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easy mango pasta salad

Mango Pasta Salad Recipe

🥭🌈 Mango Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish combining tender rotini pasta, juicy mango, colourful bell peppers, creamy Monterey Jack cheese and a zesty citrus dressing. It’s an easy, flavour-packed choice for lunches, picnics, barbecues and family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Continental
Servings 6 People
Calories 685 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Large Saucepan:
  • 1 Colander:
  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Chopping Board
  • 1 Blender
  • 1 Lidded Jar

Ingredients
  

For The Pasta Salad

  • 340 g Rotini Pasta
  • 1½ Large Ripe Mangoes
  • ¾ Red Bell Pepper
  • ¾ Yellow Bell Pepper
  • ¾ Orange Bell Pepper
  • 170 g Monterey Jack Cheese
  • ¾ Jalapeño
  • 225 g Cooked Mango Or Spicy Chicken Sausage - Optional

For The Citrus Dressing

  • ¾ Large Ripe Mango
  • 60 ml Fresh Lime Juice
  • 60 ml Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1½ Tablespoons Honey
  • ½ Teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • ½ Teaspoon Granulated Garlic
  • ¾ Teaspoon Salt
  • 80 ml Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Coriander
  • ⅛ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare The Citrus Dressing

  • Add the dressing mango, lime juice, orange juice, honey, cumin, garlic, salt, olive oil, coriander and black pepper to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth and well combined.
  • Taste and adjust with more honey or lime juice if needed.
  • Set aside.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

  • Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil.
  • Add the rotini and cook according to the packet instructions until al dente.
  • Drain thoroughly in a colander.
  • Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  • Allow the pasta to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare The Optional Sausage

  • If using chicken sausage, cook according to the packet instructions.
  • Allow it to cool completely.
  • Slice into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare The Fresh Ingredients

  • Peel and dice the mangoes into small cubes.
  • Dice the red, yellow and orange peppers.
  • Finely mince the jalapeño.
  • Remove the jalapeño seeds and inner membrane for a milder salad.
  • Shred the Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 5: Combine The Main Ingredients

  • Add the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the diced mango, peppers, jalapeño and cheese.
  • Add the cooked sausage if using.
  • Gently fold everything together.

Step 6: Add The Dressing

  • Pour some of the citrus dressing over the pasta mixture.
  • Gently toss until the ingredients are lightly coated.
  • Add more dressing gradually if necessary.
  • Avoid adding too much dressing at once.

Step 7: Chill And Serve

  • Cover the Mango Pasta Salad and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
  • Gently toss again before serving.
  • Add a little extra dressing if the pasta has absorbed too much.
  • Serve chilled.

Notes

  • 🍝 Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Avoid overcooking so the pasta stays firm and holds its shape.
  • 🥭 Use Firm-Ripe Mangoes: Choose sweet, fragrant mangoes that are firm enough to dice neatly.
  • 🍋 Balance the Dressing: Taste the citrus dressing before adding it and adjust the lime juice or honey to your preference.
  • 🌶️ Adjust The Heat: Remove the jalapeño seeds for a milder flavour or leave some in for extra heat.
  • 🥗 Dress Gradually: Add the dressing little by little to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  • ❄️ Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the finished salad for 20–30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
  • 🧀 Customise Freely: Add chicken, prawns, avocado or extra vegetables to make the salad your own.
  • 🫙 For Make-Ahead Preparation: Keep a little dressing separately and toss it through the salad just before serving for the freshest texture.
  • 🧊 Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3–5 days.
Keyword Mango Pasta Salad