A refreshing, sweet-meets-spicy salad tossed in a bold, creamy tahini dressing. The crunchy cucumber, juicy mango, and vibrant kick of heat make this the perfect side dish or light, energizing meal. Quick to prep, bursting with flavor, and endlessly customizable.
⏳ Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2–4
- ✅ Sweet, Spicy & Tangy | ✅ Gluten-Free & Vegan-Friendly | ✅ Meal-Prep Ready
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
For the Spicy Tahini Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons tahini (or sunflower seed butter for sesame-free)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (or ½ teaspoon cayenne for extra heat)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin as needed)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Ingredients:
- Rinse all produce thoroughly.
- Dice the mango into small cubes.
- Thinly slice the cucumber into rounds or half-moons.
- Dice the red bell pepper.
- Chop the cilantro finely.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Tahini, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Tahini, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
- Add water gradually, whisking until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Cucumber, mango, red bell pepper, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
- Cucumber, mango, red bell pepper, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle with the spicy tahini dressing.
- Toss gently until evenly coated.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy every vibrant, refreshing bite. ✨
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal.
- Serve over quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a hearty, nourishing bowl.
- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or cashews for added crunch.
🔥 Pro Tip: If meal-prepping, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving for maximum crispness!
📦 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Before serving: Give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: ~4g
- Carbs: ~18g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~3g
💭 Final Thoughts
This Spicy Mango & Cucumber Salad hits every note — sweet, spicy, creamy, crisp — while staying fresh, light, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re building a vibrant summer plate or looking for a quick meal-prep hero, this one belongs in your rotation.
💬 How do you like your salads — bold and spicy or fresh and simple? Let’s talk in the comments below!
📌 Want more fresh, flavor-packed ideas? Check out my [salad recipes here!]🚀🥗
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