Zesty Mango Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Name: Zesty Mango Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, sliced; 2 large tomatoes, diced; 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 8

Welcome to a refreshing journey with our Zesty Mango Cucumber and Tomato Salad! This colorful salad is perfect for those warm days when you crave something light yet full of flavor. With its vibrant ingredients and tangy dressing, it’s a delightful addition to any meal.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
Packed with fresh, colorful ingredients that scream summer.
The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
A healthy choice that doesn't compromise on taste.
Versatile enough to serve as a side or a main dish.

Ingredients

2 cucumbers, sliced

2 large tomatoes, diced

1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

3 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Ingredients Explained

Cucumbers bring a crisp and refreshing texture, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the mango. They also add a hydrating element to the salad.

Tomatoes, with their juicy and slightly acidic nature, complement the sweetness and add a burst of color and flavor.

Mango is the star of this dish, providing a natural sweetness and tropical flair that makes the salad irresistibly delicious.

Red onion adds a sharp, pungent bite, balancing the sweetness and bringing an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Fresh cilantro introduces a hint of citrusy, herbal freshness, tying the salad's flavors together beautifully.

The lime juice serves as the acidic component of the dressing, enhancing the flavors and adding a zesty kick.

Olive oil helps to emulsify the dressing, giving it a smooth and cohesive texture.

Salt and black pepper elevate all the flavors, while the red pepper flakes offer a subtle heat for a little extra zing.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra burst of flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
If you prefer a less pungent onion taste, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 5 minutes before adding it to the salad.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference — a little goes a long way!

Detailed Instructions

Start by preparing your vegetables and fruit. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds for a satisfying crunch in every bite. Dice the tomatoes into small, even pieces to ensure they mix well with the other ingredients. Then, peel and dice the mango, making sure to remove the pit and cut the flesh into small cubes that match the size of the tomato pieces.

Next, finely chop the red onion and fresh cilantro. The smaller the onion pieces, the better they’ll integrate into the salad without overpowering it. Add these to a large mixing bowl along with the prepared cucumbers, tomatoes, and mango.

Now, it's time to prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and smooth. Pour this zesty dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to mash the mango pieces as you mix. Once everything is well combined, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and diced mango.

2. Add the finely chopped red onion and fresh cilantro to the bowl.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a dressing.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.

5. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue. Alternatively, serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal on its own. It also complements spicy dishes, providing a cooling contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately and combine them just before serving. This helps maintain the freshness and texture.
What if I don’t like cilantro?: You can substitute it with fresh parsley or basil for a different but equally delicious flavor.
Can I add other ingredients?: Absolutely! Feel free to add avocado for creaminess or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

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