Byron Bay Prawn & Mango Salad: Fresh, Easy & Irresistible

Bring the flavours of Byron Bay home with this bright, zesty prawn and mango salad—perfect for summer lunches, light dinners, or as a colourful buffet addition. Inspired by Maria’s coastal catering menus at Made by Maria, this recipe showcases locally sourced seafood, ripe tropical fruit, and crisp greens. It’s effortless to prepare, yet looks and tastes like something you’d order seaside. Follow along for step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and substitution ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Local Spotlight: We source prawns from New South Wales fisheries and mangoes from nearby growers, so you can taste the region in every bite.

• Quick & Versatile: Ready in under 20 minutes, this salad works as a standalone meal or a shareable side.

• Balanced Flavours: Sweet mango, succulent prawns, crunchy veggies and a tangy lime dressing keep every forkful exciting.

• Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made keto-ish if you skip the optional honey in the dressing.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salad

• 400 g fresh Byron Bay prawns (peeled, deveined, tails removed)

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced

• 1 large avocado, diced

• 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced

• 1 red capsicum (bell pepper), thinly sliced

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cups mixed baby salad leaves (rocket, black kale, baby spinach)

• ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons lightly toasted macadamia nuts (crushed)

For the Lime & Ginger Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1–2 limes)

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional—omit for keto)

• 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Method

1. Poach or Grill the Prawns

1.   Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil and add peeled prawns. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
2.   Immediately transfer prawns to an ice bath (bowl of ice water) to stop cooking and preserve juiciness.
3.   Alternatively, preheat a grill pan to medium-high, brush prawns with a touch of olive oil and grill 1–2 minutes per side until just opaque.

2. Prepare the Dressing

1.   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
2.   Taste and adjust: add more lime juice for extra tang, or a pinch more honey for sweetness.

3. Assemble the Salad

1.   In a large serving bowl or on a platter, arrange mixed baby leaves as the base.
2.   Top with sliced cucumber, red capsicum and red onion in neatly separated clusters—this makes for a vibrant presentation.
3.   Nestle diced mango and avocado among the veggies. The contrasting colours are key.
4.   Drain prawns from the ice bath and pat dry with paper towels. Scatter over the top.
5.   Drizzle roughly two‑thirds of the lime‑ginger dressing evenly over the salad; reserve the rest for guests to add as desired.
6.   Finish by sprinkling chopped coriander and crushed macadamias for crunch and aroma.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Prawn Substitutes: If prawns aren’t in season, try seared scallops or shredded poached chicken breast.

• Extra Veggies: Add halved cherry tomatoes or blanched snap peas for more colour and texture.

• Herb Swap: Swap coriander for Thai basil or mint if you prefer. Each herb shifts the flavour profile subtly.

• Make It Spicy: Stir ½ teaspoon chili flakes into the dressing or finely slice a fresh red chili and scatter on top.

• Advance Prep: Cook and chill prawns up to a day ahead. Dice mango and avocado just before serving to avoid browning.

• Dressing Storage: The lime‑ginger dressing keeps up to five days in an airtight jar in the fridge. Shake well before using.

Why This Recipe Reflects Made by Maria’s Catering Philosophy

At Made by Maria, we believe in letting local ingredients shine.

• Byron Bay Prawns & Farmers’ Market Produce: Just as we do for weddings and corporate events, this recipe highlights what’s fresh at the Byron Bay farmers’ markets.

• Effortless Elegance: Though it looks like a restaurant‑quality dish, you can prepare it in under 30 minutes—perfect for home cooks who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Customisable for Every Guest: The build‑your‑own nature of a salad buffet echoes our buffet service style: guests pick and choose their favourites and adjust for dietary needs on the spot.

Serving Suggestions

• Light Lunch or Brunch: Pair with crusty sourdough (warm from the oven) and a crisp rosé or sparkling water with lime slices.

• Buffet Addition: If you’re hosting a gathering, set this salad in its own station. Offer small tongs and extra dressing on the side so guests can serve themselves.

• Family Dinner: Add a side of garlic‑buttered prawns or grilled fish for protein‑rich variety.

FAQ: Common Questions

Can I use frozen prawns?
Yes—thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before poaching or grilling. Opt for “wild‑caught” if available.

How do I stop avocado from browning?
Toss avocado cubes in a teaspoon of lime juice immediately after cutting. This slight acid coating delays oxidation.

Is macadamia crunch necessary?
It adds a buttery texture that complements tropical fruit and seafood. Feel free to swap for roasted peanuts or slivered almonds if preferred.

Ready to Try More Made by Maria Recipes?

If you enjoyed this Byron Bay Prawn & Mango Salad, be sure to check out our other coastal‑inspired recipes and catering menus. We regularly post seasonal dishes, from Byron Bay Lemon Myrtle Chicken to Local Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Tartlets—all designed to capture New South Wales flavours.

Book Maria’s Catering for Your Next Event

When you’re inspired to elevate your next gathering with fresh, vibrant cuisine, turn to Made by Maria at Maria’s Byron Bay. Our buffet and plated menus bring the same dedication to local, seasonal ingredients into every celebration.

📍 Visit Us: 17 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay NSW 2481
📞 Call Now: +61 433 969 981
🌐 Learn More & Request a Quote:  mariasbyronbay.com 

Enjoy the taste of Byron Bay in your own kitchen, and let Maria’s catering make your next event truly memorable!