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Mango Cucumber Salad

Mango Cucumber Salad

Mango Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes with the crisp crunch of cucumbers, enhanced by fresh herbs and a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy snack, this salad brings bright, summery flavors to your table any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized chunks
  • 2 Persian or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons toasted peanuts or sesame seeds
  • Optional: diced pineapple or papaya (for tropical twist)
  • Optional: finely chopped jalapeños or dash of Sriracha (for spicy kick)
  • Optional: toasted coconut flakes (nut-free alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Produce: Peel and dice the ripe mangoes into bite-sized chunks. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure consistent crunch.
  2. Chop the Herbs: Roughly chop fresh cilantro or mint leaves finely enough to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive or sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add chili flakes or fresh chili if you desire a bit of heat.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the diced mango, sliced cucumbers, chopped herbs, and the dressing, making sure each piece is lightly coated but not soggy.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with optional toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use firm cucumbers to prevent the salad from becoming watery and to maintain a satisfying crunch.
  • Don’t overdress the salad; start with less dressing and add more as needed to avoid sogginess.
  • Balance the flavors by tasting and adjusting acidity and sweetness with lime juice and salt.
  • Chop mangoes, cucumbers, and herbs uniformly to ensure a well-balanced bite every time.
  • For best texture, prep mangoes and cucumbers separately and combine just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: mango cucumber salad, fresh salad, summer salad, gluten free, vegan salad, light lunch, side dish, healthy snack