Cool Jamaican Mango Salad

Name: Cool Jamaican Mango Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe mangoes, diced; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 2 limes; 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: World Cuisine Recipes

I absolutely love preparing this Cool Jamaican Mango Salad whenever the weather gets warm. The vibrant colors and refreshing flavors instantly transport me to a tropical paradise. Combining ripe mangoes with zesty lime juice, crisp vegetables, and a hint of spice creates a salad that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is packed with nutrients and makes for an irresistible summertime treat that my family and friends can't get enough of.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:38:30.807Z

As I experimented with different tropical flavors, I found the perfect combination for a summer salad. The sweet, juicy mangoes paired with cool cucumbers, bell peppers, and a touch of heat from jalapeños create an explosion of flavors that brighten any meal. My secret is to use fresh lime juice to really bring out the sweetness of the mango while cutting through the richness of any main dish.

Each time I make this salad, I am reminded of the vibrant markets in Jamaica where the fruits are ripe and bursting with flavor. It's simple to prepare, and I love serving it chilled, which enhances the refreshing quality of the ingredients. Trust me, once you've tried it, you’ll keep this recipe in rotation all summer long!

        Why You Will Love This Salad
        Fresh, tropical flavors that refresh your palate
A beautiful presentation with vibrant colors
No cooking required, making it a quick and easy dish

      

The Freshness Factor

Ripe mangoes are the star of this salad, adding natural sweetness and a tropical essence. When selecting your mangoes, look for fruit that yields slightly to pressure and has a sweet aroma. This indicates optimal ripeness, ensuring a soft and juicy bite in your salad. If mangoes are hard, letting them sit at room temperature for a couple of days can enhance their sweetness before use.

Incorporating cucumber and red bell pepper not only adds crunch but also balances the sweetness of the mango. Choose a cucumber variety that is firm and unwaxed to prevent a bitter taste. If you're craving a little more heat, consider using serrano peppers instead of jalapeños, but be mindful of the spice level!

Dressing Details

The dressing is key to marrying the ingredients together and enhancing the mango's flavor. Fresh lime juice brightens up the salad, while honey provides a subtle floral sweetness. For a vegan option, agave syrup is an excellent substitute. When whisking the dressing, ensure it’s fully emulsified to achieve a silky texture; this means no separation between the lime juice and sweetener, creating a cohesive flavor in every bite.

Taste the dressing before combining it with the salad; this allows you to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a thicker dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of tahini, which brings creaminess and a slight nuttiness that complements the tropical flavors.

Make Ahead & Serving Suggestions

This Cool Jamaican Mango Salad is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the salad ingredients a day in advance and keep the dressing separate. Just toss them together right before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables. If made ahead, let it marinate for an hour in the fridge to allow the flavors to deepen, but avoid sogginess by storing the dressing separately until ready to serve.

For an elegant presentation, serve the salad in a chilled bowl or on a platter. You can also add protein like grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal. Garnishing with additional cilantro or lime wedges right before serving adds a beautiful finishing touch and invites guests to dig in!

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 ripe mangoes, diced
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Dressing

Juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables and Mango

In a large bowl, combine the diced mangoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds before serving. You can also substitute the mango with papaya or pineapple for a different tropical twist!

Storage Tips

After preparing the salad, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mango may start to brown after a day, but the flavors should still be fresh for up to two days. To minimize browning, sprinkle a little extra lime juice over the exposed surfaces of the mango pieces before sealing the container.

If you're looking to freeze the salad, it's best to freeze only the mangoes. Dice and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This technique prevents clumping and is ideal for future fruit smoothies, but keep in mind that the texture will change once thawed.

Variations

Feel free to customize this salad based on seasonal produce or personal preferences. Adding diced avocado provides a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the cucumber and bell pepper. If you're a fan of nuts, toasted peanuts or cashews offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the bright dressing.

For those seeking an extra zing, consider incorporating tropical fruits like pineapple or papaya. These fruits can enhance the salad’s tropical profile while maintaining the vibrant color and fresh flavors. Remember to adjust the quantity of lime juice to balance their sweetness.

Troubleshooting

One common issue when preparing salads with fresh fruits is browning, especially with apples or bananas. With mango, this can typically be mitigated by ensuring it's perfectly ripe and using lime juice freely. If you find your salad too sweet after addition, a touch more lime juice can restore balance and enhance other flavors.

Additionally, if the salad appears too dry after mixing, drizzle in a little extra dressing, tossing gently until the desired moisture level is reached. Remember, the goal is a cohesive composition that doesn't feel overloaded; each ingredient should shine without overpowering the others.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you're ready to serve to keep it fresh.

→ What other fruits can I add?

Feel free to experiment with other fruits like kiwi, pineapple, or berries for a unique flavor profile.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh.