30 Minutes Spicy Mango Cucumber Salad Cups
A refreshing, spicy, and tangy appetizer featuring juicy mango and crisp cucumber on skewers, dressed with lime, chili, and olive oil. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Citrus Zester
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- About 12 Wooden Skewers
- Measuring spoons (set)
Ingredients
- Juice of 2 small limes plus extra for garnish
- Zest from 1 lime reserve some for topping
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 small Thai chilies finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- Coarse sea salt to taste
- 1 long English cucumber peeled and cut into slices
- 1 large ripe mango peeled and diced into cubes
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh mint chopped
- Approximately 12 small wooden skewers
Instructions
- Create the Flavorful Marinade: Begin by washing and drying two small limes thoroughly. Using a fine grater or zester, carefully remove the zest from one lime, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath the skin. Set aside about a teaspoon of this zest for garnish later. Next, cut both limes in half and squeeze their juice into a large, shallow mixing bowl. Add the reserved lime zest to the bowl. Pour in two tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which will add a smooth, peppery richness and help blend the flavors. Take one or two small Thai chilies, remove their seeds to reduce some heat if you prefer, then finely chop the flesh into tiny pieces. Add these chopped chilies to the bowl, remembering that their spice will infuse the marinade. Finally, season the mixture with a pinch of coarse sea salt to taste. Use a whisk or fork to blend all the ingredients vigorously until fully combined and aromatic.
- Prepare the Fresh Produce: Take one long, seedless English cucumber and peel it to remove the waxy outer skin. This ensures a crisp and refreshing texture. Slice the cucumber into even rounds, about ¼ to ½ inch thick, so each piece holds up well on the skewer. Next, select one large, ripe mango. Peel it carefully with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, exposing the bright orange flesh beneath. Cut the mango flesh into cubes approximately one inch in size. The mango should be juicy but firm enough to keep its shape when skewered. Arrange the cucumber slices and mango cubes separately on a clean cutting board for easy handling.
- Combine and Marinate the Ingredients: Place the cucumber slices and mango cubes into the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss them with a large spoon or clean hands to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the lime, chili, and olive oil mixture. This helps the vibrant flavors meld and intensify. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the mixture and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time not only softens the ingredients slightly but also deepens the flavor profile, making each bite more delicious.
- Assemble the Skewers Thoughtfully; When ready to serve, retrieve the marinated cucumber and mango from the refrigerator. Prepare about 12 small wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 10 minutes beforehand if you plan to grill, to prevent burning—although grilling is optional here. Take one skewer and carefully thread pieces onto it, alternating between cucumber and mango to create a colorful, appealing pattern. Be gentle while skewering to avoid breaking the softer mango cubes. Each skewer should hold around 4 to 6 pieces, leaving enough space at each end to hold comfortably. Repeat this process with the remaining skewers until all pieces are used.
- Final Touches and Presentation: Arrange the finished skewers neatly on a serving platter. Sprinkle the reserved lime zest evenly over the top to add a fresh, zesty aroma and vibrant green flecks of color. Finely chop one to two tablespoons of fresh mint leaves and scatter them generously over the skewers. The mint adds a cool, herbal contrast that balances the spicy chili and sweet mango beautifully. Finish by seasoning lightly with additional coarse sea salt to taste. Optionally, place lime wedges around the platter for extra zest at the table. Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing medley of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Notes
- For a milder spice level, reduce the amount of chili or substitute with a milder pepper variety.
- Choose mangoes that yield slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma to ensure optimal ripeness and flavor.
- Marinating the cucumber and mango mixture for at least 30 minutes enhances the infusion of flavors and softens the texture slightly.
- These skewers can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept chilled, making them perfect for easy entertaining or meal prep.
- Feel free to drizzle a little extra lime juice before serving for an added fresh zing.