Reasons You’ll Love Mango and Vegan Mozzarella with Young Lettuces

This salad is a wonderful combination of flavors and you’re sure to love it!

• • Burst of Flavor – The combination of mango, vegan mozzarella, and early spring greens creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The sweetness of the mango complements the creamy and slightly tangy taste of the vegan mozzarella. Combined with the refreshing crunch of the early spring greens, each bite is a burst of delightful flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
  • Nutrient-Rich Ingredients – This salad is delicious and packed with essential nutrients. Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Early spring greens offer a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. Vegan mozzarella, depending on the ingredients used, can provide protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients from plant-based sources.
  • Vegan-Friendly and Lactose-Free – This salad is a perfect choice if you follow a vegan or lactose-free lifestyle. The combination of mango and vegan mozzarella allows you to enjoy the creaminess of cheese without the dairy. Vegan mozzarella provides a satisfying alternative for those who avoid animal products while delivering a creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
  • Seasonal Freshness – In early spring, fresh produce emerges, and incorporating seasonal ingredients into your salads enhances their taste and nutritional value. Using garden-fresh early spring greens, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures nature provides during this time of the year. It’s an excellent opportunity to support local farmers or grow your greens.
  • Quick and Easy to Prepare – This salad is delicious and straightforward to assemble. With minimal prep time, you can quickly prepare a nutritious and visually appealing dish. The ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, making it convenient to create this salad whenever the craving strikes.
  • Versatile and Customizable – While the combination of mango, vegan mozzarella, and early spring greens is delightful on its own, you can personalize the salad by adding your favorite ingredients. Consider including toasted nuts for added crunch, fresh herbs for extra aroma, or even some dried fruits for a touch of sweetness. This versatility allows you to adapt the salad to your preferences and experiment with different flavor profiles.
  • Health Benefits – This salad is a treat for your taste buds and a nourishing choice for your overall well-being. The combination of mango, early spring greens, and vegan mozzarella provides a range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. These nutrients support a healthy immune system, aid digestion, promote healthy skin, and contribute to overall vitality.
  • Light and Refreshing – We often crave lighter and more refreshing meals as the weather gets warmer. This salad delivers a refreshing combination of flavors and textures that won’t weigh you down. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch or as a side dish to accompany a main course.

This mango, vegan mozzarella, and garden fresh early spring greens salad is a true culinary delight. With its vibrant flavors, nutrient-rich ingredients, and versatility, it’s a salad that will satisfy your cravings, support your dietary preferences, and nourish your body. Embrace the beauty of spring with this delightful dish and enjoy the goodness it brings to your plate.

Mango and Vegan Mozzarella with Young Lettuces Ingredients

This is a great way to use your young lettuces – either from your garden or the market

• • Mango – Select ripe mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. Mangoes add a sweet and tropical flavor to the salad while providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
  • Vegan Mozzarella – Choose a vegan mozzarella cheese made from plant-based ingredients like cashews, almonds, or soy. Vegan mozzarella offers a creamy texture and mild cheesy flavor, making it a suitable dairy-free alternative. It adds a luxurious element to the salad.
  • Garden Fresh Early Spring Greens – Look for a mix of tender early spring greens. For this salad, I  used garden fresh baby bibb, red butter, green leaf, red leaf, basil, sage, and thyme. These greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They provide a refreshing and crisp base for the salad.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing. It adds a rich and fruity flavor to the salad while providing healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing element to the dressing. It brightens up the flavors of the salad and complements the sweetness of the mango.
  • Dijon Mustard – A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess and emulsifies the dressing. It enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.
  • Salt and Pepper – Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. These simple seasonings help to balance the flavors and bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.

How to Make Mango and Vegan Mozzarella with Young Lettuces

• • Prepare the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
  • Assemble the Salad – On a large platter or individual plates, arrange the early spring greens as the base of the salad. Scatter the diced mangoes over the greens, followed by the torn or sliced vegan mozzarella.
  • Optional Additions – If desired, sprinkle toasted nuts, such as slivered almonds or pine nuts, over the salad for added crunch. Add a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil for extra aroma. You can also include pomegranate arils or dried cranberries to enhance the sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Drizzle the Dressing – Just before serving, give the dressing a quick whisk to ensure it is well mixed. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, coating the ingredients evenly. Use as much or as little dressing as desired, depending on your preference.
  • Toss and Serve – Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients and coat them in the dressing. Ensure the mango, vegan mozzarella, and greens are well distributed. Serve the salad immediately and enjoy its fresh flavors.

Mango and Vegan Mozzarella with Young Lettuces Variations

• • Toasted Nuts – Consider adding some toasted nuts like slivered almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch and nuttiness. They provide a delightful texture contrast to the salad.
  • Fresh Herbs – Add a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil for an aromatic touch. Herbs lend a burst of freshness and elevate the overall flavor profile of the salad.
  • Pomegranate Arils or Dried Cranberries – For a pop of color and a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some pomegranate arils or dried cranberries over the salad. They add a pleasant contrast and complement the other ingredients.

Remember, these ingredients can be adjusted and customized according to your taste preferences and seasonal availability. Feel free to experiment and make the salad your own by adding or substituting ingredients as desired.

How to Serve Mango, Dairy-Free Mozzarella, and Young Lettuces Salad

This interesting salad is great as a side dish or on its own. Here are some ideas for servings.

• Dairy-Free Stuffed Shells – These dairy-free stuffed shells are cheesy, flavorful comfort food. They’re filled with my homemade vegan ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
• Grilled Tofu – One tasty way to cook tofu is to grill it and by adding fresh veggies like onions and peppers you can really make it interesting. You can eat grilled tofu as a meal, or side dish, or tuck it in a pita pocket. It’s versatile!
  
• Homemade Bread – This homemade loaf  bread requires only five ingredients. Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, it’s a specialty of our resident baker, Riann!
  
• Pasta Primavera – Pasta primavera is a delicious medley of pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce that tantalizes the taste buds with its flavorful and satisfying combination. We put a vegan, dairy-free spin on this classic American dish; the flavor is amazing!

If you decided to try this recipe please do let us know in the comments below.