Award-Winning Mango Salad

One of the scheduled activities for the Mango Festival here in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii was a recipe contest. Of course I was there, mango salad in tow. I'm excited to share with you that my entry won first place in the salad division! Please see the recipe below.

The FREE Mango Festival continues through tomorrow, Sunday, July 28. Head on down to the Keauhou Beach Resort for more mango fun this weekend!

Award-Winning Mango Salad with Black Beans and Avocado
serves 4 (can be easily doubled)

For the dressing:
Juice and zest from 1 lime
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp red pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 - 1/3 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely minced
salt & pepper

For the salad:
1 can black beans, drained
1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
1 avocado, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 green onion, sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro

In a medium bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients. The amount of oil you use depends on how juicy your lime is, so taste as you go to make sure it's the consistency you like.

Add beans, mango, avocado, onion, and tomato to the bowl and toss very gently to coat. Garnish with cilantro. The longer it marinates in the dressing, the better it gets. Serve with rice or as a taco or burrito filling. Excellent addition to the potluck table. Enjoy!