Mango Cucumber Salad

This mango cucumber salad is sweet, crunchy, and refreshing! Featuring juicy mangoes, mini cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and a zesty lime dressing, this salad is the epitome of a vibrant, healthy meal. Serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or even an afternoon snack.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Packed with nutrients: Mango cucumber salad brings a whole new meaning to eating the rainbow! It’s full of vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and beneficial antioxidants.
• Quick & easy: This salad can be whipped up in under 15 minutes! It’s perfect to make for busy weekdays and on-the-go lunches.
• Versatile: You can enjoy this salad on its own or bulk it up by adding your favorite protein like grilled tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh.

Juicy mango cucumber salad

This mango cucumber salad has become my new summer go-to! It’s full of sweet, sour, savory, and zesty flavors that leave you feeling incredibly refreshed and energized, especially as the weather warms up.

Juicy and buttery smooth mangoes contrast beautifully with the refreshing crunch of cucumbers, while red onion and red bell pepper add complexity and depth. Everything is tied together with a tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette featuring lime juice, maple syrup, and white wine vinegar.

I love serving it chilled on a hot summer day for a light yet flavorful meal, but it also pairs well as a side dish with mains like protein power tofu bowls, Thai red curry, or tom kha soup.

Choosing the best mangoes for salad

When making a mango cucumber salad, the type and ripeness of the mango can make a huge difference. Here are some pointers to help you choose the best mangoes for your salad:

• Ripeness: Choose mangoes that are ripe but still firm. Don't rely solely on color to determine ripeness, as it can vary between varieties. Instead, gently squeeze the mango. If it yields slightly to pressure, it’s good to go.
• Type: Ataulfo or Honey mangoes are always a great choice for salads. They have one of the creamiest textures and sweetest flavors. However, Tommy Atkins mangoes also work well.
• Season: Mangoes are best during their peak season, which usually runs from March to July in the U.S. This is when they are most flavorful.
• Blemishes: Steer clear from mangoes with dark spots or blemishes on the skin, as these can indicate that the fruit is overripe or bruised.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Mango: Brings a juicy, tropical sweetness to the salad. If mangoes are not available, experiment with peaches, pineapples, nectarines, or apricots.
• Cucumber: I find Persian (mini) cucumbers offer the best crunch. If mini cucumbers are not available, English cucumbers are also a good option.
• Red onion: Adds a sharp, savory flavor that contrasts well with the sweetness of the mangoes. For a milder onion taste, use shallots instead of red onion.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a sweet crunch. Feel free to use yellow or orange bell peppers, or try a mix of all three!
• Cilantro: Imparts fresh, herbaceous, and lemony notes. If you're not a cilantro fan, try using fresh mint or basil. Alternatively, just leave the herbs out.
• Lime juice: Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Make sure it’s freshly squeezed for the best taste. You can also use lemon juice in a pinch.
• Olive oil: Used for the base of the dressing, adding a rich flavor and mouthfeel. If you don’t have olive oil on hand, use avocado or grapeseed oil.
• White wine vinegar: Enhances the tanginess of the dressing while imparting slightly sweet undertones. Red wine vinegar is the next best option followed by apple cider vinegar.
• Maple syrup: My preferred liquid sweetener for this salad is maple syrup, but agave, coconut nectar, or brown rice syrup will all work as well.
• Salt & black pepper: Salt brings out the vibrant flavors of this mango cucumber salad and cracked black pepper adds a slight kick.

How to make a mango cucumber salad

• Step 1: Start by slicing or dicing the mango, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, scallion into bite size pieces. Also, chop the cilantro leaves to your preferred texture. Add everything to a bowl and set it aside while you make the dressing.

• Step 2: In a small mason jar or bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.

• Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to combine. Ensure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing before serving.

Storage

For any extra mango cucumber salad, follow these quick and easy storage tips:

• Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Just note that it tends to get soggier the longer it sits.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing mango cucumber salad as it really changes the texture of the ingredients. Try to keep it in the fridge and consume it within a few days.

Variations

• Creamy: Add some diced avocado to the salad for added creaminess. 
• Protein: Toss in some grilled tofu or tempeh to increase the protein content and make it more of a standalone meal.
• Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeño to balance the sweet mangoes. 
• Infused oil: Try using flavored olive oil, like lemon or basil, to impart a unique flavor to the salad.
• Nuts: Add some chopped nuts like cashews or almonds for a crunch factor.

Top tips

• Choose the right mango: Remember, your mango should be ripe but still firm enough to hold up in the salad.
• Seed the cucumber: If your cucumber has particularly large seeds, it’s best to remove them before making the salad.
• Uniform sizes: Make sure the ingredients are cut into equal bite size pieces for a better eating experience.
• Chill the salad first: Let the salad chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before serving, since it tastes best when cold.

More salad recipes

If you enjoyed this mango cucumber salad, check out these other vibrant and flavor-packed salads: 

• Spicy Cucumber Salad: 5-ingredient salad that only takes 10 minutes to make. 
• Kani Salad: A plant-based version of the popular Japanese dish.
• Watermelon salad: Juicy watermelon cubes mixed with cucumbers and vegan feta. 
• Lemon orzo salad: Mediterranean flavors infused into a simple side salad.