Strawberry Mango Mesclun Salad: A Burst of Tropical Flavors

This Strawberry Mango Mesclun Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather. The combination of sweet strawberries and mangoes with the peppery bite of mesclun greens creates a delightful flavor profile that’s both satisfying and healthy. This salad is easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a flavorful side dish, or a stunning appetizer, this salad has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

* **Flavorful:** The sweetness of the fruits perfectly complements the subtle bitterness of the greens, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
* **Healthy:** Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, this salad is a nutritious choice.
* **Easy to Make:** With minimal prep time, this salad can be ready in minutes.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different fruits, nuts, cheeses, and dressings.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this salad a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Mesclun Mix:** 6 ounces. This mix of young salad greens provides a variety of textures and flavors. If you can’t find mesclun, spring mix or baby spinach work as great substitutes.
* **Strawberries:** 1 pint, hulled and sliced. Fresh, ripe strawberries are essential for their sweetness and vibrant color.
* **Mango:** 1 large, peeled and diced. Use a ripe but firm mango for the best texture and flavor.
* **Red Onion:** 1/4 cup, thinly sliced. Adds a touch of sharpness and color to the salad. Soak the red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
* **Avocado:** 1, peeled, pitted, and diced. Provides a creamy texture and healthy fats. Optional, but highly recommended.
* **Toasted Almonds or Pecans:** 1/4 cup, chopped. Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Other nuts, such as walnuts or cashews, can also be used.
* **Feta Cheese or Goat Cheese:** 2 ounces, crumbled. Provides a tangy and salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit. Optional, but adds a delicious depth of flavor. Vegan feta cheese is a good substitute for a dairy-free salad.
* **Balsamic Vinaigrette:** 1/4 cup. A classic vinaigrette that complements the flavors of the salad. See recipe below for a homemade version or use your favorite store-bought brand.

Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons
* **Olive Oil:** 6 tablespoons
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** 1 teaspoon (optional, for added sweetness)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Wash and dry the mesclun greens. Hull and slice the strawberries. Peel and dice the mango and avocado (if using). Thinly slice the red onion and soak it in ice water for 10 minutes (optional). Chop the toasted almonds or pecans.
2. **Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette:** In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Alternatively, shake all the ingredients together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the mesclun greens, strawberries, mango, red onion, and avocado (if using). Gently toss the ingredients together.
4. **Add the Dressing:** Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients evenly.
5. **Garnish and Serve:** Sprinkle the toasted almonds or pecans and feta or goat cheese (if using) over the salad. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Mango Mesclun Salad

* **Use Fresh, Ripe Ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients greatly affects the taste of the salad. Choose fresh, ripe strawberries and mangoes for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overdress the Salad:** Add the dressing gradually and toss gently to avoid making the salad soggy.
* **Chill the Ingredients:** For an extra refreshing salad, chill the ingredients before assembling.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Soak the Red Onion:** Soaking the sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes helps to mellow its flavor and make it less pungent.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad. Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Fruits:** Substitute other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or pineapple for strawberries and mangoes.
* **Greens:** Use spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula instead of mesclun mix.
* **Nuts:** Substitute walnuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds for almonds or pecans.
* **Cheese:** Try other cheeses like blue cheese, mozzarella, or parmesan instead of feta or goat cheese. For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use vegan feta cheese.
* **Dressing:** Experiment with different dressings like lemon vinaigrette, poppy seed dressing, or honey-lime dressing.
* **Protein:** Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
* **Seeds:** Sprinkle chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for added nutrition and texture.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or cilantro for a burst of flavor.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions

* **Lunch:** This salad is a perfect light and refreshing lunch option.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **Appetizer:** Offer it as an appetizer at your next dinner party.
* **Potluck:** Bring it to a potluck or picnic for a healthy and delicious dish.
* **Brunch:** Include it as part of a brunch spread.

Make-Ahead Instructions

To save time, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Wash and dry the mesclun greens, hull and slice the strawberries, peel and dice the mango and avocado (if using), and thinly slice the red onion (soak in ice water if desired). Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Make the balsamic vinaigrette and store it in a jar in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the salad may become slightly soggy over time. It’s best to consume the salad as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, without optional ingredients and dressing):

* Calories: Approximately 200-250
* Protein: 3-5 grams
* Fat: 8-12 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

Printable Recipe Card

For example:

**Strawberry Mango Mesclun Salad Recipe**

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 6 ounces mesclun mix
* 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
* 1 large mango, peeled and diced
* ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
* 1 avocado, peeled and diced (optional)
* ¼ cup toasted almonds or pecans, chopped
* 2 ounces feta or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
* ¼ cup Balsamic Vinaigrette (recipe follows)

**Balsamic Vinaigrette:**

* 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
* 6 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry greens. Hull and slice strawberries. Peel and dice mango and avocado. Thinly slice red onion (if using).
2. Make Vinaigrette: Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl or shake in a jar.
3. Assemble Salad: Combine greens, strawberries, mango, red onion, and avocado (if using) in a large bowl.
4. Dress Salad: Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with nuts and cheese (if using). Serve immediately.

Enjoy this delightful and refreshing Strawberry Mango Mesclun Salad!