Thai Mango Cucumber Salad 🥠– Sweet, Tangy & Refreshing in 15 Minutes!
**Introduction**
This Thai Mango Cucumber Salad is a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture, offering the perfect escape in every bite. It’s a symphony of sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy notes, featuring juicy ripe mango, crisp cooling cucumber, and a zesty lime and chili dressing. The overall character is incredibly light, refreshing, and invigorating. It’s the perfect antidote to a hot day, a rich meal, or when you simply crave a burst of healthy, vibrant energy. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad requires no cooking and transforms simple ingredients into a truly spectacular side dish or light main. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold, fresh flavors that awaken the senses.
**Perfect for:**
* A light and healthy lunch.
* A side dish for grilled fish, chicken, or shrimp.
* Potlucks and BBQs.
* A palate cleanser during a rich meal.
* A quick snack when you need a refreshing boost.
**Why You’ll Love This Thai Mango Cucumber Salad Recipe**
**Incredibly Refreshing:** The combination of chilled mango and cucumber with the bright, citrusy dressing is instantly cooling and revitalizing.
**Bursting with Flavor:** Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of sweet fruit, crisp vegetable, tangy lime, salty fish sauce, and spicy chili.
**Effortlessly Quick:** From chopping to serving, this salad comes together in 15 minutes with no cooking required, making it the ultimate fast and fresh meal.
**Visually Stunning:** The bright yellow mango against the green cucumber and red chili makes a beautiful, colorful presentation that is sure to impress.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 90-110 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 90-110 kcal
**Protein:** 2g
**Carbohydrates:** 23g
**Fat:** 0.5g
**Fiber:** 3g
**Sugar:** 19g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 2 ripe but firm mangoes, julienned or cut into thin strips
* 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
* 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
* 3 tablespoons roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
* 1 red Thai chili, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
**For the Dressing:**
* Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
* 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan version)
* 1 tablespoon palm sugar or light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and grated ginger until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned mango, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, cilantro, and mint.
3. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the mango and cucumber mixture.
4. Gently Toss: Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with the chopped roasted peanuts and sliced red chili. Serve immediately.
**How to Serve Thai Mango Cucumber Salad**
* As a light main course for a healthy lunch.
* Alongside grilled meats like chicken satay, fish, or pork chops.
* As a refreshing side to rich and creamy curries to balance the meal.
* Served in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld appetizer.
**Additional Tips for Thai Mango Cucumber Salad**
* For the best texture, use mangoes that are ripe but still firm. Overly soft mangoes will become mushy when tossed.
* To mellow the sharpness of the red onion, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
* Taste the dressing and adjust the balance to your liking. Add more lime for tang, more sugar for sweetness, or more fish sauce for saltiness.
* Add the peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
**Recipe Variations of Thai Mango Cucumber Salad**
**Protein-Powered Version:** Add 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken, shrimp, or baked tofu to turn the salad into a more substantial main course.
**Seafood Version:** Top the salad with seared scallops or grilled prawns for an elegant starter or light dinner.
**Extra Crunchy Version:** Add 1/2 cup of matchstick-sliced jicama or green apple for an additional layer of crispness and a slight tartness.
**Freezing and Storage for Thai Mango Cucumber Salad**
**Storage:** This salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that the cucumber will release water and the salad will become less crisp.
**Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the mango and cucumber will be completely compromised upon thawing.
**FAQ Section about Thai Mango Cucumber Salad**
**What type of mango is best for this salad?**
Ataulfo (Honey) or Kent mangoes are ideal because they are less fibrous than Tommy Atkins varieties. Choose mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure but are not soft.
**How can I make this salad vegan?**
Simply substitute the fish sauce with an equal amount of soy sauce or tamari.
**Is it very spicy?**
The heat level is entirely customizable. Start with a few slices of chili, or remove the seeds for less heat. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
**Can I make the dressing ahead of time?**
Absolutely. The dressing can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and intensify.
**Conclusion of Thai Mango Cucumber Salad Recipe**
Thai Mango Cucumber Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a refreshing experience. It proves that the most satisfying meals can be the simplest, relying on the quality of fresh ingredients and a perfectly balanced dressing. Its dazzling combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, along with its satisfying crunch, makes it an unforgettable addition to any table. In just 15 minutes, you can transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. This salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe collection, especially when you need a quick, healthy, and spectacularly delicious option.