If you’re craving a vibrant, refreshing salad bursting with color and bold flavors, this Mango Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe is your new go-to. It combines juicy mangoes, crisp cucumbers, and zesty lime dressing with fresh cilantro that will brighten your day and your plate. This delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements makes every bite a celebration of freshness that’s perfect for warm days or as a charming side to your favorite meals.

A vibrant flat lay of fresh ingredients arranged neatly on a clean white surface: bright golden diced champagne mango cubes, crisp pale green diced Persian cucumber, finely minced translucent red onion resting in a small bowl, a pile of deep green peppery arugula leaves, a halved creamy green avocado with smooth texture, a small cluster of glossy dark blue blueberries, a scattering of toasted golden-brown walnuts, and a small heap of fresh chopped bright green cilantro. Nearby, a clear glass bowl contains the light golden olive oil vinaigrette mixed with fresh lime juice, tiny bits of chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Natural soft lighting highlights the contrasting textures—the juicy mango’s sheen, the cucumber’s crispness, the walnuts’ crunch—styled with subtle shadows and space between each element for clarity and harmony. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Mango Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe truly shine. Each item plays a crucial role in creating a symphony of flavors and textures that balance sweetness, acidity, and creaminess perfectly.

Champagne mango: Choose a ripe one for juicy, sweet chunks that add a tropical flair.
Persian cucumber: Crisp and mild, it provides refreshing crunch without overpowering the other flavors.
Red onion: Minced and set aside to mellow its bite, adding a subtle sharpness that contrasts beautifully.
Arugula: Peppery greens that lend a pleasant bite and vibrant green color to the salad.
Avocado: Creamy texture that enriches the salad and balances the crisp veggies.
Blueberries: Bursts of sweetness and juiciness that surprise your palate in every bite.
Walnuts: Toasted for a nutty crunch that adds depth of flavor and contrast to the softness.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped to infuse a bright, herbal note throughout the salad.
Lime juice: The key for a zesty, tangy vinaigrette that lifts all ingredients.
Maple syrup: A subtle natural sweetener to balance the acidity of the lime.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps marry the flavors.
Garlic powder: Just a pinch adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every component’s flavor.

How to Make Mango Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Fresh Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently mix together the diced champagne mango, crisp Persian cucumber, minced red onion (after letting it sit to soften the sharpness), peppery arugula, creamy avocado chunks, sweet blueberries, toasted walnuts, and freshly chopped cilantro. This colorful medley is the foundation of the salad and showcases the freshness that bursts with every bite.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

In a separate small bowl, whisk the lime juice, maple syrup, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until emulsified. This homemade dressing is what truly transforms this dish into the Mango Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour the vinaigrette over the mixed salad ingredients, then toss gently yet thoroughly to coat every piece evenly. It’s important to be gentle to avoid mashing the delicate mango and avocado while allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serve or Chill Before Enjoying

Enjoy this salad immediately for the freshest texture and bright flavors, or chill in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to let the ingredients soak up the vinaigrette and deepen the taste. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Mango Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro or a few walnut halves on top to enhance the salad’s visual appeal and add extra textural interest just before serving. A light dusting of lime zest can also brighten the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a light pasta for a well-rounded meal. It also works wonderfully as a refreshing addition to any summer barbecue or picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or small mason jars for a charming, portable presentation. For a fancier touch, arrange the salad artistically on a platter with extra mango slices and edible flowers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The ingredients tend to soften over time, so consuming it fresh is best for that delightful crispness and zing.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The fresh fruits and vegetables will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad with raw ingredients and no cooked components, reheating is not recommended. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mango for the salad?

Yes, any ripe mango variety works well, but champagne mangoes are preferred for their sweetness and slight citrus notes which complement the vinaigrette beautifully.

Is it possible to substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make excellent alternatives, offering a similar crunch and nutty flavor, but walnuts have a unique buttery richness that pairs best with this salad.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Yes, the vinaigrette can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated in a sealed container. Just whisk it again before dressing the salad for the best consistency.

What can I use instead of arugula?

If you’re not a fan of arugula, baby spinach or mixed greens will provide a milder base while still adding fresh color and nutrients.

How do I soften the red onion’s sharpness?

Mincing the red onion and letting it sit for about 15 minutes helps mellow its pungency and makes it more palatable in this light salad.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Mango Cucumber Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette Recipe that makes it feel like sunshine on a plate. Its beautiful balance of flavors and effortless freshness make it a treasured recipe to keep on hand for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and have it become your personal favorite as well!