Mango Habanero Cucumber Salad

I like a very good cucumber salad, however each on occasion it’s enjoyable to alter issues up and this one is definite to show some heads. It’s bought all of the crisp, refreshing cucumbers you’d anticipate, however as a substitute of a fundamental French dressing, every part will get tossed in a recent mango dressing with simply sufficient habanero to get up your mouth. It’s candy, tangy, just a little spicy, and surprisingly exhausting to cease consuming.

Don’t let the habanero scare you off. You can also make it as spicy or as delicate as you need, and the sweetness from the mango retains every part actually recent. It’s certainly one of my favourite sides for something coming off the grill, however actually, I’ve been recognized to eat a bowl of it for lunch too.

Ingredient Notes

• Cucumber: English cucumbers or common cucumbers each work. If utilizing backyard cucumbers with giant seeds, it’s possible you’ll need to scoop them out earlier than slicing.
• Pink Onion: Slice it as thinly as attainable for one of the best texture. If you happen to choose a milder onion taste, soak the slices in chilly water for 10 minutes earlier than including them to the salad.
• Mango: Select ripe mangoes that give barely when gently squeezed. In the event that they’re too agency, they gained’t mix as easily or style as candy.
• Habanero Pepper: Take away the seeds and membranes for much less warmth. Put on gloves whereas dealing with when you have delicate pores and skin, and keep away from touching your face.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed has the brightest taste, however bottled will work too.
• Lemon Juice: Contemporary lemon juice is most popular, although bottled will work too.
• Contemporary Cilantro: If you happen to’re serving cilantro skeptics, you possibly can substitute recent parsley for a special however nonetheless recent taste.
• Salt: Common desk salt is what I’m utilizing right here.

How Spicy Is It?

One habanero provides this salad a noticeable kick, however the sweetness of the mango helps steadiness the warmth.

If you happen to choose a milder salad, use solely half of the pepper or be further cautious to take away all the seeds and white membranes earlier than mixing.

If you happen to’re a warmth lover, go away a few of the seeds in or add a second habanero.

Make Forward Ideas

You can also make the mango dressing as much as 2 days forward and hold it refrigerated till you’re able to serve.

As soon as the salad is tossed collectively, it’s finest loved inside a couple of hours whereas the cucumbers are nonetheless good and crisp.

If you happen to’re making it forward for a celebration, wait to mix every part till simply earlier than serving.

Serving Recommendations

This salad is correct at dwelling subsequent to something coming off the grill. Serve it with grilled hen, shrimp, fish, pork, or steak.

It’s additionally nice with tacos, particularly fish or shrimp tacos, and makes a recent aspect for burgers or pulled pork sandwiches.