Mung Bean Mango Salad

This vibrant, refreshing salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s a connection point between classrooms in Virginia and kitchens across Africa. Inspired by the work of Dr. Ozzie Abaye, an agronomist at Virginia Tech and a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture, this dish brings together two powerful ideas: growing nourishing foods and helping families understand how to eat them.

Dr. Abaye’s mission includes introducing mung beans—a quick-growing, protein-packed legume—to farmers and families from Senegal to Southwest Virginia. But her work doesn’t stop in the fields. Alongside her students, she also develops simple, culturally inspired recipes so that what’s grown can become something delicious on the plate.

That’s where this Mango Mung Bean Salad comes in. It was one of the first recipes Dr. Abaye mentioned when we spoke, and as soon as I made it, I knew we had to share it with our Dr. Yum community. Sweet, tangy mango meets the hearty bite of mung beans, with fresh herbs and a bright citrus dressing that brings everything to life.

This dish is as nourishing as it is flavorful—and it's a beautiful example of how food can be a bridge between cultures, classrooms, and families. Whether you're a parent looking to expand your child's palate or an educator exploring global flavors, this salad is a perfect place to start.

So give it a try. Let your kids help stir the dressing or taste the mango as you prep together. And know that in this simple bowl, there’s a world of connection waiting to be enjoyed.

Read more about Dr. Abaye here.