This Mango Cucumber Salad is a refreshing combination of sweet, juicy mango, crisp cucumber, red onion, fresh cilantro, and a bright lime dressing. It’s colorful, light, and incredibly easy to prepare. Every bite brings a delicious balance of sweetness, crunch, and citrus flavor!
Perfect for summer lunches, backyard barbecues, picnics, or as a fresh side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Course: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American-Inspired, Tropical
- Method: No-Cook
Ingredients
Refreshing Mango Salad with Tangy Lime Dressing
For the Salad
- 2 ripe but firm mangoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large English cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ avocado, diced (optional)
For the Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Ensalada de verano con verduras y mango | Simplot Food – USA
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel the mangoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Wash the cucumber and dice it into similar-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh cilantro. If using jalapeño or avocado, prepare those too.
Step 2: Make the Lime Dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes until well combined.
Taste the dressing and adjust the lime juice or sweetness to your preference.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Vibrant Mango Cucumber Salad with Lime and Honey Dressing – Recipe cell
Add the diced mango, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Add the jalapeño if you like a little heat.
Pour the lime dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Avocado and Serve
Fresh Mango Salad with Avocado – Connoisseurus Veg
If using avocado, gently fold it into the salad just before serving to keep the pieces intact.
Serve immediately, or chill for about 10–15 minutes to let the flavors come together.
Tips for the Best Mango Cucumber Salad
- Choose firm mangoes: Use ripe mangoes that are sweet but firm enough to hold their shape.
- Use English cucumber: It has fewer seeds and a crisp texture.
- Keep everything chilled: Cold ingredients make this salad extra refreshing.
- Add dressing before serving: This helps prevent the cucumber from releasing too much liquid.
- Adjust the spice: Add jalapeño or chili flakes for a little kick.
- Use fresh lime juice: It gives the dressing a brighter flavor than bottled juice.
Easy Variations
- Add feta: Crumble ¼ cup of feta over the salad for a salty, creamy contrast.
- Make it spicy: Add extra jalapeño and chili flakes.
- Add avocado: Include one diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Add pineapple: Mix in ½ cup of diced pineapple for extra tropical sweetness.
- Add protein: Serve with grilled shrimp, chicken, or crispy tofu.
- Make it vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
What to Serve with Mango Cucumber Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Baked or grilled salmon
- Garlic shrimp
- Fish tacos
- Crispy tofu
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice bowls and quinoa bowls
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day for the best texture.
- Make ahead: Dice the mango, cucumber, and onion separately and refrigerate. Mix the dressing separately.
- Avocado: Add it just before serving to prevent browning.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because cucumber and mango become soft after thawing.
Keep the salad refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below, and don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make mango cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the ingredients and dressing separately up to one day ahead. Combine everything shortly before serving.
2. What type of mango is best?
Honey, Ataulfo, or ripe Kent mangoes work well. Choose mangoes that are sweet but not overly soft.
3. Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Absolutely. Fresh lemon juice works well, although lime gives the salad a more tropical flavor.
4. Is mango cucumber salad healthy?
It contains fresh fruit, vegetables, and olive oil. It can be a refreshing addition to a balanced meal.
5. Can I add feta cheese?
Yes! Feta adds a delicious salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the mango.
Printable Recipe Card
Best Mango Salad Recipes | Zee Zest
Mango Cucumber Salad
A fresh, sweet, crunchy salad with juicy mango, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and zesty lime dressing.
PREP TIME
15 minutes
COOK TIME
0 minutes
TOTAL TIME
15 minutes
SERVINGS
4
Ingredients
- 2 ripe but firm mangoes, diced
- 1 large English cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño, optional
- ½ avocado, optional
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili flakes, optional
Instructions
- Peel and dice the mangoes. Dice the cucumber and slice the red onion.
- Chop the cilantro and optional jalapeño.
- Whisk lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and chili flakes in a small bowl.
- Combine mango, cucumber, onion, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss.
- Fold in avocado if using. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes.
