Mango Chilli Salad
Why this recipe works
- Bright balance: Lime juice cuts through the sweetness of the mango and keeps the salad tasting fresh rather than sugary.
- Crisp and juicy: Firm mango and cucumber give the salad a clean bite, while thin red onion adds a sharper crunch.
- Fast, no-cook method: Everything is chopped and tossed in one bowl, making it useful for quick lunches, sides or last-minute serving.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For less heat: Use less cayenne or replace it with smoked paprika for warmth without the same chilli bite.
- For more heat: Add cayenne gradually and taste as you go, so the chilli lifts the fruit rather than overpowering it.
- Keep it balanced: If the salad tastes too sharp or hot, a little extra mango can soften the acidity and spice.
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm-ripe mango: The mango should be fragrant and slightly yielding, but firm enough to hold its shape once tossed.
- Slice the onion finely: Very thin red onion softens quickly in the lime dressing and blends more evenly through the salad.
- Adjust the lime at the end: Taste after tossing; mango sweetness varies, so a little more lime may be needed for a sharper finish.
Make-ahead tips
- Prep shortly ahead: The salad can be made a little in advance and chilled, which helps it taste colder and crisper.
- Best eaten fresh: Mango and cucumber release liquid as they sit, so the texture is best on the day it is made.
- Chill before serving: A brief chill improves the refreshing quality, especially if serving with spicy or grilled dishes.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the mangoes, cut the flesh from the stones, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Cut the cucumber into similar-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion.
- Finely chop the fresh coriander. Juice the lime into a mixing bowl, then whisk in the olive oil, cayenne pepper and fine sea salt until combined.
- Add the mango, cucumber, red onion and coriander to the bowl and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust with a little more lime juice or salt if needed. Serve straight away, or chill for 10 minutes for a colder, crisper salad.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Choose mangoes that give slightly when pressed so they stay juicy but hold their shape in the salad.
- Slice the red onion very thinly so it softens quickly in the lime dressing.
- If serving to children or anyone sensitive to heat, start with half the cayenne pepper and add more to taste.
Substitutions
- Replace Cayenne pepper with Smoked paprika for a milder, smoky warmth.
- Replace Lime with Lemon for a slightly softer, less aromatic citrus dressing.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is best within 24 hours as the mango and cucumber will release juices; toss again before serving.
Ratings & reviews
Liked this recipe? Share your feedback to support our cooking community.
Tried this recipe?
Choose 1–5 stars. A comment is optional.
Stay inspired
Discover new recipes, seasonal favourites and cooking inspiration every day. Follow JustRecipes on Pinterest and Spillt.
Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 12min (12min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican
Plan your meals and get a complete grocery list automatically.
Add to meal plannerEquipment you'll need
Got ingredients left?
Find recipes using ingredients from this recipe or what you already have at home.
Find recipes with these ingredients →
Som Tam Salad Bowl (Thai Green Papaya Salad)
Som tam style green papaya salad with peanuts and herbs
Broad Bean, Pecorino and Mint Salad (Insalata di Fave e Pecorino)
Broad bean salad with pecorino, mint, lemon and olive oil
Niçoise-Style Tuna Salad Bowl with Potatoes and Eggs
Tuna salad bowl with potatoes, eggs, green beans and olives
Chicken Kebab Salad Bowl (Yoghurt-Marinated Chicken with Lemon Yoghurt Dressing)
Grilled chicken kebab salad with lemon yoghurt dressing
Quinoa and Roast Vegetable Salad
Quinoa salad with roasted courgette, pepper and onion
Italian Lentil and Tuna Salad (Insalata di Lenticchie e Tonno)
Italian lentil and tuna salad with capers and lemon
Uitsmijter (Dutch Fried Eggs on Toast)
Dutch open sandwich with fried eggs, ham, cheese and onions
Modern Shawarma Bowl with Tahini Yoghurt Sauce
Modern shawarma bowl with spiced chicken, rice and tahini yoghurt
Chopped Italian Salad with Salami and Provolone
Chopped salad with lettuce, salami, provolone and vinaigrette
Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Cheesesteak roll with beef, onions, peppers and provolone
Italian-Style Oven-Baked Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes, Rosemary and Lemon
Oven-baked chicken with cherry tomatoes, rosemary and lemon
Gỏi Đu Đủ (Vietnamese Green Papaya Salad)
Crunchy green papaya salad with herbs, lime and peanuts
Mango Salad with Black Beans, Sweetcorn and Lime
Mango salad with black beans, sweetcorn and lime
Jerk Chicken Bowl
Jerk chicken with rice, black beans and mango salsa
Lime and Coriander Rice
Fluffy lime and coriander rice finished with olive oil
Lime Chicken Skewers
Grilled lime chicken skewers with cumin and smoked paprika
Trucha a la Plancha (Griddled Trout with Salsa Criolla)
Griddled trout topped with salsa criolla, lime and coriander
Tostadas de Ceviche de Atún (Tuna Ceviche Tostadas)
Crisp tostadas topped with tuna ceviche and avocado
You might also like
Chicken and Leek Pie
Chicken and leek pie with creamy sauce and puff pastry
Poulet Vallée d’Auge (Chicken with Calvados and Cream)
Chicken with Calvados, apples and double cream sauce
Macaroni Salad with Ham
Creamy macaroni salad with ham and celery
Montadito de Lomo y Pimientos (Pork Loin and Pepper Sandwiches)
Small pork loin sandwiches topped with sautéed peppers
Agnello al Forno (Roast Lamb with Potatoes and Rosemary)
Roast lamb with potatoes, garlic and rosemary
Pollo en Mole Amarillo Oaxaqueño (Chicken in Yellow Mole)
Chicken in smooth mole amarillo thickened with masa harina
Make this recipe easier next time
AdvertisementThese tools help you get better results with less effort.
Misen 8-Inch Chef Knife
- AUS-10 steel
- Balanced design
- Less traditional feel
Titanium & PP Double-Sided Cutting Board
- Separate surfaces for meat and produce
- Resists odors and stains
- Harder on knife edges than wood or plastic
OXO Good Grips Stainless Mixing Bowl Set
- Non-slip base
- Comfort grip
- Higher price
OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
- Two useful sizes with reversible cutting surfaces
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Plastic surfaces will show knife marks over time
Enjoy cooking with JustRecipes?
Add JustRecipes as one of your preferred Google sources to discover our recipes more easily across Google Search.
Add JustRecipes to GoogleEvery recipe on JustRecipes follows the same structured editorial process. Learn how recipes are created, validated, translated, illustrated, and continuously improved across the platform. How we create recipes.
