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Mango Cucumber Salad Recipe – Bright, Fresh, and Ready in Minutes

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe mangos, peeled and diced (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 1 large English cucumber (or 2 Persian cucumbers), diced
  • 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced (or 2 scallions, finely chopped)
  • 1 small red chili (Fresno, jalapeño, or serrano), seeded and finely minced (optional)
  • 1/3 cup fresh herbs, chopped (cilantro is classic; mint or basil also work)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime (about 2–3 tablespoons juice)
  • 1–2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil)
  • 1–2 teaspoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra brightness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts or cashews, roughly chopped (optional, for crunch)

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce. Peel and dice the mangos into small cubes. Dice the cucumber to a similar size so every bite feels balanced. Thinly slice the red onion and mince the chili if using.
  2. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together lime zest, lime juice, honey, oil, vinegar (if using), salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Taste and adjust—add a bit more honey if your mangos are tart or more lime if it tastes flat.
  3. Combine gently. In a large bowl, add mango, cucumber, onion, and chili. Pour over the dressing and toss with a light hand so the mango doesn’t mash.
  4. Add the herbs. Fold in the chopped cilantro (or your chosen herbs). Start with half, then add more to taste. Herbs should brighten the salad without taking over.
  5. Season and finish. Taste again. Add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lime if needed. Sprinkle nuts on top for crunch just before serving.
  6. Chill briefly (optional). Let the salad sit in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help the flavors meld. Don’t leave it too long or the cucumber will start releasing water.