Mango Shrimp Salad Recipe with Zesty Lime Dressing

Mango Shrimp Salad is a bright, tropical salad that balances sweet mango and citrus with savory shrimp and crispy bacon. The orange-cilantro vinaigrette brings everything together for a fresh, flavorful meal you’ll want again and again.

Grey bowl with mango, shrimp and salad in it. Cilantro to the side.

Why Make Mango Shrimp Salad

  • Quick to prepare. Shrimp cooks in minutes, making this a fast, weeknight-friendly dish.
  • Vibrant flavor. Ripe mango, orange and lime juice, and fresh cilantro create a bright, tropical profile. For a spicier option, try a blackened shrimp variation.
  • Customizable. The toppings shown are my favorite, but you can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or other mix-ins.
  • Satisfying. This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own—bacon adds extra crunch and depth.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make this recipe on a counter.

Full quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

  • Shrimp. Use cleaned, thawed large or jumbo shrimp.
  • Seasonings. A simple blend of chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne if you like heat.
  • Mango. Choose ripe but firm mangoes so the cubes hold their shape in the salad.
  • Greens. Romaine or green leaf work well—use your favorite lettuce for the base.
  • Avocado. Optional, but adds a creamy contrast to the fruit and shrimp.
  • Bacon. Cook until crisp for the best texture.
  • Oil. Avocado oil or a neutral olive oil is recommended for the dressing.
  • Vinaigrette. Apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh orange and lime juice, cilantro, and a little shallot and garlic make a bright citrus-cilantro dressing.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

  • Protein swap. Grilled or pan-seared chicken works well in place of shrimp.
  • Add a grain. Serve the salad over brown rice or quinoa to make it more substantial.
  • Fruit swap. Try pineapple instead of mango, or use pineapple juice in the dressing for a different tropical note.

Steps To Make This Recipe

Ready to cook? Gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps below.

Steps to make Mango shrimp salad in a skillet.

Step One. Combine the shrimp seasonings in a small bowl. Pat the cleaned shrimp dry, then toss with the seasoning until evenly coated. Set aside.

Step Two. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook about 3–4 minutes per side, until pink and no longer translucent.

Step Three. Prepare the orange-cilantro vinaigrette. Combine oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, lime juice, orange juice, cilantro, garlic, shallot, salt and a pinch of chili powder in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth, taste, and adjust seasoning or sweetness as needed. Set aside.

Dressing in a bowl with a spoon to the side.

Assembling The Mango Shrimp Salad

Step Four. Build the salad: layer chopped greens in a bowl, add cubed mango, sliced avocado, shallots, green onions and any other mix-ins. Top with cooked shrimp, crumble crisp bacon over, and drizzle the orange-cilantro vinaigrette generously. Garnish with extra green onions and serve immediately.

Grey bowl with mango, shrimp and salad in it. Cilantro to the side.

Recipe Pairings

This salad pairs well with a variety of sides and mains. Consider:

  • Sides: spicy cucumber salad, lemon-feta orzo, or garlic rolls for a more complete meal.
  • Main dishes to complement: grilled chicken or skewers such as bang-bang or garlic-parmesan chicken skewers.

Recipe Tips

  • Watch the shrimp. Overcooking makes shrimp tough—3–4 minutes per side is usually sufficient. Cut one open to ensure it’s opaque through the center.
  • Use a neutral oil for the dressing. A mild avocado or light olive oil keeps the vinaigrette balanced and allows the citrus and cilantro to shine.
  • Taste as you go. Adjust salt, honey, or lime to suit your preference.

Other Shrimp Recipes to Try

Dinner

Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry

Dinner

Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Dinner

Sweet Chili Shrimp

Salads

Blackened Shrimp Salad

If you enjoy this recipe, leave a comment and follow for more ideas. Thanks for reading and happy cooking!

Grey bowl with mango, shrimp and salad in it. Cilantro and bacon to the side

Mango Shrimp Salad

A tropical, sweet-and-savory salad dressed in an orange-cilantro vinaigrette and topped with crispy bacon.
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • small blender or food processor
  • large skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, cleaned and thawed
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp salt & pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Cilantro Orange Vinaigrette

  • ¼ cup avocado oil or neutral olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 2–3 Tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ½ Tbsp shallot

Mango Shrimp Salad Toppings / Mix-ins

  • 2 large mangoes, cubed (about 2 cups)
  • 1 small avocado, sliced
  • 1 Tbsp shallots, sliced
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 6–8 cups green leaf lettuce or romaine
  • crispy bacon, optional

Instructions

  1. Mix shrimp seasonings in a small bowl. Pat the shrimp dry, then toss with the seasoning and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp 3–4 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  3. Make the vinaigrette: combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth. Adjust salt or honey to taste. Set aside.
  4. Assemble the salad: arrange greens in a bowl, add mango, avocado, shallots and green onions. Top with cooked shrimp and bacon, then drizzle the vinaigrette over everything. Garnish with extra green onions and serve.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly—3–4 minutes per side is typically enough. Cut one to check it’s no longer translucent.
  • Use a neutral oil for the dressing. Strong-flavored oils can overpower the citrus and cilantro; avocado or light olive oil work best.
  • Taste the dressing as you go. Add more salt, lime, or honey to balance flavors.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5 cup | Calories: 355 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 25 g | Fat: 15 g | Fiber: 3 g

Nutrition info is an estimate.

Additional Info

Author: Bailey Rhatigan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 355




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