Refreshing Summer Spinach Salad with Sweet Mango & Creamy Avocado: Your New Favorite Healthy Recipe!
Are you tired of the same old “boring” salads? The ones with lifeless lettuce, bland tomatoes, and uninspired dressing? It’s time to shake things up and infuse your plate with vibrant flavors and incredible textures. This Spinach Salad with Mango and Avocado is here to redefine your salad experience, packed with healthy spinach and ripe, seasonal fruit that truly screams summertime!
Adding fruit to your salad, as we do in this delightful spinach creation, transforms a simple dish into an exciting culinary adventure. Just like our Strawberry Salad, this recipe celebrates the bounty of the season, bringing a natural sweetness and refreshing twist to your meals. Get ready to bid farewell to dull salads and welcome a new, exciting favorite!
Why This Mango Avocado Spinach Salad is a Must-Try
Life’s too short for anything less than delicious, especially when it comes to healthy eating. We’ve all encountered those lackluster salads – a sad medley of wilting greens, tired pieces of tomato, and that same old, forgotten dressing. In our quest to create a salad recipe that truly stands out, we experimented with embracing the unexpected: fresh fruit!
While this isn’t a traditional “fruit salad,” the combination of crisp apple and lusciously juicy mango harmonizes perfectly with creamy avocado and tender, fresh spinach. The result is a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly fun salad that’s ideal for serving up all summer long. It’s the perfect accompaniment to summer BBQs, a stellar contribution to potlucks, or simply a refreshing meal when the weather is too warm to even think about turning on the stove.
The Perfect Blend of Sweet, Creamy, and Crunchy
What makes this spinach salad so irresistible is the thoughtfully curated blend of textures and tastes. The tender leaves of fresh spinach provide a mild, earthy base, while the succulent cubes of ripe mango burst with tropical sweetness. The avocado adds a rich, buttery creaminess, offering a satisfying counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit. And for that essential crunch, finely chopped apple and shredded carrots are incorporated, creating a truly dynamic culinary experience. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a sensory delight that keeps your palate engaged with every bite.
Essential Ingredients for Your Summer Spinach Salad
Creating this flavorful salad requires just a few fresh ingredients and a simple, homemade dressing. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Zesty Honey-Orange Dressing:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 to 4 Tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 2 Tbsp honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch each salt and pepper
This dressing is a star on its own! The Greek yogurt provides a creamy base and a protein boost, while the orange juice adds a bright, citrusy tang. Honey balances the flavors with natural sweetness, and a touch of cinnamon introduces a warm, aromatic note that beautifully complements the fruits. Don’t skip the salt and pepper – they’re crucial for enhancing all the other flavors.
For the Fresh & Vibrant Salad:
- 3 carrots, shredded or finely diced
- 2 ripe mangoes, chopped
- 1 crisp apple, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, chopped
- 8 cups fresh spinach
Choosing the right ingredients is key to the success of this salad. Opt for firm, bright green spinach leaves. For mangoes, look for ones that give slightly when gently squeezed and have a fragrant, sweet aroma near the stem. A good apple for salad will be crisp and hold its shape well, like a Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. And for avocados, they should feel slightly soft but not mushy, indicating perfect ripeness.
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Easy Salad Prep
To make the preparation of this delicious salad as smooth as possible, having the right tools at hand can make all the difference. While not strictly necessary for every item, these can certainly speed up your chopping and mixing:
- Large salad bowl: Essential for tossing all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Salad tongs: Perfect for gently mixing the dressing into the salad just before serving.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp, reliable knife is invaluable for chopping fruits and vegetables efficiently and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of your dressing ingredients, ensuring perfect flavor balance every time.
How to Make This Effortlessly Delicious Spinach Salad
The beauty of this Spinach Salad lies in its simplicity. It’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Start with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and gradually add more until you reach your desired dressing consistency. Greek yogurt thickness varies, so adjust accordingly. This dressing leans sweet, but the pinch of salt and pepper provides a crucial savory balance.
- Chop Your Ingredients: While the dressing chills, prepare your salad toppings. Shred the carrots, chop the mangoes, dice the apple, and cube the avocado.
- Combine and Toss: In your large salad bowl, gently combine the fresh spinach with all the prepared fruits and vegetables.
- Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the homemade dressing evenly over the salad. Toss everything together gently to ensure every leaf and piece of fruit is coated with the delicious, zesty dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.
Making this salad is a breeze, promising a gourmet experience with minimal effort. The key is to prepare the dressing ahead of time if you wish, and to dress the salad right before serving to keep the spinach crisp and prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
Selecting and Preparing Your Ingredients
- Mangoes: Choose ripe mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet, fruity aroma. To cut, slice off the two large “cheeks” around the pit, then score the flesh in a grid pattern before scooping out the cubes.
- Avocado: A ripe avocado will feel soft but not mushy. To prevent browning, dress the salad immediately or toss avocado pieces with a little lemon or lime juice if preparing ahead.
- Spinach: Always use fresh baby spinach. Wash it thoroughly and dry it well using a salad spinner to prevent a watery salad.
- Apples: Crisp, sweet-tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work wonderfully.
Making it Your Own: Delicious Variations
This spinach salad is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with additions to suit your taste:
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, baked tofu, or a handful of chickpeas.
- Nuts and Seeds: Toasted pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds can add an extra layer of crunch and healthy fats.
- Other Fruits: Pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, or even grilled peaches would be delicious additions.
- Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can introduce a creamy, tangy element that pairs wonderfully with the sweet fruit.
- Herbs: Fresh mint or cilantro, finely chopped, can elevate the tropical notes of the mango.
Storage Suggestions
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you plan to make it ahead, keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients. Combine the dressing and salad just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the spinach and prevent the avocado from browning. Leftovers, if dressed, are best consumed within a day, though the texture might soften.
The Health Benefits of This Vibrant Salad
Beyond its incredible taste, this Spinach Salad with Mango and Avocado is a powerhouse of nutrition:
- Spinach: A superfood rich in iron, Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, promoting bone health, blood clotting, and vision.
- Mango: Packed with Vitamin C for immune support, Vitamin A for eye health, and dietary fiber for digestion.
- Avocado: An excellent source of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. It also provides potassium, Vitamin K, and Vitamin E.
- Apple & Carrots: Contribute fiber, antioxidants, and a host of vitamins (Vitamin C in apples, Vitamin A in carrots).
- Greek Yogurt Dressing: Offers protein and probiotics, beneficial for gut health, making it a much healthier alternative to many store-bought dressings.
This salad is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing meal for your body, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time! Chop all the fruits and vegetables (except avocado) and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Whisk together the dressing and store it separately. Add the chopped avocado and combine all ingredients with the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the avocado from browning.
What if I don’t like mango or avocado? Can I substitute them?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. If you don’t like mango, try pineapple, peaches, or even berries for a similar sweet and juicy element. For avocado, you could consider adding a handful of toasted nuts for healthy fats and a creamy texture, or simply omit it if preferred.
Is this salad vegan or gluten-free?
This salad is naturally gluten-free. To make it vegan, simply substitute the Greek yogurt in the dressing with a plant-based plain yogurt (such as almond or coconut yogurt) and replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
What are the best types of apples to use in this salad?
For the best crunch and sweet-tart flavor, we recommend using crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady. Avoid softer, mealier apples, as they won’t provide the desired texture.
More Delicious Salad & Summer Ideas to Explore
Looking for more fresh and exciting recipes? Here are some other delightful ideas to inspire your culinary journey:
- 7 Layer Summer Berry Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Strawberry Salad
- Grilled Watermelon Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad
- Mango Salsa
- Tuna Pasta Salad
Summer Spinach Salad
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Dressing
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp orange juice 2 to 4 tablespoons
- 2 Tbsp honey
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch each salt and pepper
Salad
- 3 carrots shredded
- 2 mangoes chopped
- 1 apple chopped
- 1 avocado chopped
- 8 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
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Whisk together all dressing ingredients, adding 2 Tbsp of orange juice to start. Add more, as needed, to reach a dressing-like consistency (this will depend on how thick your Greek yogurt was).
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Prepare salad ingredients, tossing to combine everything with the spinach.
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Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.