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- 1 large cucumber, julienned - 1 ripe mango, diced - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Crushed peanuts - Fresh cilantro To make this salad, start with fresh ingredients. You want crisp cucumbers and ripe mangoes. The cucumber adds crunch while the mango gives sweetness. The red bell pepper adds color and a mild taste. The red onion brings a bit of bite, and the jalapeño gives it heat. For the dressing, fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. Honey adds a hint of sweetness. Sesame oil enriches the salad, making it taste unique. Don’t forget salt and pepper to tie everything together. Optional toppings like crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro add extra flavor. Peanuts give a nice crunch, and cilantro adds freshness. These ingredients come together to create a vibrant and tasty dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by julienning the cucumber. Cut the cucumber lengthwise into thin strips. This shape gives the salad a nice crunch. Next, dice the ripe mango into small cubes. Choose a mango that feels slightly soft for the best flavor. Now, slice the red bell pepper into thin pieces. Finally, finely chop the red onion. Place all these prepared ingredients into a large mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, honey, and sesame oil. This mixture creates a bright and sweet dressing. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Taste the dressing and adjust it as needed. You want it to be tangy and sweet. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Add the minced jalapeño for a spicy kick and the chopped cilantro for freshness. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. Let the salad sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld together nicely. Before serving, taste the salad again. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. You can also sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for that extra crunch just before serving. To make your Spicy Cucumber Mango Salad shine, start with seasoning. I suggest adding salt, pepper, or lime juice. Taste as you go. You want the flavors to pop. If you crave more heat, adjust the jalapeño. Use more for a spicy kick, or leave it out for a milder salad. For a beautiful display, serve the salad in shallow bowls. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy. Top with fresh cilantro for a bright touch. Crushed peanuts add crunch and flavor. Offer those on the side for guests to sprinkle on as they wish. If you need a honey alternative, maple syrup works great. It adds sweetness without changing the flavor too much. For the heat, try different peppers like serrano or habanero. Each type brings its own unique spice level. This gives you options to customize your salad. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Use the ripest mango and freshest cucumber for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds before mincing. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing taste. Garnish for Presentation: For an attractive finish, sprinkle additional fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts just before serving. {{image_2}} You can make this salad heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with the fresh flavors. Just cook them simply with salt and pepper. Slice them into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the salad. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try tofu. Cube the tofu and pan-fry it until golden. This adds a nice texture and protein boost. Toss it in just like the chicken or shrimp. Mixing in different fruits can make this salad even more exciting. Pineapple or papaya can add a sweet twist. Chop them into small pieces and blend them in. You can also try other seasonal fruits. Berries or citrus fruits can brighten the dish. Just choose what you love and experiment! If you enjoy heat, you can amp it up with more spices. Add chili flakes to the dressing for extra kick. Just a pinch can change the whole vibe of the salad. You can also experiment with different hot peppers. Try serrano or habanero for a bolder flavor. Adjust the amount to fit your spice level! To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Make sure to transfer the salad as soon as you finish eating. The salad stays fresh for about 2 days in the fridge. After that, it may lose its crunch. Look for signs of spoilage, like a slimy texture or off smell. If you see these signs, it’s best to toss it. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing can change the texture of the cucumber and mango. If you must freeze, chop the veggies and fruits smaller. Use a freezer-safe bag, and remove as much air as possible. It takes about 30 minutes in total. You need 15 minutes to prep. The rest of the time allows the flavors to blend. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead. Chop the veggies and make the dressing. Keep them separate in the fridge. Mix them when you are ready to serve. This keeps the salad crisp and fresh. Yes, this salad is healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories and hydrating. Mango adds vitamins and fiber. Bell peppers are full of antioxidants. Jalapeños can boost your metabolism. This salad gives you a tasty way to enjoy good nutrition. In this blog post, I shared how to make a delicious Spicy Cucumber Mango Salad. We examined the main ingredients like cucumber, mango, and jalapeño. I explained making the dressing with lime juice and honey. You learned tips for flavor and presentation, as well as variations to fit your taste. Lastly, I discussed storage tips to keep it fresh. This salad is easy, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Enjoy your salad adventure!

Spicy Cucumber Mango Salad

A refreshing salad with a spicy kick, combining cucumber, mango, and jalapeño.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Fusion
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large cucumber, julienned
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional crushed peanuts for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Start by preparing the cucumber, mango, bell pepper, and onion. Julienne the cucumber, dice the mango, thinly slice the red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. Place all prepared ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
  • In a smaller bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, and sesame oil until combined to create a dressing. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the dressing, adjusting to taste.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl.
  • Add the minced jalapeño for spiciness and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Toss everything gently until the salad is evenly coated.
  • Let the salad sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
  • If desired, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added crunch just before serving.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top and crushed peanuts on the side for guests to add if they desire.
Keyword cucumber, fresh, mango, salad, spicy