Avocado Mango Salad with Cilantro and Roasted Cashews

This is certainly on the list of the most refreshing and vibrant salads I have ever enjoyed. Colorful chunks of sweet mango and creamy avocado are dressed up with a bold and tangy lime dressing that embraces the herbs and fruit for a extra boost to the palate without overpowering the balance of flavors throughout. I've added jalapeño here for a bit of a kick and stove-top toasted cashews for some nuttiness and texture. There's a lot going on here, but it all comes together texturally and textually for a stunning taste experience. Despite the complexity of flavors, putting this salad together takes very little time at all and should be considered an ideal summer meal accompaniment or light lunch.

In addition to serving as a side salad, consider the various roles this dish can play at the table and serve it up much like you would your favorite condiments, such as a chunky chutney.

Avocado Mango Salad with Cilantro and Roasted Cashews

Recipe by Lisa Turner
Adapted from Vegan Eats World: 300 International Recipes for Savoring the Planet
Published on July 21, 2014

Beautiful summer salad of chunks of creamy avocado and sweet mango tossed in a zesty lime dressing and tossed with fresh mint and toasted cashews

Preparation: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes

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Dressing:

juice from 1 lime (2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar or 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon coconut sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
fresh cracked black pepper to taste
sprinkle of dried red pepper flakes (optional)

Salad:

1/3 cup raw cashews, halved or chopped
1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and cut into cubes
1 ripe red mango, pitted, peeled and cut into cubes
1 small red onion, cut into thin slices
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, cut into rings and seeded
unsweetened dried grated coconut for garnish

Instructions:

Toast the cashews in a dry unoiled skillet over medium-low heat, tossing or stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
To make the dressing, whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
In a medium bowl, pour the dressing over the avocado and gently toss. Add the mango to the bowl, along with the red onion, cilantro, mint, jalapeño and half of the cashews. Gently toss to coat.
Serve at room temperature or cold, garnished with the remaining cashews and some grated coconut.

Makes about 3 to 4 cups or 2 to 3 servings