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These Spicy Mango Cucumber Salad Skewers are the ultimate summer refresher—quick to make, visually stunning, and bursting with vibrant flavors.
What sets this recipe apart is the dynamic pairing of juicy ripe mango and crisp cucumber, balanced by a punchy lime-chili vinaigrette.
The addition of fresh mint introduces a cool herbal note that complements the heat of Thai chili.
Beyond its flavor appeal, this recipe is naturally low in carbs, low in saturated fat, and high in hydration, thanks to water-rich cucumbers.
Mango offers a good dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the olive oil contributes heart-healthy fats.
With just 86 calories per serving and 1g of protein, it’s a light, nutrient-dense option perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Best of all, it’s vegan, gluten-free, paleo, raw, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Whether you’re prepping for a party or packing a picnic, these skewers are a no-fuss, wholesome addition to your daily menu.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Chef’s Knife: Precise Mango and Cucumber Cuts
A high-quality chef’s knife ensures clean, even slices of mango and cucumber—essential for uniform skewers. Ideal for daily chopping, slicing, and dicing, it’s a foundational tool for any kitchen.
Citrus Zester: Bright Flavor, No Waste
A microplane zester extracts fine lime zest without the bitter pith. It amplifies the citrus aroma in the marinade and garnish, and works wonders for zesting other fruits, garlic, and even hard cheese.
3. Citrus Juicer: Quick, No-Mess Lime Extraction
A handheld citrus juicer helps squeeze every drop from your limes while keeping seeds out. Compact and efficient, it’s a time-saver for salad dressings, cocktails, and marinades.
4. Reusable Skewers: Eco-Friendly and Sturdy
Opt for stainless steel or bamboo skewers to assemble the salad easily. They’re great not only for cold appetizers but also for grilling meats, veggies, or fruit kebabs.
5. Mixing Bowl Set: Marinate and Toss with Ease
A nested set of glass or stainless-steel mixing bowls makes it easy to whisk the marinade and gently coat the ingredients. Versatile and durable, these bowls are ideal for everything from baking to meal prep.
Spicy Mango Cucumber Salad Cups
Equipment
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Microplane zester
- 1 Citrus Juicer
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Small skewers
Ingredients
- 2 small limes juiced (plus extra wedges for serving)
- Zest of 1 lime plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons 30 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 Thai red chili peppers seeds removed, finely minced (adjust to heat preference)
- Coarse sea salt to taste
- 1 large English cucumber peeled and sliced into half-moons or chunks
- 1 large ripe mango peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh mint finely chopped
- 12 small skewers bamboo or metal
Instructions
- Prepare the Zesty Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl or shallow dish, combine the lime juice, lime zest, and olive oil. Whisk in the minced chili pepper and season lightly with sea salt. Stir until the mixture is fully emulsified and fragrant.
- Toss the Fruit and Veggies: Add the sliced cucumber and diced mango to the bowl with the marinade. Using a large spoon or your hands, gently toss everything to coat the fruit and vegetables evenly without breaking them apart.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let the mixture chill and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, allowing the sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors to meld beautifully.
- Assemble the Skewers: Remove the bowl from the fridge and begin threading the cucumber and mango onto your skewers, alternating pieces to create colorful, attractive layers. Repeat until all the skewers are filled.
- Finish and Garnish: Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Sprinkle with extra lime zest, a pinch of sea salt, and chopped mint. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.
Notes
- Heat Level Tip: Thai chilies are quite hot. Start with one and taste the marinade before adding a second. For a milder version, use jalapeño or skip the chili altogether.
- Presentation Tip: If serving at a party, chill your skewers before guests arrive and garnish just before serving to keep the mint fresh and vibrant.
- Skewer Substitution: No skewers? No problem. Serve as a chopped salad in a bowl with a spoon—it’s just as delicious!
- Make-Ahead Tip: The mango-cucumber mixture can be marinated up to 2 hours ahead of time, but assemble the skewers closer to serving to maintain their crispness.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Skewers
Creating perfectly balanced flavors in these skewers relies on the careful preparation of the marinade and the quality of your ingredients.
The secret is to whisk the lime juice, zest, olive oil, and chili thoroughly to emulsify the dressing, ensuring every piece of mango and cucumber is evenly coated and infused with zest and heat.
Removing the chili seeds helps control the spice level without losing the peppery kick.
Letting the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes allows the sweet mango to soften slightly and mingle with the refreshing crunch of cucumber, creating a harmonious texture contrast.
Always use ripe mangoes for natural sweetness and a vibrant flavor, and peel the cucumber to avoid any bitterness from the skin, especially if it’s not organic.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Any Occasion
These skewers shine as a light appetizer or refreshing snack during warm-weather gatherings.
Serve them alongside grilled seafood or chicken for a bright contrast that cuts through smoky flavors.
For a fun twist, offer a side of creamy yogurt-based dip seasoned with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to balance the heat.
These skewers also work well as a colorful addition to a vegan or gluten-free buffet.
Garnishing with extra lime zest and fresh mint right before serving adds a fresh aroma and makes the presentation pop.
Because they are bite-sized and visually appealing, they’re perfect for cocktail parties, picnic lunches, or as a healthy kids’ snack.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To maintain the best texture and flavor, store the marinated mango and cucumber mixture separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
However, it’s best to assemble the skewers just before serving to preserve their crispness and prevent sogginess.
If you’ve already threaded the skewers, cover them loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate, but try to consume them within a few hours.
Avoid freezing this recipe as the high water content in cucumbers and mango will become watery and lose their fresh texture upon thawing.
Always keep the lime juice and zest fresh to preserve the bright citrus notes.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I use other fruits instead of mango?
Absolutely! Pineapple or peaches are great alternatives that provide a similar sweet and juicy contrast to cucumber. Just choose ripe, firm fruits to maintain texture on the skewers.
2. How spicy are the skewers, and can I adjust the heat?
The recipe uses Thai chili peppers, which are quite hot. You can reduce heat by removing seeds or substituting milder peppers like jalapeño. Omitting chili altogether will yield a mild, sweet salad.
3. Are these skewers suitable for meal prep?
They can be prepped in advance by marinating the ingredients separately. However, assemble the skewers close to serving time to keep them fresh and crisp.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, with no animal products or gluten-containing ingredients.
5. What are some good dips or sauces to pair with these skewers?
A cooling cucumber-yogurt dip or a tangy tahini dressing complements the heat and freshness well. You can also try a drizzle of honey-lime glaze for extra sweetness.
This recipe is inspired by gourmandeinthekitchen and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.