Skip to main content

Cucumber, Jicama, and Mango Salad

While the concept of sweet-and-sour dishes is generally appealing, the execution often leaves something to be desired. Sweet-and-sour is like a seesaw; if it tilts too far in either direction, you could be thrown off balance, mangling your taste buds in the process. In this recipe I use a very light hand on both sides; the sour is a delicate brown rice vinegar, the sweet a gentle agave nectar. They dance together nicely on the tongue, more like ballet than Irish clogging. For folks who like a crunchy texture or who want to avoid fat, this one’s a winner.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 large English cucumber, peeled
1 cup peeled and diced jicama, in 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup diced mango, in 1/4-inch cubes
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh mint

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the vinegar, water, agave nectar, lime juice, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Cook until the liquid is clear and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. This should yield 1/4 cup of liquid. Refrigerate the dressing for 15 minutes.

    Step 2

    Quarter the cucumber lengthwise, remove the seeds, and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Combine the cucumber, jicama, mango, and the cooled vinegar mixture in a bowl and stir well, then stir in the chopped mint.

  2. rebecca’s notes

    Step 3

    If you’re feeling intimidated by chopping up a jicama or want to save time, many markets have precut jicama available in the refrigerated area of the produce section.

  3. storage

    Step 4

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days.

  4. nutrition information

    Step 5

    (per serving)

    Step 6

    Calories: 60

    Step 7

    Total Fat: 0.2g (0g saturated, 0g monounsaturated)

    Step 8

    Carbohydrates: 14g

    Step 9

    Protein: 0g

    Step 10

    Fiber: 2g

    Step 11

    Sodium: 100mg

Excerpted from The Cancer Fighting Kitchen, copyright 2017 by Rebecca Katz and Met Edelson. Published with permission by Ten Speed Press.
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy peak-season tomatoes make the perfect plant-based swap for aguachile.
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.