Mango Cabbage Salad Recipe
This vibrant Mango Cabbage Salad combines juicy ripe mango, crisp green and red cabbage, crunchy carrots, fresh coriander, and spring onions with a zesty lime dressing. It’s a refreshing, colourful, and easy salad recipe that makes a delicious side dish for family meals, barbecues, picnics, or light lunches.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Continental, Tropical-Inspired
Servings 6 People
Calories 180 kcal
- 4 Cups Finely Shredded Green Cabbage
- 2 Cups Finely Shredded Red Cabbage
- 2 Large Ripe Mangoes
- 1 Large Carrot - Julienned Or Grated
- 4 Spring Onions - Thinly Sliced
- ½ Cup Fresh Coriander - Roughly Chopped
- 1 Small Red Chilli - Finely Sliced (Optional)
- ⅓ Cup Roasted Cashews Or Peanuts - Roughly Chopped
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1 Small Garlic Clove - Finely Grated
- ½ Teaspoon Fine Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ Teaspoon Chilli Flakes - Optional
Step 1: Prepare The Fresh Produce
- Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing the ingredients.
- Rinse the cabbage, carrot, spring onions, coriander, chilli and mango under clean running water.
- Remove any damaged outer cabbage leaves.
- Pat the produce dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Shred The Cabbage
- Remove the tough outer leaves from the cabbage.
- Cut the green cabbage into quarters and remove the hard central core.
- Slice it as thinly as possible.
- Repeat with the red cabbage.
- Place both varieties into a large mixing bowl.
- Keep the cabbage strips thin and fairly uniform for a crisp Mango Cabbage Salad.
Step 3: Prepare The Vegetables
- Peel the carrot.
- Cut it into thin matchsticks or grate it using the large holes of a grater.
- Slice the spring onions finely.
- If using chilli, remove the seeds for less heat and slice it thinly.
- Add the carrot, spring onions and chilli to the cabbage.
Step 4: Cut The Mango
- Stand each mango upright and slice down either side of the flat stone.
- Score the flesh into strips or cubes while keeping the skin intact.
- Scoop out the mango pieces with a spoon.
- Alternatively, peel the mango first and cut the flesh into thin slices.
- Add the mango gently to the bowl to keep the pieces intact.
Step 5: Make The Zesty Dressing
- Add the fresh lime juice to a small mixing bowl.
- Pour in the olive oil.
- Add the honey, grated garlic, salt and black pepper.
- Add chilli flakes if desired.
- Whisk vigorously for 20–30 seconds until evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust the balance according to your preference.
Step 6: Bring The Salad Together
- Pour approximately two-thirds of the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Use salad tongs to toss gently.
- Add the mango and coriander.
- Fold everything together carefully rather than stirring vigorously.
- Add the remaining dressing gradually, tasting as you go.
- Sprinkle the roasted cashews or peanuts over the salad immediately before serving.
Step 7: Rest And Serve
- Allow the Mango Cabbage Salad to stand for approximately 5–10 minutes.
- This gives the cabbage time to absorb some of the dressing while retaining its crunch.
- Taste once more and add a little lime juice, salt or pepper if necessary.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavour and texture.
- 🥭 Choose Ripe, Firm Mangoes: Use mangoes that are sweet and juicy but firm enough to hold their shape when tossed.
- 🥬 Keep the Cabbage Crisp: Slice the cabbage finely and dry it thoroughly before adding the dressing.
- 🍋 Use Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime gives the salad a brighter, more refreshing flavour.
- 🌶️ Adjust the Heat: Add fresh chilli or chilli flakes according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- 🥜 Add Nuts Just Before Serving: Stir in the cashews or peanuts at the last moment to keep them crunchy.
- 🥗 Dress Just Before Serving: For the best texture, add the dressing shortly before serving rather than letting the salad sit for too long.
- ❄️ For Make-Ahead Preparation: Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, refrigerate them, then combine just before serving.
- 🌈 Make It Your Own: Add avocado, pineapple, grilled chicken, prawns, or chickpeas for a delicious variation.
- 🧼 Food Safety: Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under clean running water before preparing the salad.
Keyword Mango Cabbage Salad