Name: Thai Mango Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
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)

Thai Mango Cucumber Salad with vibrant colors and fresh ingredients

Jump to Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Thai Mango Cucumber Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your table. This salad is perfect for hot summer days or as a light side dish. It’s simple to make and packed with healthy ingredients. The combination of sweet mango, crunchy cucumber, and zesty dressing makes this salad a winner for any occasion.

How to Make Thai Mango Cucumber 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
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Directions

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

How to Serve Thai Mango Cucumber Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or seafood. It also makes a great light lunch on its own. For added crunch, consider pairing it with crispy wonton strips or fresh lettuce leaves to wrap the salad.

How to Store Thai Mango Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days. However, the longer it sits, the more the vegetables will soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Tips to Make Thai Mango Cucumber Salad

Choose ripe mangoes for the sweetest flavor. They should slightly yield to gentle pressure when squeezed.
For extra crunch, add in chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews.
Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili flakes according to your taste.

Variation

You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables or fruits like avocado, carrots, or even pineapple for an extra twist. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the fish sauce and replace it with soy sauce or coconut aminos.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and make the dressing ahead of time. Just combine them right before serving for the freshest taste.

What if I don’t have fish sauce?
You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative to keep a similar umami flavor.

Is Thai Mango Cucumber Salad spicy?
The salad itself is not very spicy unless you add the optional chili flakes. You can adjust the amount based on your preference!