Thai Mango Cucumber Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Thai Mango Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors perfectly. It’s quick to prepare and makes a wonderful side or light meal, especially on warm days.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, honey, and chili flakes.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
- Add chopped peanuts or toasted cashews for extra crunch.
- Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer a milder salad.
- Use green mangoes if you want a more tart and tangy flavor.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best eaten fresh, as the mango and cucumber can become watery over time. If needed, toss gently before serving and serve chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the salad shortly before serving to maintain the crisp texture and fresh flavors. If you need to make it ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have fish sauce?
Fish sauce can be replaced with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian alternative, although the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
PrintThai Mango Cucumber Salad Recipe
This Thai Mango Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining sweet ripe mangoes, crisp cucumber, crunchy red bell pepper, and zesty red onion. Tossed in a tangy lime juice and fish sauce dressing with a hint of honey and optional chili flakes, this salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Ideal as a light appetizer or side dish, it’s quick to prepare and bursting with fresh, tropical flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the vegetables and fruits: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced mangoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and freshly chopped cilantro to create the salad base.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, honey, and chili flakes until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure the dressing evenly coats the mango and vegetable mixture.
- Let flavors meld: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld together and fully develop.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best refreshing taste experience.
Notes
- The chili flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your preferred spice level.
- For a vegan version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
- Fresh lime juice is recommended for best flavor in the dressing.
- Letting the salad rest for 10 minutes enhances the flavor absorption.
- This salad is best consumed fresh on the day it is prepared.
Keywords: Thai mango cucumber salad, mango salad, cucumber salad, Thai salad recipe, fresh fruit salad, no-cook salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad
