In my latest series, “How the World Eats Mango,” I got to experience a recipe as legendary as the woman who made it. This mango and red onion salad is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors all in one easy dish. 

This mango recipe comes from Charlie, who is half Sri Lankan and is currently living in London. For Charlie, the mango and red onion salad is a cherished family recipe, courtesy of his great-aunt Yvonne. As both aunt and godmother to Charlie’s mom, Yvonne was a kind, warm support system in the family. In addition to creating this amazing salad, Aunty Yvonne was also a famous Sri Lankan socialite, professional model, and the former Miss Ceylon – the old title for the Sri Lankan representative of the Miss Universe pageant. Quite the resume. According to Charlie, she had a natural grace and flair, which seems to have directly translated into her cooking. At least if her mango and red onion salad is any example.  

For Aunty Yvonne’s mango and red onion salad, you’ll need only a few fresh ingredients. Ripe mangoes, red onion, green chilies, and a lime. All of these ingredients are chopped up before tossed together and topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The result is a dish that’s all about contrasting flavors – the sweet mango, savory red onion, sour lime juice, and a spicy kick from the green chilies. Plus, I love that this recipe breaks the mango mold as a savory dish instead of a sweet one.  

Aunty Yvonne’s mango and red onion salad is a great dish to have on hand for almost any occasion. It’s a collection of ingredients that are affordable and accessible just about anywhere in the world. Not to mention, this salad works for any meal at any time of day. Use it as a spicy breakfast dish or serve it with fresh seafood, roasted cauliflower, or poultry. There’s really no pairing that won’t work here.  

Although Aunty Yvonne recently passed away, her memory lives on in her delicious mango and red onion salad. It’s comforting, exciting, and definitely one of a kind – just like Aunty Yvonne.