Mango Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion! The sweet and juicy mango pairs beautifully with the crunchy cabbage and crisp bell peppers, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Its colorful appearance makes it an eye-catching side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or even as a topping for tacos. You’ll find that this slaw not only delights the palate but also brightens up any table!
As you prepare this tasty dish, prepare for an immersive sensory experience—the bright colors, fresh scents, and the satisfying crunch of each bite are simply irresistible. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Mango Slaw, including ingredient preparation, step-by-step instructions, tips for serving, and variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Mango Slaw!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh ingredients make each bite full of flavor.
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Loaded with vitamins and fiber for a nutritious boost.
- Versatile enough to accompany a variety of dishes.
- Beautiful presentation adds a fun touch to any meal.
You won’t want to miss out on this delightful recipe!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Start by selecting 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and julienned, 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple), 1 red bell pepper, julienned, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, Juice of 2 limes, 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup, Salt and pepper to taste.
Mango
- Use ripe, juicy mangoes for a sweet and tropical flavor.
- Peel and julienne them into thin strips for easy mixing.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, consider using papaya or peaches for a different fruit base.
- Make sure to choose mangoes that yield slightly when pressed; this indicates ripeness.
Cabbage
- Shredded green or purple cabbage adds crispness and a nice crunch.
- Simply chop the cabbage into thin strips or buy pre-shredded.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, kale or lettuce can work in a pinch.
- Be careful to avoid over-slicing; smaller pieces ensure they mix well with other ingredients.
Red Bell Pepper
- A red bell pepper provides sweetness and a pop of color.
- Julienne the pepper by slicing lengthwise into thin strips.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, yellow or orange bell peppers can also be used.
- Use fresh bell peppers for the best flavor and texture.
Red Onion
- Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- Slice the onion as thinly as possible to avoid overpowering the dish.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, green onions can offer a similar flavor with less intensity.
- Soaking sliced onion in cold water for a few minutes can reduce their bite if desired.
Cilantro
- Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that brightens the slaw.
- Chop the cilantro roughly, as it doesn’t need to be finely minced.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, parsley provides a milder flavor.
- Use fresh cilantro for an aromatic touch that enhances the overall taste.
Lime Juice
- Fresh lime juice brings acidity that balances the sweetness of the mango.
- Squeeze the juice directly from the lime, straining out any seeds.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, lemon juice can work well too.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the best flavor.
Honey or Agave Syrup
- Honey or agave syrup adds natural sweetness to the slaw.
- Mix it well with the lime juice before combining with the other ingredients.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, maple syrup can provide a unique flavor.
- Ensure you mix it well, as it helps evenly distribute the sweetness.
Salt and Pepper
- Simple seasonings enhance the flavors in the slaw.
- Use to taste, starting with a pinch of each and adjusting as needed.
- If you’re looking for an alternative, try adding a sprinkle of chili powder for a kick.
- Always taste before serving to ensure the seasoning is balanced.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this Mango Slaw is a breeze! With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a fresh and delicious dish ready to serve.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean surface. Cut the mangoes, cabbage, red bell pepper, and onion as described above. This will make assembly quick and easy!
Step 2: Toss the Slaw
In a large bowl, combine the julienned mango, shredded cabbage, red bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently mix everything together until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add the Cilantro
Once your vegetables are mixed, sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and toss again. This adds a fresh flavor that’s essential to the slaw’s character.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey (or agave). Add a pinch of salt and pepper, tasting as you go, to balance the flavors to your liking.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture. Gently toss everything together until well coated. This helps the slaw absorb the dressing flavors fully.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
If time allows, let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once chilled, give the slaw a final toss before serving. Serve it as a side or on top of tacos for a delicious crunch!
How to Serve
- Present the slaw in a colorful bowl to enhance its visual appeal.
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Serve in small portions to allow guests to sample it alongside other dishes.
- Elevate the experience by pairing it with a light white wine or refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
This refreshing mango slaw is bound to impress!
Additional Tips
- For a flavor boost, add a splash of rice vinegar to the slaw mix.
- Customize with other vegetables like shredded carrots or diced avocado.
- Consider serving it on a bed of lettuce for added texture.
Recipe Variations
- Tropical Twist: Add pineapple chunks for extra sweetness and a tropical flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños for a delightful heat that balances the sweet mango.
- Creamy Option: Stir in some Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy, tangy version of the slaw.
Freezing and Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, flash freeze the slaw on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Special Equipment
- Sharp knife for chopping.
- Cutting board for prep.
- Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
- Whisk for the dressing.
- Airtight containers for storage.
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen mango can be used, but fresh mango offers the best texture and flavor. Allow frozen mango to thaw completely before julienning.
Is this dish healthy?
Absolutely! This slaw is low in calories and loaded with vitamins, making it a nutritious option.
Can I make this slaw in advance?
Yes! The flavors deepen as it sits, making it perfect to prepare a few hours ahead of serving.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Definitely! You can adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
What are some alternative cooking methods?
This slaw is primarily a raw dish, but you can roast the vegetables for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Mango Slaw is the perfect fresh dish that combines sweetness, crunch, and vibrant colors. It’s not only easy to make, but it also brings a nutritious boost to your meals. Enjoy this slaw at picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side anytime. Embrace the flavors of summer with this delightful recipe, and feel free to share it with family and friends!
Mango Slaw
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces ripe mangoes, peeled and julienned Choose mangoes that yield slightly when pressed for ripeness.
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple) Can use pre-shredded cabbage for convenience.
- 1 piece red bell pepper, julienned Fresh bell peppers provide the best flavor and texture.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced Soaking in cold water can reduce the bite if desired.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Use fresh for an aromatic touch.
- 2 pieces lime, juiced Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup Mix well to evenly distribute sweetness.
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust seasoning as needed.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean surface and prepare them as described.
Mixing the Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine the julienned mango, shredded cabbage, red bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and toss again.
Adding the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey (or agave). Add a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and gently toss until well coated.
Resting and Serving
- Let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes if time allows.
- Give the slaw a final toss before serving. Serve as a side or on top of tacos.
