Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful dish, Mango Slaw is a perfect choice. This vibrant slaw combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with crunchy vegetables, creating a delightful mixture that is both colorful and nutritious. It’s a great side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a topping for tacos. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make! Packed with vitamins, and fiber, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is an excellent way to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

How to Make Mango Slaw

Making Mango Slaw is simple and requires minimal cooking skills. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients while keeping things straightforward. Here’s how you can easily whip up this delicious slaw at home.

Ingredients:

2 ripe mangoes, julienned
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Start with preparing your fresh ingredients. Peel the ripe mangoes and slice them into thin julienne strips. If you’re not sure how to julienne, simply cut them into thin matchstick-sized pieces.
Next, take the red cabbage and shred it finely. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistent shreds. This will add a lovely crunch and a pop of color to your slaw.
Now, shred the carrots. You can use a grater or a food processor to make this step easier. Aim for fine shreds that will blend well with the other ingredients.
Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips as well. This ingredient adds a nice sweetness and a vibrant color to the overall dish.
In a large bowl, combine the julienned mangoes, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (or agave syrup), salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring all the flavors together. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning according to your taste.
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss everything gently to combine. Make sure that each piece of vegetable and fruit is nicely coated in the dressing.
Let the slaw sit for a few minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

How to Serve Mango Slaw

Mango Slaw can be served in multiple ways. It works beautifully as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. The sweet and zesty flavors of the slaw pair well with the smoky taste of barbecued dishes.

You can also use Mango Slaw as a topping for tacos or burrito bowls, adding a burst of flavor and freshness. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any casual gathering.

For a more complete meal, consider serving it atop grilled chicken or fish. The juicy mangoes and crunchy vegetables contribute to a well-rounded dish.

How to Store Mango Slaw

If you have leftovers or want to make the slaw in advance, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness. Here are some storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store the Mango Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the vegetables may begin to soften over time.
Add Dressing Later: If you’re preparing the slaw ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. Mix the dressing with the slaw just before serving to maintain a crunchy texture.
Avoid Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze Mango Slaw since the texture will change after thawing. Fresh ingredients like cabbage and mango do not hold up well in the freezer.

Tips to Make Mango Slaw

Here are some tips to make your Mango Slaw even better:

Choose Ripe Mangoes: Selecting the right mangoes is key. Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. This means they are ripe and ready to use.
Uniform Cuts: Take your time to julienne and slice the vegetables evenly. Uniform cuts not only look better but also allow for even mixing and flavor distribution.
Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs based on your preferences. Jalapeños for a spicy kick, or cucumber for added crunch can be great options.
Taste as You Go: Always taste the slaw as you mix in the dressing. This way, you can adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking.

Variation

While the basic Mango Slaw recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it:

Add Protein: Make it a meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or beans for added protein.
Nutty Flavor: Toss in some chopped peanuts or almonds for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Different Fruits: Try adding other fruits like pineapple, papaya, or kiwi. These can provide a different twist to the classic recipe.
Dairy Option: For a creamier slaw, you can mix in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt with the dressing for a tangy flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cabbage for this slaw?
Yes! While red cabbage is used in this recipe for its color and crunch, you can substitute with green cabbage or Napa cabbage. Each type adds its own flavor and texture.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Mango Slaw recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no gluten ingredients.

3. How can I make this slaw spicier?
If you prefer spicier slaw, consider adding thinly sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. Adjust based on your heat tolerance.

4. Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve for the best texture.

5. What can I do with leftover slaw?
Leftover Mango Slaw can be added to sandwiches, wraps, or salads. It also makes a great topping for burgers or fried rice for added flavor.

Now you have a complete guide to creating a delicious Mango Slaw that brightens up any meal. Enjoy this crunchy, fruity delight, and feel free to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own!

Mango Slaw

Print Recipe

A vibrant and refreshing Mango Slaw that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with crunchy vegetables, perfect for summer gatherings.

Author: lila-monroe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe mangoes, julienned
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Start with preparing your fresh ingredients. Peel the ripe mangoes and slice them into thin julienne strips.
Next, take the red cabbage and shred it finely.
Now, shred the carrots using a grater or food processor.
Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips.
In a large bowl, combine the julienned mangoes, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss to mix.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (or agave syrup), salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss gently.
Let the slaw sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve as a side dish or topping for tacos. Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 120
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Mango Slaw, Fruit Salad, Summer Salad, Side Dish, Vegan Recipe