Cucumber Mango Salad
When summer temperatures soar, there’s nothing quite like a crisp, refreshing salad to cool you down and satisfy your taste buds. This Cucumber Mango Salad combines the cool crunch of cucumber with the tropical sweetness of ripe mango, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that epitomizes summer dining.
This refreshing cucumber and mango salad recipe for summer is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy, packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration. The combination of these two star ingredients creates a dish that’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for poolside lunches, backyard barbecues, or as a vibrant side dish for any summer meal.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍽️ Perfect Summer Refreshment: The combination of cool cucumber and sweet mango creates an incredibly refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot summer days.
- ⏱️ Ready in 15 Minutes: This no-cook salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or quick weekday meals.
- ✨ Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins A, C, K, potassium, and antioxidants, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: With its sweet and tangy flavors, this salad appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Cucumber Mango Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables: Thinly slice the English cucumbers using a mandoline or sharp knife. Peel and dice the mangoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Thinly slice the red onion and red bell pepper. Chop the fresh cilantro and mint leaves.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced mangoes, sliced red onion, sliced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and chopped mint leaves.
- Dress the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step enhances the refreshing cucumber and mango salad recipe for summer experience.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and crunch.
💡 CHEF’S TIP: For the crispiest cucumber, slice them just before assembling the salad. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the cucumber slices in ice water for 30 minutes before draining and using – this makes them extra crisp and refreshing!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 1.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 4.5 g |
| Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 298 mg |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cucumber Mango Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 2 hours in advance. However, for optimal texture, I recommend adding the dressing just before serving. You can prepare all the ingredients separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then combine them when ready to serve.
What type of mango works best for this salad?
For this refreshing cucumber and mango salad recipe for summer, ripe but firm mangoes work best. Ataulfo (Champagne) mangoes are excellent because they’re naturally sweet with less fiber. If using larger Tommy Atkins mangoes, make sure they’re ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when diced.
Can I substitute the honey in the dressing?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. You can also omit the sweetener entirely if you prefer a more tart dressing, though the sweetness helps balance the acidity of the lime juice.
Conclusion
This Cucumber Mango Salad is the ultimate summer dish that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor. As a refreshing cucumber and mango salad recipe for summer, it brings together the best of seasonal produce in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The vibrant colors, crisp textures, and perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors make this salad a must-try for anyone looking to beat the summer heat with fresh, healthy eating.
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