Thai Green Mango Salad with Sweet Chili Dressing

This vibrant and refreshing salad showcases the unique flavors of green mango, a fruit native to Southeast Asia. The crisp, tart mango is balanced by the sweetness of the chili dressing, while the red onion, cilantro, and mint add layers of freshness and herbaceousness. The secret to this dish lies in the use of green mango, which has a slightly sour and astringent flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy dressing. When choosing a green mango, look for one that is firm and slightly greenish-yellow in color. To make the salad, simply combine the thinly sliced mango, onion, cilantro, and mint in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice, sugar, sweet chili sauce, and fish sauce. Pour the dressing over the mango mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately or chill for later.

The origins of this salad can be traced back to the bustling street markets of Thailand, where vendors would sell a variety of fresh and flavorful salads. One of the most popular salads was a green mango salad, which was made with unripe green mangoes, red onions, cilantro, mint, and a spicy dressing. Over time, this salad became a staple of Thai cuisine and was adopted by home cooks throughout the country. It is now a common dish served at both casual and formal gatherings.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium green mango, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mango, onion, cilantro, and mint.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, sugar, sweet chili sauce, and fish sauce.
3. Pour the dressing over the mango mixture and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Why It Works

• The combination of green mango, red onion, cilantro, and mint creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
• The sweet chili dressing adds a subtle sweetness and spiciness to the salad, while the lime juice brightens the flavors.
• The salad is easy to make and can be served immediately or chilled for later, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.