Mango-Papaya Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing
A refreshing fruit salad featuring tropical mango and papaya in a zesty, herb-infused dressing. This tropical-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mango, papaya, cilantro into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe mango
- 1 ripe papaya
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and dice 1 ripe mango and 1 ripe papaya into 1/2-inch cubes, then transfer to a medium bowl.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture, toss gently until evenly coated, and immediately top with 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mango-Papaya Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mango-Papaya Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mango from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mango-Papaya Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mango-Papaya Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Mango-Papaya Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?
Tropical salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
