Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy

mango cucumber salad

Mango Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, light, and healthy summer delight. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it crisp and not watery. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Delicious Garlic Beef Pasta and Zesty Avocado Tomato Salad.

Mango Cucumber Salad with fresh mango slices, crisp cucumber, and red onion
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Why This Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy Is Pure Comfort

  • Light and refreshing
  • Easy to make
  • Perfect for summer cookouts
  • Healthy and nutritious

What You'll Need for Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • ripe mango
  • cucumber
  • red onion
  • fresh cilantro
  • lime
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • lime juice
  • Optional: crumbled feta or cotija cheese
  • Optional: chopped fresh jalapeño
  • Optional: roasted pumpkin seeds
Raw ingredients for Mango Cucumber Salad: ripe mango, cucumber, red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • mango: Choose ripe, sweet mangoes for best flavor.
  • cucumber: English cucumbers have fewer seeds and are less watery.

🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Mango Cucumber Salad plated with fresh cilantro and lime wedge

How to Make Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy

  1. Prepare the mango: Cut the mango lengthwise along the pit, then score the flesh into cubes. Push the cubes out with a glass or spoon.
  2. Slice the cucumber and red onion: Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife, slice the cucumber and red onion thinly.
  3. Mix the salad: In a bowl, combine mango, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lime juice. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Cook's Tips for Perfect Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy

  • Common mistake and fix: Don't overdo the lime juice to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Start with half a lime and adjust to taste.
  • Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add chopped fresh jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Pro tip: Make it a meal by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

Storing & Reheating Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the salad up to 4 hours ahead. Add cilantro and lime juice just before serving.

Freezing Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy

Not suitable for freezing.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Not applicable. Microwave: Not applicable.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: To prevent the mango from browning, toss it with a little lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad.
  • Best substitution: Substitute mango with peach or pineapple for a similar refreshing salad.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the salad up to 4 hours ahead. Add cilantro and lime juice just before serving.
  • Scaling: This recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd. Just double or triple the ingredients.
  • Troubleshooting: If your salad is watery, drain some of the liquid before serving.

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Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy

Mango Cucumber Salad plated with fresh cilantro and lime wedge
Prep
15 minutes
🍳
Cook
0 minutes
Total
15 minutes
🍽
Serves
4 servings
🥗
Diet
vegan, gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • ripe mango
  • cucumber
  • red onion
  • fresh cilantro
  • lime

Seasonings

  • salt
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • lime juice

Optional Toppings

  • crumbled feta or cotija cheese
  • chopped fresh jalapeño
  • roasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mango: Cut the mango lengthwise along the pit, then score the flesh into cubes. Push the cubes out with a glass or spoon.
  2. Slice the cucumber and red onion: Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife, slice the cucumber and red onion thinly.
  3. Mix the salad: In a bowl, combine mango, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lime juice. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Chef tip: To prevent the mango from browning, toss it with a little lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad.
  • Best substitution: Substitute mango with peach or pineapple for a similar refreshing salad.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the salad up to 4 hours ahead. Add cilantro and lime juice just before serving.
  • Scaling: This recipe is easy to scale up for a crowd. Just double or triple the ingredients.
  • Troubleshooting: If your salad is watery, drain some of the liquid before serving.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Not suitable for freezing.
  • Oven reheat: Not applicable.
  • Microwave reheat: Not applicable.
  • Make ahead: Prepare the salad up to 4 hours ahead. Add cilantro and lime juice just before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 90
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 2.5g
  • Carbs: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sat. Fat: 0.5g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy FAQs

Why is my mango cucumber salad watery?

Too much lime juice or not allowing the salad to rest can make it watery. Drain excess liquid and adjust seasoning.

Can I make mango cucumber salad ahead?

Yes, prepare the salad up to 4 hours ahead. Add cilantro and lime juice just before serving.

What's a good substitute for mango?

Peach or pineapple can be used as a substitute for a similar refreshing salad.

How do I prevent my mango from browning?

Toss the mango with a little lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad.

Can I freeze mango cucumber salad?

No, freezing will make the salad watery and mushy.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Best Mango Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly Light and Healthy and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!

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