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Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, and toss everything together to coat the vegetables and mango with the vibrant, flavorful dressing. You’ll notice how beautifully the mangoes glisten and the vegetables soak up the tangy dressing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts (or cashews) on top of the salad for a satisfying crunch. If you want to elevate the dish even more, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top for a nice finish. Garnish with extra cilantro and mint if you desire.
Serve the salad immediately, or allow it to chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors marinate. This salad can also be made ahead of time, just wait to add the peanuts or sesame seeds until just before serving to keep them crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Thai Mango Salad
- Refreshing and Light: The combination of sweet mango, crunchy vegetables, and fresh herbs creates a light, refreshing salad that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a side dish to any meal.
- Packed with Flavor: With a zesty lime dressing, a touch of sesame oil, and the added heat from chilies, this salad delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Nutrient-Rich: Mangoes are high in vitamin C, carrots provide beta-carotene, and the nuts offer healthy fats and protein, making this salad both delicious and nourishing.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this salad comes together in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to your liking! You can add extra veggies, swap the peanuts for almonds or sunflower seeds, or even add tofu for a more filling meal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Vegan Thai Mango Salad
- Use Ripe Mangoes: Make sure your mangoes are ripe and sweet to balance the tangy dressing. A ripe mango will give easily when gently squeezed.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the bird’s eye chilies and reduce the chili flakes in the dressing. Conversely, if you love heat, add more chilies for an extra punch.
- Add Tofu or Tempeh for Protein: Want to make this salad a main dish? Add some crispy fried tofu or tempeh for added protein.
- Chill for Extra Flavor: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together—this is a great way to enhance the taste before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Thai Mango Salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, with a touch of heat that makes it irresistible. Whether you enjoy it as a fresh side dish, a light meal, or a potluck favorite, it’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare, using simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
Give it a try the next time you’re craving something light, fresh, and vibrant, and let the burst of Thai-inspired flavors transport you to a tropical paradise! Enjoy!
