Prawn and Mango Hand Salads

Bright, fresh, and bursting with tropical flavor — these prawn and mango hand salads are the perfect summer starter or light main. Served in crisp baby gem leaves and drizzled with a creamy coconut-lime dressing, they’re easy to pick up, fun to eat, and beautifully festive for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

Tropical twist – Juicy prawns, sweet mango, and refreshing watermelon.
Creamy & tangy dressing – A mix of coconut cream, lime, and sweet chilli.
Perfect for entertaining – Make the dressing and prep ingredients a day ahead.
Fresh & light – A low-calorie dish full of color and crunch.

Key Ingredients

Prawns: Sweet and succulent, the star of this salad.
Mangoes: Add a juicy tropical sweetness that balances the prawns perfectly.
Watermelon: Fresh and playful — use star shapes for a fun presentation.
Coconut cream: Creamy richness that ties the dressing together.
Lime juice & rind: Adds zesty brightness and balances the sweetness.
Baby gem lettuce: Acts as the perfect edible cup for each serving.

Ingredients (9)

750g watermelon, cut into 1cm-thick slices
22 peeled cooked prawns, tails removed
3 baby gem lettuce, leaves separated
2 mangoes, finely chopped

Dressing:
125ml (1⁄2 cup) coconut cream
1 1/2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp fish sauce
1 tsp finely grated lime rind

Method

Step 1:
To make the dressing, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 2:
Use a 2cm star-shaped cutter to make 22 small stars from the watermelon and one 7cm star for garnish.

Step 3:
Place a prawn on each lettuce leaf, drizzle with a little dressing, and top with chopped mango.

Step 4:
Arrange the filled leaves slightly overlapping in a circular pattern. Add the large watermelon star in the center, drizzle remaining dressing, top with small watermelon stars, and serve immediately.

Chef’s Tip

💡 Don’t have a star cutter? Use a melon baller or just cube the watermelon — it’ll taste just as good!
💡 Keep the fillings contained for easy pick-up at parties.

Nutrition (per serving)

Energy: 571 kJ (136 cal)
Protein: 5.1g
Fat: 1.9g (Saturated: 1.4g)
Carbs: 26.4g (Sugars: 16.7g)
Sodium: 80.1mg
Health Score: 6.9 (Medium)