Refreshing Thai Mango Cucumber

This Thai mango cucumber salad is perfect when you want something light yet full of flavor. It strikes a balance between sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy with fresh textures that make it refreshingly satisfying on warm days or as a crisp side dish.

I first made this on a whim for a summer picnic and it quickly became a favorite staple for quick lunches and easy dinner sides

Ingredients

• Ripe mangoes: diced for natural sweetness and juicy texture choose mangoes that give slightly under gentle pressure but are not mushy
• Large cucumber: diced adds cooling crunch pick a firm cucumber free from soft spots or wrinkles
• Red bell pepper: diced contributes vibrant color and a mild sweet pepper flavor fresh and shiny peppers work best
• Red onion: thinly sliced provides a gentle sharpness balance flavor intensity by soaking briefly in cold water if needed
• Fresh cilantro: chopped gives a bright herbal note always pick cilantro with deep green stems and leaves without yellowing
• Lime juice: adds bright acidity seek fresh limes for maximum zest and juice
• Fish sauce: gives deep savory umami flavor select good quality authentic fish sauce for best depth
• Honey: balances the tart and salty flavors go for raw or pure honey for natural sweetness
• Chili flakes: optional to add heat personalize spice level based on preference

Instructions

Combine the Fresh Ingredients:

Add the diced mangoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro into a large mixing bowl. Mixing them now ensures all fresh flavors start to mingle equally.

Prepare the Tangy Dressing:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, honey, and chili flakes until well combined ensuring a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, and spicy notes.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the fresh ingredients gently toss using salad tongs or two large spoons taking care not to break up the mango pieces, just enough to coat everything evenly.

Let the Flavors Meld:

Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature before serving. This resting time softens the onions slightly and lets all the flavors blend into one refreshing bite.

Serve:

Enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant side or even a light stand-alone meal.

I remember my first time making this salad with my family on a summer evening when everyone kept reaching for second helpings because it felt both light and indulgent at the same time

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day to preserve freshness. The salad is best eaten the same day as cucumbers can soften and mango juices seep out. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Ingredient Swaps

If you need a vegetarian option, replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a similar savory flavor. Try substituting cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a different herbal profile depending on what you love. If mangoes are out of season, ripe papaya or even peaches work well in a pinch but expect slightly different sweetness.

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside grilled meats or seafood to add a crisp refreshing contrast. Use as a topping for tacos or bánh mì sandwiches to add a zesty tropical crunch. Spoon over a bed of mixed greens to turn this into a heartier salad for lunch or light dinner.

In colder months, use blood oranges instead of mango for a tangy twist with seasonal citrus

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I adjust the spiciness in this dish?

Yes, the chili flakes are optional and can be added according to taste to increase or reduce spiciness without overpowering the other flavors.

→ What can I use as a vegetarian alternative to fish sauce?

Soy sauce or tamari are excellent substitutes that maintain the umami depth without using animal products.

→ Is it better to serve this dish chilled or at room temperature?

Both options work well; chilling enhances the refreshing quality, while room temperature allows the flavors to develop more fully.

→ How long should the salad rest before serving?

A 10-minute rest after tossing lets the dressing meld with the fruits and vegetables, improving overall flavor balance.

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, prepare it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, but toss gently before serving to refresh the textures.