Thai Mango Cucumber Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Thai Mango Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines sweet mangoes with crunchy cucumber and a tangy, slightly spicy dressing. It’s perfect as a light appetizer or a colorful side to your favorite meals.

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

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, honey, and chili flakes.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts or cashews on top just before serving.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
• Adjust the chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit them completely for a milder salad.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor, as bottled lime juice can taste less vibrant.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day for best freshness. The vegetables may release water over time, so toss gently before serving again. It’s best enjoyed fresh and not frozen. Reheat is not recommended as the salad is served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine them just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute, although it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Thai Mango Cucumber Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 72 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Thai Mango Cucumber Salad combining sweet ripe mangoes, crisp cucumber, and crunchy red bell pepper with a zesty lime and fish sauce dressing. This easy no-cook salad is perfect as a light appetizer or side dish bursting with fresh flavors and a hint of spice.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad 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 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the diced mangoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro to form the base of the salad.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, honey, and optional chili flakes until well emulsified, balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
3. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
4. Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature or chilled, so the flavors integrate and intensify.
5. Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or appetizer, perfect for warm weather or light meals.

Notes

• If you prefer less spice, omit or reduce the chili flakes.
• The salad is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours.
• For a vegan alternative, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
• Adjust lime juice and honey quantities to taste based on the sweetness of mangoes and your preferred balance of flavors.

Keywords: Thai salad, mango cucumber salad, fresh summer salad, no-cook salad, Thai side dish, sweet and spicy salad