End-of-Summer Mango Cucumber Salsa: The Ultimate Fresh and Tangy Dip
As summer begins to wind down, there’s no better time to take advantage of the season’s ripe mangoes and crisp cucumbers than with a vibrant and refreshing cucumber salsa.
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This mango cucumber salsa recipe is perfect for those hot summer days when you crave something light, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
This salsa is also perfect for a summer barbecue, your taco Tuesday, a great addition to shrimp tacos, chicken, beef, and even bean tacos.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This cucumber mango salsa recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your cravings. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few fresh ingredients, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy summer days.
- Versatile Dish: Use it as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for all types of tacos you can think of. The possibilities are endless.
- Healthy and Fresh: Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy mangoes, and fresh cilantro, this salsa is packed with healthy foods and vibrant flavors that are sure to delight you.
- Spicy Flavor: The jalapeño pepper adds just the right amount of kick, making it a great addition to your favorite summer dishes.
Ingredients

- 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and diced into small cubes (Champagne mangoes work great if you can find them)
- 1 medium English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced into small pieces
- 1 medium tomato, diced into small cubes (swap with sweet red peppers if you prefer)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (use jalapeno peppers for a spicier flavor or skip for a milder salsa)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime (or use additional lime juice for extra tang)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the cucumber, mango, tomato, and red onion into small cubes. Mince the jalapeño pepper and chop the fresh cilantro.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Add Lime Juice and Seasoning: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, add a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper, and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salsa chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together, creating a tangy cucumber mango salsa that’s perfect for any occasion.
Additions and substitutions:

Additions:
- Avocado: Add diced ripe avocados for a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the crisp cucumbers and juicy mangoes.
- Bell Peppers: You may also add diced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for extra sweetness and color.
- Corn: Fresh or grilled corn kernels add a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch. Black beans would be great in this salsa as well. You can add corn and beans to make a mango black bean salsa.
- Pineapple: Swap or add diced pineapple for an extra layer of tropical sweetness. So many sweet fruits such as strawberries, or blueberries, and watermelon would be lovely in this salsa.
- Mint: For a fresh, cooling note, add a handful of chopped fresh mint leaves along with the cilantro.
- Garlic: Minced garlic can add a subtle depth of flavor, especially if you prefer a more savory salsa.
- Ginger: A touch of grated fresh ginger can bring a zesty kick that complements the sweet mango.
Substitutions:
- Tomato: Swap out the tomato for diced sweet red peppers for a similar texture with a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Mango: If mangoes are not available, you can use peaches or nectarines as a substitute. They offer a similar sweet-tart flavor.
- Cucumber: Try using zucchini or jicama in place of cucumber for a slightly different texture.
- Lime Juice: If you don’t have lime juice, fresh lemon juice can be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or basil can be used instead, though they will change the flavor profile.
- Jalapeño Pepper: If you want a milder flavor, substitute the jalapeño with a milder pepper like poblano, or omit it altogether. Alternatively, if you prefer more heat, use serrano peppers instead. But if you like it spicy, you can try a habanero or other spicier peppers. Or add more jalapenos. I am all for spicy. I sometimes add pepper flakes as well.
These additions and substitutions can help you customize the salsa to your liking or adapt it based on what’s in your pantry.
Notes
- Sweet vs. Firm Mangoes: For a sweeter, juicier salsa, use ripe, juicy mangoes. If you prefer a firmer texture, opt for slightly less ripe mangoes.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to suit your heat preference, or swap out the tomato for sweet red bell pepper for a different twist.
- Storage: This fresh salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this salsa with tortilla chips, and veggie slices, or use it as a topping for grilled pork loin, chicken breast, or fish. It’s also a fantastic addition to shrimp tacos.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of mango for this recipe?
Yes! While Champagne mangoes are a popular choice for their sweetness, any ripe, juicy mango will work well.
Just ensure that the mango is not too firm, as this could affect the texture of the salsa.
2. How can I make this salsa spicier?
To increase the heat, simply add more jalapeño pepper or use a hotter variety of pepper like serrano. You can also leave the seeds in the jalapeño for extra spice.
3. How long will this salsa stay fresh?
This fresh mango cucumber salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
The flavors may intensify over time, so it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two.
4. Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making the salsa a few hours ahead and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator will help the flavors meld together nicely.
Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.
5. What can I serve with this salsa?
This salsa is incredibly versatile!
Serve it with tortilla chips, veggie slices, or as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, pork loin, or shrimp tacos. It’s also a great addition to your summer barbecue spread.
If you’re trying this cucumber mango salsa recipe for the first time, let us know how it turns out!
Your feedback and star rating help us perfect our latest recipes. Happy cooking!
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