The moment the summer sun begins to warm the air, I crave vibrant, fresh flavors that match the season’s energy. That’s when I whip up my Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad—an explosion of taste and texture that takes mere minutes to prepare, without needing to heat up the kitchen!
Picture this: juicy, ripe mangoes mingling with crisp jicama, a sprinkle of zesty lime, and a hint of jalapeño heat. Each bite is like a joyful dance on your palate, the perfect remedy to help you escape the monotony of fast food. This vegan delight not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a splash of color to your table, making it an ideal side for barbecues or a quick, healthy lunch. With endless variations to suit your preferences—like adding creamy avocado or hearty black beans—this salad is destined to become your go-to recipe for summer gatherings. Let’s dive into the colorful world of this Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad!
Why is Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad so irresistible?
Vibrant colors: This salad bursts with hues from fresh ingredients, instantly livening up your meal.
Quick prep: Whip it together in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy summer days!
Refreshing crunch: Each bite offers a delightful contrast of juicy mango and crisp jicama.
Endless variations: Customize with avocado or black beans to suit your taste!
Vegan-friendly: A guilt-free dish that’s wholesome and satisfying, it’s a win-win for everyone!
Whether serving it at a barbecue or as a quick healthy lunch, this salad is sure to impress.
Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad Ingredients
• A wholesome mix perfect for summer!
For the Salad
- Ripe Mangoes – Sweetness and juiciness shines through; opt for the softest ones for the best flavor.
- Jicama – Adds a refreshing crunch; peel and julienne, or swap it for crunchy kohlrabi if needed.
- Red Bell Pepper – Brings sweetness and color; cut into bite-sized pieces, or choose yellow/orange varieties instead.
- Red Onion – Offers sharpness and depth; finely chop and soak in water to mute its intensity if desired.
- Fresh Cilantro – Provides a burst of freshness; parsley can be used if cilantro isn’t your favorite.
- Jalapeño – Introduces a spicy kick; deseed for milder heat or swap with serrano peppers for more intensity.
For the Dressing
- Lime Juice – Brightens up the flavors; lemon juice can be substituted if you’re looking for a different citrus zing.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor; use to taste and adjust based on your preference.
This Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad not only dazzles your taste buds but is also a vibrant way to stay refreshed all summer long!
How to Make Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the diced mangoes, julienned jicama, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño. This colorful combination sets the stage for a delightful salad.
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Drizzle Dressing: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your mixture and add a pinch of salt. The lime will brighten all the flavors and create a beautiful balance.
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Toss Gently: Carefully toss all ingredients together, being cautious not to mash the mangoes. You want the mangoes to stay intact for that perfect texture!
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Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes. This short rest will help the flavors develop and enhance the overall taste experience.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s fresh, vibrant, and beautiful on any table!
Optional: Add diced avocado for extra creaminess!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this salad your own with these exciting twists!
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Avocado Boost: Add diced avocado for an extra creamy texture and healthy fats that complement the mango beautifully.
Avocado brings a lush richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile while keeping it vibrant and fresh. -
Protein-Packed Black Beans: Stir in canned black beans for added protein and a satisfying bite.
This variation not only ups the nutrition but also transforms the salad into a heartier dish, perfect as a main course! -
Mild Bell Pepper: Swap the jalapeño for a sweet bell pepper if you’re aiming for a milder flavor.
This simple change allows the bright fruitiness of the salad to shine without overwhelming heat. -
Citrus Swap: Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different, yet equally zesty, citrus experience.
Lemon adds a subtle tanginess, providing a refreshing twist that works well with the sweet mango. -
Fresh Herb Adventure: Experiment with other herbs like mint or basil for a unique flavor twist.
Mint brings a cooling sensation, while basil offers a fragrant aroma, turning this salad into a refreshing summer delight. -
Spicy Kick with Serrano: Replace jalapeño with serrano peppers for a fiery punch if you crave more heat.
Serranos will enhance the spicy element considerably, making it perfect for those who adore a spicy kick. -
Crunchy Cabbage: Mix in shredded cabbage for an extra crunch and a beautiful color contrast.
Cabbage brings not only texture but also absorbs the flavors wonderfully, making every bite a crunchy delight.
Let these variations inspire you to adapt and enjoy your Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad in new and exciting ways!
How to Store and Freeze Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad
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Fridge: Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To keep the jicama crunchy, wait to add lime juice until just before serving.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the salad several hours in advance; however, it’s best to add the lime juice right before serving for optimal freshness.
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Leftover Storage: If you have any leftovers, ensure they are well-sealed. Consume them promptly to enjoy the best texture and flavor of the Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad.
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Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing, as the textures of the mango and jicama may become mushy upon thawing. Enjoy fresh instead!
What to Serve with Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad?
Complement your vibrant masterpiece with these delightful pairings that enhance the overall experience.
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Grilled Chicken: Tender and smoky, grilled chicken adds a protein-packed option, enhancing the salad’s flavor without overpowering its brightness. Perfect for summer barbecues.
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Fish Tacos: The crispy texture and spicy notes of fish tacos harmonize beautifully with the refreshing salad, creating a fun, light meal ideal for warm nights.
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Tortilla Chips: Serve as a crunchy scoop for this salad, tortilla chips add a satisfying element, inviting guests to enjoy every bite as a zesty appetizer.
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Fresh Guacamole: Creamy with a hint of cilantro, guacamole pairs seamlessly with the salad’s flavors, providing a rich texture that balances the crisp jicama and sweet mango.
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Sparkling Lemonade: The effervescence and citrus notes of sparkling lemonade refresh the palate and perfectly complement the zesty tones in the salad, making after-dinner drinks a breeze.
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Coconut Rice: Soft and subtly sweet, a side of coconut rice provides a hearty backdrop that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s bright and spicy elements, creating a flavorful fusion.
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Mango Sorbet: Finish off the meal with a light, fruity dessert like mango sorbet; it echoes the salad’s flavors while providing a cool and delightful way to conclude.
Make Ahead Options
This Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad is ideal for meal prep, making it perfect for your busy weeknights! You can chop and combine the mangoes, jicama, bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño up to 24 hours in advance—just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep the jicama crunchy and prevent browning, hold off on adding the lime juice until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to enjoy, simply drizzle the lime juice over the salad and toss gently before serving. Preparing it this way ensures your salad remains just as delicious and refreshing when it’s finally time to dig in!
Tips for the Best Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad
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Use Ripe Mangoes: Choose mangoes that are slightly soft to touch; they offer the sweetest flavor, vital for a tasty Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad.
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Mellow the Onion: If the red onion flavor is too strong for your palate, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes. This will help tone down its sharpness.
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Chill Before Serving: For an extra refreshing experience, chill the salad for a little while after mixing. It enhances the flavors and makes the salad even more invigorating.
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Add Lime Just Before Serving: If preparing in advance, wait to add lime juice until just before serving to maintain the jicama’s crunchiness and avoid sogginess.
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Make it Your Own: Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations, like adding black beans for protein or swapping jalapeños for bell peppers to suit different taste preferences.
Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe mangoes for this salad?
Absolutely! When selecting mangoes, look for ones that feel slightly soft to the touch. They should also have a sweet fragrance, especially near the stem end. Avoid mangoes with dark spots or wrinkled skin, as these can indicate overripeness. A perfectly ripe mango will yield a bit when you gently press it.
What’s the best way to store the Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad?
Very! Store your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the jicama’s crunch, I recommend waiting to drizzle lime juice until right before serving. This little trick ensures that your salad remains fresh and vibrant!
Can I freeze the Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad?
Not recommended! Freezing is a no-go for this salad, as it can turn the delicate textures of mango and jicama mushy when thawed. To enjoy the best flavor and consistency, savor the salad fresh instead.
What if my jicama is too tough?
If your jicama seems tough or woody, choose a younger, smaller one—it tends to be sweeter and crunchier! Peel it carefully, and if you still find it hard, slice it and soak in cold water for about 30 minutes to soften it slightly.
Are there any allergies I should be aware of?
Absolutely! This salad is vegan and generally safe for most diets, but always check for allergies, especially concerning cilantro, jalapeños, or any other added ingredients. If you’re serving this to guests, consider asking about allergies beforehand. For a milder taste, feel free to substitute jalapeño with a sweet bell pepper.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Very! If you’d like to add heartiness, consider including black beans or diced avocado. Not only do these ingredients increase the protein content, but they also provide healthy fats and make the salad more satisfying without losing its fresh appeal!
Spicy Mango & Jicama Street Salad for a Vibrant Summer Refresh
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the diced mangoes, julienned jicama, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over your mixture and add a pinch of salt.
- Carefully toss all ingredients together, being cautious not to mash the mangoes.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to help the flavors develop.
- Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature.