This Mango Slaw is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that elevates any meal. The sweetness of ripe mangoes pairs beautifully with crunchy vegetables, creating a refreshing side dish. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or casual dinners, this slaw is easy to prepare and adds a tropical twist to your table. Its vibrant colors and zesty dressing make it a standout option for any occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Slaw
- For the Dressing
- How to Make Mango Slaw
- Step 1: Combine the Vegetables and Fruits
- Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 3: Mix It All Together
- Step 4: Allow Flavors to Meld
- Step 5: Serve Your Slaw
- Step 6: Customize Your Slaw
- Step 7: Enjoy Freshness!
- Step 8: Store Leftovers Properly
- How to Serve Mango Slaw
- As a Topping for Tacos
- Paired with Grilled Chicken
- On a Bed of Greens
- With Fish Dishes
- Inside a Wrap
- As an Appetizer
- How to Perfect Mango Slaw
- Best Side Dishes for Mango Slaw
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Mango Slaw
- Reheating Mango Slaw
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I modify the Mango Slaw recipe?
- Is Mango Slaw suitable for meal prep?
- What can I serve with Mango Slaw?
- Can I use other fruits in this slaw?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This Mango Slaw takes only 15 minutes to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious side dish in no time.
- Healthy and Refreshing: Packed with fresh ingredients, it’s low in calories yet full of flavor, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether served at a summer barbecue or alongside Asian-inspired dishes, this slaw complements a variety of main courses.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add extra ingredients like avocado or nuts to tailor the slaw to your taste preferences.
- Vibrant Presentation: The colorful combination of mangoes and vegetables makes this slaw visually appealing, sure to impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Mango Slaw, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment not only makes preparation easier but also ensures consistent results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is crucial for combining all the ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: This tool helps achieve a well-blended dressing quickly and effortlessly.
- Grater: Using a grater ensures evenly shredded carrots for better texture in your slaw.
Ingredients
This refreshing mango slaw is a vibrant and healthy side dish that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with crunchy vegetables, topped with a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a light accompaniment to any meal.
For the Slaw
- 2 pieces ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- to taste salt and pepper
How to Make Mango Slaw
Step 1: Combine the Vegetables and Fruits
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mangoes, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, sliced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss well to mix all the vegetables and fruit evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
Pour the dressing over the mango and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Step 4: Allow Flavors to Meld
Let the slaw sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Step 5: Serve Your Slaw
Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Step 6: Customize Your Slaw
Feel free to customize by adding ingredients such as diced avocado, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for additional flavor.
Step 7: Enjoy Freshness!
For a crunchier texture, serve the slaw immediately after mixing it with the dressing.
Step 8: Store Leftovers Properly
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How to Serve Mango Slaw
Mango slaw is a versatile dish that enhances any meal with its fresh taste and colorful presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious side.
As a Topping for Tacos
- Add a generous scoop of mango slaw on top of your favorite tacos for an extra crunch and sweetness.
Paired with Grilled Chicken
- Serve mango slaw alongside grilled chicken for a refreshing contrast that complements the smoky flavors.
On a Bed of Greens
- Place mango slaw over a bed of mixed greens to create a vibrant salad, perfect for a light lunch.
With Fish Dishes
- Mango slaw pairs wonderfully with fish, adding brightness to dishes like grilled salmon or fish tacos.
Inside a Wrap
- Use mango slaw as a filling in wraps or sandwiches, adding texture and flavor with each bite.
As an Appetizer
- Serve mango slaw in small cups as a refreshing appetizer at parties or gatherings, garnished with lime wedges.

How to Perfect Mango Slaw
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your mango slaw, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose ripe mangoes: Select mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
- Shred vegetables finely: Finely shredding the cabbage and carrots ensures even distribution of flavors in the slaw.
- Chill before serving: Allow the slaw to chill for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness based on your preference.
- Add crunch: For added texture, include ingredients like chopped nuts or seeds right before serving.
- Experiment with herbs: Try adding different herbs like mint or basil for unique variations on your mango slaw.
Best Side Dishes for Mango Slaw
Mango slaw makes an excellent side dish but pairs beautifully with various other options. Here are some great side dishes to complement it.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is a classic pairing that adds sweetness.
- Spicy Black Beans: These beans add protein and spice, balancing the sweetness of the mango slaw.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy coconut rice works well with tropical flavors, creating a harmonious meal.
- Avocado Toast: Simple yet flavorful, avocado toast can make for an exciting accompaniment.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds healthy grains and can be customized with various vegetables.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the tangy slaw perfectly.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies offer another crisp option alongside your meal.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Juicy shrimp skewers bring protein while enhancing the tropical theme of the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making mango slaw can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using unripe mangoes: Unripe mangoes can make your slaw taste sour. Always choose ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor.
- Overdressing the slaw: Too much dressing can make the slaw soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
- Cutting vegetables unevenly: Different sizes in vegetable cuts can affect texture. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even mixing and presentation.
- Not letting it rest: Skipping the resting time means flavors won’t meld. Allow the slaw to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient adds its own flavor; taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep in the vegetable crisper drawer for optimal freshness.
Freezing Mango Slaw
- Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the vegetables.
- If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.
Reheating Mango Slaw
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread slaw on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until warmed, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making mango slaw.
Can I modify the Mango Slaw recipe?
Yes! You can add ingredients like avocado or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Is Mango Slaw suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just store it properly, and it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days.
What can I serve with Mango Slaw?
Mango slaw pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, or as a topping on sandwiches.
Can I use other fruits in this slaw?
Definitely! Try substituting with pineapple or papaya for a fun twist on flavors.
Final Thoughts
This mango slaw is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to complement many dishes. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients. It’s a great addition to any meal!
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Mango Slaw
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This Mango Slaw is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that brings a burst of tropical flavor to any meal. Combining the sweetness of ripe mangoes with crisp vegetables, it’s the perfect accompaniment for barbecues, picnics, or casual dinners. The colorful mix of ingredients, paired with a zesty lime dressing, elevates your dining experience while remaining healthy and guilt-free. Quick and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this slaw can be customized with your favorite ingredients like avocado or nuts for extra texture.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced mangoes, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, sliced bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Allow the slaw to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





