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This Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad combines the sweetness of ripe mango, the creaminess of avocado, and the delicate brininess of prawns, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The addition of fresh herbs, a tangy sesame-lime dressing, and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts adds a delightful crunch and depth to this vibrant dish.
Perfect for warm days, this salad is light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients. It’s a versatile meal that can be served as a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing starter. The tropical flavors will transport you to a beachside escape, making it an ideal dish for any summer occasion.
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Full Recipe:
- 500g cooked prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 avocado, peeled and diced
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 red chili, finely sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Directions:
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- In a large bowl, combine the prawns, mango, avocado, red onion, cucumber, coriander, mint, and chili (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts before serving for extra crunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad: A Tropical Delight for Your Summer Menu
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, the need for light, refreshing, and flavorful meals becomes increasingly important. Enter the Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad — a tropical, nutrient-packed dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also delivers on health and nutrition. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a vibrant side dish, this salad combines the best of summer’s bounty with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Its quick preparation and versatility make it a go-to option for those seeking a fuss-free yet gourmet experience.
A Fusion of Flavors
At the heart of this recipe is the harmonious fusion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The sweet, juicy mango provides a bright contrast to the creamy, rich avocado, while the prawns lend a delicate, oceanic flavor that ties the whole salad together. The inclusion of fresh herbs like coriander and mint not only brings an aromatic element but also elevates the tropical essence of the dish.
A sesame-lime dressing, inspired by Asian cuisine, is the perfect complement, adding a zesty, slightly nutty flavor. This dressing strikes a fine balance between the tanginess of lime, the umami notes of fish sauce, and the subtle sweetness from a dash of sugar. The finishing touch? A sprinkling of roasted peanuts adds a crunchy texture that makes each bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
A Nutrient Powerhouse
This summer salad is not just a feast for the senses; it’s also a nutritional powerhouse, rich in essential vitamins, healthy fats, and lean protein. Each ingredient brings something unique to the table in terms of health benefits.
- Prawns are an excellent source of high-quality protein and low in fat, making them a healthy option for those looking to maintain muscle mass while controlling calorie intake. They’re also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Mango is packed with vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for boosting immunity, promoting healthy skin, and supporting eye health. Mangoes are also high in fiber, aiding digestion, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
- Avocado is one of the best sources of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. In addition, avocado is loaded with vitamins E and K, and it contains more potassium than bananas, making it great for overall cardiovascular health.
- Fresh herbs, such as coriander and mint, not only contribute to the vibrant flavor of the salad but also offer numerous health benefits. Coriander is known for its antioxidant properties, while mint can aid in digestion and provide a refreshing finish to the salad.
By combining these ingredients, this salad delivers a well-rounded meal that provides essential macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), all while being low in calories and high in satisfaction.
A Salad for All Seasons
While this dish is the epitome of a summer salad, its versatility makes it suitable for year-round enjoyment. The freshness of the mango and avocado might scream summer, but the prawns and herbs keep it sophisticated enough for a holiday table or as an elegant starter for a dinner party. You can customize the salad to suit your seasonal produce or dietary needs by swapping out ingredients or adding new ones.
For example, during cooler months, you might opt to substitute mango with citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit. Alternatively, you can use grilled prawns for a warm, comforting version of the salad. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding finely chopped chili or a drizzle of hot sauce can bring a spicy kick, making the dish feel more autumnal or wintery.
Perfect for Entertaining
One of the standout features of this salad is its visual appeal. The vibrant colors of the mango, avocado, and prawns create a beautiful palette that’s sure to catch the eye. When plated, the salad looks like a work of art, making it a fantastic choice for entertaining guests or serving at summer gatherings. The bright yellows and greens, combined with the pink hues of the prawns, offer a fresh, inviting presentation that is guaranteed to impress.
This salad can be presented as an elegant first course, or served in larger portions as a main dish. If you’re hosting a summer barbecue or picnic, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish, making it a versatile addition to any outdoor menu. The light, refreshing qualities of the salad also mean that it complements heavier dishes, helping to balance out a rich meal.
Customizable to Dietary Preferences
The Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. If you’re hosting guests with specific dietary requirements, this salad can be easily adapted. For instance:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: To make the salad vegan-friendly, simply replace the prawns with tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas for added protein. You can also switch out the fish sauce in the dressing for soy sauce or tamari.
- Low-carb/Keto: This salad already fits well within a low-carb or keto diet due to the healthy fats from avocado and the protein from prawns. You can further reduce the carb content by using less mango or omitting it altogether, replacing it with a lower-carb fruit like berries or cucumbers.
- Nut-free: For those with nut allergies, the roasted peanuts can be omitted or replaced with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This salad is versatile enough to serve on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides and mains. For a complete summer meal, you can serve it alongside grilled seafood, chicken skewers, or even a light pasta dish. Its tropical flavors also make it an excellent pairing with fruity summer cocktails like mojitos, piña coladas, or citrusy spritzers.
If you’re preparing a more casual meal, you can serve this salad as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos, adding a fun, hands-on element to the dining experience. For a more upscale presentation, consider serving it in martini glasses or small bowls as individual appetizers at a dinner party.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Your Summer Recipe Repertoire
The Prawn Mango Avocado Summer Salad is everything you could want in a summer dish: fresh, flavorful, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a celebration of tropical ingredients that come together in a vibrant, colorful salad that will leave you feeling satisfied but not weighed down. The unique combination of textures and flavors ensures that each bite is exciting, from the juicy prawns to the creamy avocado and the zesty sesame-lime dressing.
This salad not only shines on its own but also serves as a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. With its endless customization options and suitability for various dietary needs, it’s the perfect recipe to have on hand for any summer occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or an elegant starter for a dinner party, this salad delivers both in taste and presentation. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors will transport you to a tropical paradise, making it a go-to choice for warm-weather meals.