For example, if you’re not a fan of prawns, you could substitute them with another type of seafood, such as crab or lobster. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could replace the prawns with beans or grilled tofu for added protein.
In terms of greens, rocket (arugula) is a popular choice, but you can easily switch it out for spinach, mixed lettuce, or even shredded cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor. You can also add a variety of vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or corn for extra crunch and color. If you prefer a more substantial salad, you can include quinoa, rice, or orzo (risoni), making it more filling and perfect for a complete meal.
Making It Your Own with Dressing Variations
The lime dressing that ties this salad together is simple yet flavorful, with olive oil, fresh lime juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper. However, it’s easy to customize the dressing to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add a little bit of honey for sweetness, or throw in some chili flakes for a spicy kick. A few fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can also be blended into the dressing for an added burst of flavor.
If you prefer a creamy dressing, you could mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream for a rich, tangy finish. For a more Asian-inspired twist, add a splash of soy sauce or a dollop of peanut butter to create a satay-style dressing. The key to any great salad is balancing the flavors, and this dressing can be easily adjusted to match your taste.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing This Salad with Other Dishes
While this salad is filling enough on its own, it pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. Its light yet satisfying nature makes it a great complement to heavier, grilled dishes or barbecue fare.
For vegetarians or those following a plant-based diet, the salad can be served with roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein like tempeh or chickpeas. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving this salad as part of a larger spread, paired with sides like roasted potatoes, a classic tomato mozzarella salad, or grilled bread.
The Nutritional Benefits of This Salad
The Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad isn’t just tasty – it’s packed with essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy, balanced diet. The prawns provide high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health. Mangoes offer a rich source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps boost the immune system and support healthy skin. Avocados, rich in heart-healthy fats, help keep you feeling full longer, while also providing potassium, which is essential for muscle and nerve function.
The addition of fresh greens, like rocket, helps to add fiber, while the bright lime dressing offers an extra boost of vitamin C. This salad is also naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Perfect for All Occasions
The versatility of this salad makes it perfect for various occasions. It works well as a refreshing side dish for a summer BBQ, a light lunch on a warm day, or a healthy dinner when you’re craving something fresh. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, and its bright colors and textures make it stand out at any gathering.
For a special touch, serve it with a chilled glass of white wine or a tropical cocktail, like a mojito or piña colada, to further enhance the summer vibe.
Conclusion: A Summer Salad You’ll Keep Coming Back To
In conclusion, the Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad is a must-try dish for anyone looking to enjoy a fresh, light, and flavorful meal. With its combination of juicy prawns, sweet mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing, it’s the perfect summer salad for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, enjoying a light lunch, or simply craving something healthy, this salad checks all the boxes.
What makes this salad even better is its ability to be customized to suit a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences. You can easily swap ingredients, adjust the dressing to your liking, or add extra veggies and grains to make it even more filling. No matter how you prepare it, one thing is for sure – it will be a refreshing and satisfying dish that you’ll want to make time and time again.
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing, nutrient-packed salad, and make it your new go-to meal when the sun is shining!