Bright, refreshing, and bursting with bold flavors, the Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad: Your Summer Flavor Fix Recipe is exactly what your taste buds crave on a warm day. This vibrant salad beautifully balances the sweetness of ripe mango with the crisp crunch of jicama and the lively kick of jalapeño, all tied together by zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or a festive party starter, this salad brings an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that’s simple to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this salad plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together effortlessly. From the juicy sweetness of mango to the crisp bite of jicama, every component shines and complements one another perfectly.
- 2 cups diced ripe mango: Choose mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- 1 cup julienned jicama: Adds a refreshing crunch; cucumber makes a suitable alternative if jicama isn’t available.
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and mild sweetness; yellow or orange bell peppers can be swapped in for a different hue.
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion: Provides a sharp, savory contrast; soaking in cold water can mellow the flavor if desired.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the salad and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust this to taste to balance sweetness and heat.
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño: Offers a spicy kick; remove seeds to reduce heat, or omit for a milder salad.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous lift; parsley is a great substitute if you’re not a cilantro fan.
How to Make Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad: Your Summer Flavor Fix Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients
Start with selecting ripe mangoes that yield slightly when pressed, then dice them into bite-sized, manageable pieces. Next, julienne the jicama into thin sticks to complement the mango’s softness with a satisfying crunch. Chop the red bell pepper into small chunks to contribute vibrant color and a sweet touch. Finely dice the red onion for bursts of sharpness, and chop the jalapeño carefully, adjusting the amount based on your preferred spice level. Finally, chop the cilantro finely to distribute its fresh flavor evenly throughout the salad.
Step 2: Combine Everything Gently
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the mango, jicama, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Tossing gently is key here — you want to mix everything without breaking down the delicate mango pieces, which are the star of the show.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle fresh lime juice over the combined ingredients, then sprinkle with salt to enhance the natural flavors. The acidity from the lime juice ties all the elements together, adding a zesty brightness that wakes up your palate.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry
Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the juices from the mango and lime mingle with the heat from the jalapeño, creating a harmony of flavors that makes this recipe truly stand out.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad: Your Summer Flavor Fix Recipe chilled or at room temperature. The chilled option is especially refreshing on hot summer days, while room temperature brings out a deeper melding of the ingredients’ flavors.
How to Serve Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad: Your Summer Flavor Fix Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a few whole cilantro leaves on top adds a lovely touch of color and freshness. For a little extra crunch, toasted pepitas or thinly sliced radishes make wonderful additions. A light dusting of chili powder or smoked paprika can also underline the spicy element for those who enjoy a bolder kick.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, or alongside street-style tacos for a casual, yet flavorful meal. It also complements a hearty grain bowl or can brighten up a spread of simple grilled vegetables, making it an incredibly versatile dish for summer dining and entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this salad in small individual clear cups or jars for parties — it looks stunning with the layers of color visible and makes easy grab-and-go portions. You can also stuff the salad into crisp lettuce cups or even use it as a topping for bruschetta or toasted baguette slices, offering delightful variations on presentation that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the mango will release some juice over time, give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the flavors and texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The crunchy jicama and fresh mango lose their texture once thawed, so freezing is not recommended.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this fresh salad. If you prefer it at room temperature, simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill and let the flavors unfold.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of mango?
Absolutely! Pineapple or papaya can be great substitutes that will offer a different twist while maintaining the tropical vibe and juicy sweetness that complement the other ingredients.
Is jicama hard to find?
Jicama is often available in most grocery stores’ produce section, especially in regions with a good variety of fresh vegetables. If you can’t find it, crisp cucumber is a refreshing substitute that keeps the salad crunchy and light.
How spicy is this salad?
The heat level comes from the jalapeño, which is moderate. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeño or by removing the seeds to tone down the heat for a milder version.
Can I make this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for various dietary preferences without any modifications.
What’s the best way to serve this salad at a party?
Serve it chilled in small cups or lettuce wraps for easy finger food. It’s colorful and fresh, perfect as a light appetizer or side dish that will impress your guests with its bold flavors.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad: Your Summer Flavor Fix Recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to for adding a burst of sunshine and spice to your summer meals. Its simple ingredients, quick prep, and incredible flavor combination make this salad a true crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, whip up a batch and savor every vibrant, crunchy, juicy bite!
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Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad: Your Summer Flavor Fix Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad is a refreshing and vibrant summer dish combining sweet ripe mango, crunchy jicama, and spicy jalapeño with a zesty lime dressing. Perfect as a light snack or side, this salad offers a burst of tropical flavors with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- 2 cups diced ripe mango (Choose ripe, slightly soft mangoes)
- 1 cup julienned jicama (A crunchy and refreshing element, cucumber can be substituted)
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper (Swap for yellow or orange bell peppers if desired)
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion (Soak in cold water if too strong)
- 1 tablespoon jalapeño, chopped (Adjust amount or remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (Parsley can be used as a substitute)
Condiments & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (Use fresh lime for the best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Adjust to personal taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Select ripe mangoes and dice them into small pieces. Julienne the jicama. Chop the red bell pepper, finely dice the red onion, and chop the cilantro and jalapeño.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced mango, julienned jicama, chopped red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño, ensuring even distribution.
- Add Dressing: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle the salt, enhancing the flavors.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients thoroughly without mashing the mango pieces.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors blend beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the salad either chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side or snack.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- Soaking diced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes can reduce their sharpness.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity and remove seeds if a milder heat is preferred.
- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley if desired.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to a day.
