I had a “some different kind of peanut salad” in mind when I was planning out healthy starters for a party, but what became of it was entirely on impulse and whatever I found in the refrigerator. This is a recipe born in the process and it simple and a zesty one too.
Call it whatever you may – a summer salad, a spiced side salad or a salsa, it is delightful and substantial in every way. Use tiny papads (Indian lentil wafers) to scoop, top it on a chip or have it all by itself. We had the leftovers as a side dish with our lunch the next day.
Like any other salad, any of your favorite things will work with it. I had slightly ripened and not so tart green mangoes sitting there in a corner all forgotten and I used them up here. The unexpected hint of sweet paired really well with the spicy dressing and the toasted crunchy peanuts.
Besides the mild cucumber and fresh lime juice is always in for me in a salad during the summer time.
It was meant to be an Indian flavor based salad, but I deviated and reached out for the bottle of Asian Sesame oil instead; with no regrets. It added a light subtle flavor, not obvious, but certainly there, while my guests wondered what that “unusual” but “nice” flavor was.
A blend of sweet, tart, and spicy with a lovely crunchy munchy feel, it was refreshing and lip smacking good!
Peanut, Mango and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients: (serves 4-6)
- 2 cups peanut, shelled, skinned and lightly toasted
- 2 cups green raw mango. chopped
- 1 large English cucumber, or any cucumber with little or no seeds, chopped
- 3 tablespoon chopped red onion
- 2 hot green chili pepper, thinly sliced
For dressing: (adjust proportions of dressing to suit your taste)
- 2 tablespoon Asian Sesame Oil
- 4 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, crushed
- 2 teaspoon red chili pepper/paprika (or to taste)
- salt to taste
- any of your favorite herb for flavor, if you wish to use
Preparation:I have used green mangoes, which had ripened lightly so they were light yellow and sweet and tart at the same time. If you are using raw mangoes which are all green, the salad will be more on the tart side and miss the little hint of sweet. Do use whatever you prefer.
If you have got whole peanuts, shell them first. In a large skillet, lay them in one layer and light toast them on low to medium heat until you see light brown spots on them. Cool and rub between kitchen towels to remove the skin. If you are using shelled and skinned peanuts, just toast them till they have light brown spots on them. Cool the nuts. Place the cooled nuts in a ziploc.plastic bag or between kitchen towels and using a rolling pin crush them coarsely. It is okay if some are still whole and halved.
Combine raw mango, cucumber, pepper and onions and toss; let it sit for about an hour. Drain if they release any liquid. Chill the mix.
Whisk the oil, lime juice, chili powder, salt, cumin and herbs.
Add the crushed peanuts, toss and combine the whisked dressing. Let sit for about 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
Serve as a salsa with chips or as a side salad.
Being sent to Susan’s MLLA #38 hosted hosted by Preeti.
Related Posts:
Paneer with Cashew Pomegranate and Sumac
Avocado and Mango with Chili Lime and Pickled Ginger
Brown Rice and Peanuts with Asian Dressing
this is so unique and yummy !! love the addition of peanuts 😀
Hi Soma, this salad looks refreshing and lovely!! Would have loved some for lunch today!!
I love that you cook on impulse even if guests just like me! It always amazes my friends how I can coolly take risks when I’m trying out new things for guests 🙂 Loooks like summer salad to be with indian street food touch. I need to eat it.
I am just drooling in 2 ways , its because of mango dish and offcourse ur pictures.. great looking salad.
Is it amazing how at times just mixing few things can make such a fantastic dish. Loving this salad and before summer is gone I will try this out 🙂
Yummy .. Mango n peanuts, that’s quite a combo
What a wonderful combination spicy and sweet, tender and crunchy. As usual, your photos are beautiful, Soma.
yummm.. Mango… love any dish with mango….
love the addition of peanuts!!
As always love ur pics 🙂
I love delicious salads like this! And a crunchy peanut would always work for me. Delicious!
The best recipes are always those that are produced on a whim. I love the addition of peanuts in a salad- never tried it before but will have to correct that very soon. Hope your dinner party went well!
a chaat w peanuts, Soma! love the idea. crunchy, tart. x shayma
Ooh. this looks so delicious. I love how you went Asian, as well. I bet the crunch the peanuts was lovely.
yum! throw in some puffed rice and it will be bhel puri with an Asian flavour!
mango and cucumber with sesame will be good enuff for me! lovely combination! great clicks!
Richa @ Hobby And More Food Blog ,
Hobby And More on Facebook
wonderfully refreshing and a brilliant snack!
Sometimes I really miss the crunch that only a peanut can provide. After reading this….I’m missing it much.
Interesting recipe. It appeals to me. I love the addition of the hot chile pepper. 🙂
this salad looks fabulous Soma flavourful and colourful
An unusual salad for me. I have seen so many recipes using mango as an ingredient for salad, but it fails to impress me somehow! But if you said it’s good, i am willing to try.
Sounds chatpata…I like the idea of using seasame oil with peanut, they are just right combo…mango with chili and lemon..sounds chatpata..definitely a flavourful salad for summer…pics are great as usual
Mmm what a great combo — crunchy, sweet, savory, nutty. Everything I want!
This will certainly create a perfect combination with a twist that will last a good impression.
Yum! I love peanuts in any form, and this could be considered much healthier than slathered in a PB&J sandwich! This seems like the perfect salad for a hot end of summer night.
Another lovely post, great photographs and a yummy recipe! Did you recently change the look – adding logo and favicon? Simple and pretty looking!
allways on a lookout for a nice salad recipe, this is definately one of them, added to fav, thanks
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Wow! What a great combo, would never have thought of it but will have to try this as soon as I can – thanks for the recipe Soma!
This looks like an awesome salad! Perfect for a quick summer lunch 🙂
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Between the age of 1 and 7, I used to be treated by a
local Chinese language acupuncturist.