Avocado Mango Broccoli Salad
Years ago, there was a dessert that I would occasionally treat myself to. It involved a brownie, a scoop of ice cream, a little cast iron skillet, hot fudge and a hot caramel sauce. The brownie and the caramel sauce were heated in the oven until sizzling. It was topped with the ice cream and hot fudge. What made this dessert so special was the combination of hot and cold, and the opposing textures of smooth and crunchy. Why is this being discussed before a recipe for a salad? Opposing textures apply to all food. They creates a more interesting mouth feel and are a simple way to add complexity. This quick and easy salad uses opposing textures and flavors. The result is divine.
As we hit the “dog days” of August, salad for dinner is an appetizing alternative to heavier meals. A dinner salad requires some substance. Avocados and mangoes are a great flavor combination but very similar in texture. By adding broccoli and a red onion, you introduce the crunch, and a big nutritional boost . Broccoli provides vitamin A, C, folic acid, and a healthy dose of calcium, magnesium and iron. Broccoli also contains Indoles, which can inactivate harmful estrogens that promote tumor growth, Sulforaphane, which stimulates cells to make cancer fighting enzymes, and beta carotene which is another known cancer fighter. Broccoli contains 26% protein and a healthy dose of calcium.
Avocado Mango Broccoli Salad
SERVES 4-6
- 2 ripe avocados*, cubed
- 2 ripe mangoes, cubed
- 2 – 3 cups broccoli, cut into bite size pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup raisins
- Himalayan salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
- Combine all ingredients. Chill and serve!
*Make sure you have nice ripe avocados and mangoes and this salad will “dress” itself!
Gena wrote on August 17, 2009
This is lovely! I have a mango/avo salad to post soon, too! It’s a fave of mine.
Annalea wrote on August 16, 2009
Made this tonight and it was divine! Excellent combination of texture and flavors. I did a small splash of extra virgin olive oil and a few spritzes of Bragg’s Liquid Aminos. Was also thinking that if one didn’t have broccoli purple cabbage might be a decent substitue.
Thanks for the delicious recipe! I’ll be making it again soon!
Kara wrote on August 15, 2009
Yum, broccoli & avocados are two of my favorite foods. I will have to try this with the mango, I’ve never had broccoli & mango together before. Sounds delicious!
Emily wrote on August 13, 2009
This salad sounds divine! Thank you for sharing ~ it has been bookmarked for one day very soon 🙂
Janet wrote on August 11, 2009
Oh yum! This looks and sounds amazing! I am definitely going to make it.
Eating Raw Foods Info wrote on August 10, 2009
This salad looks great! I see you don’t use any dressing. That is a hard thing for me to give up. I make my own out of olive oil, lemon juice, basil and a pinch of salt. But if you can do without it, that’s probably even better:-)
Susan wrote on August 10, 2009
This salad definitely does not need any dressing! All of the flavors blend really well and there is enough moisture from the mango. I would be concerned that introducing olive oil, lemon and basil would completely mask the delicate flavors of this salad.
Heather wrote on August 10, 2009
Wow, this looks and sounds delicious! What a great way to eat broccoli!
Mike Lieberman wrote on August 10, 2009
As always your pics are incredible. Love the idea for this salad too. Never know what to do with broccoli. Must make this one.
Joseph wrote on August 10, 2009
Wow, great information on opposing textures applying to all food. I never really thought of it, but you are definitely correct as I remember some of my favorite dishes. Like this dish that my wife makes: The base is a blend of both quinoa, and cous, cous, this is topped with a blend of steamed; broccoli, and cauliflower, along with lima beans, and roma beans. I’m a sauce guy, so I like to add a sauce called “Soy Vey Very Very Teri” its an all natural sauce with sesame seeds. A must try I would say.
Anyway, thanks so much for what you are doing on this blog, and for raw cooking. It has been a pleasure finding you on twitter @Rawvelous. Keep up the great work.
Susan wrote on August 10, 2009
Thanks for the great comment! BTW, my friend Joanna at Freshblessings.net is @rawvelous. I am under @SusanPowers and @Rawmazing. Glad you are enjoying!!!