Crisp Tropical Jicama Salad with Zesty Lime Dressing
This vibrant and refreshing salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, combining the crunch of jicama and cucumber with the sweetness of oranges and mango. Enhanced by the heat of red jalapeno and a zesty lime dressing, this dish is an ideal accompaniment for cookouts, summer picnics, or light weeknight meals. Whether you're enjoying it as a standalone dish or as a side to grilled favorites, this salad is sure to impress family and friends with its colorful presentation and delicious taste. Dive into a bowl of freshness and let the bright flavors of summer delight your palate!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
jicama
1 (medium, julienned)
cucumbers
2 (small, seeded and sliced)
seedless oranges
3 (sectioned)
mango
1 (peeled and sliced)
lime juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
red jalapeno chiles
3 (cut into rings)
ground red pepper
2 teaspoons (to taste, adjust for heat)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
cilantro
to taste (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Julienne the jicama, seed and slice the cucumbers, section the seedless oranges, and peel and slice the mango.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the jicama, cucumbers, orange sections, and mango slices.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, ground red pepper, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
4
Pour the lime dressing over the salad mixture, and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, arrange the salad on a large platter. Sprinkle with additional salt, ground red pepper, chopped cilantro, and garnish with the jalapeno rings for a touch of spice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crisp Tropical Jicama Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant salad that combines crunchy jicama and cucumbers with sweet oranges and mango, topped with a zesty lime dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include jicama, cucumbers, seedless oranges, mango, lime juice, red jalapeno chiles, ground red pepper, salt, and cilantro.
How do I prepare the jicama?
The jicama should be peeled and then julienned into thin matchstick-sized pieces.
What type of cucumbers should be used?
The recipe calls for two small cucumbers that have been seeded and sliced.
How should the oranges be prepared?
You should use three seedless oranges and prepare them by sectioning the fruit.
Is this jicama salad recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
How long should the salad marinate?
The salad should be covered and allowed to marinate in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What is in the zesty lime dressing?
The dressing is a simple whisked mixture of fresh lime juice, ground red pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Is this salad spicy?
Yes, it features heat from both ground red pepper and fresh red jalapeno rings.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of ground red pepper and jalapenos to suit your heat preference.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
Arrange the marinated mixture on a large platter and sprinkle with extra salt, red pepper, and cilantro before garnishing with jalapeno rings.
Is the jicama salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe contains only plant-based ingredients and is suitable for a vegan diet.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled lime juice can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How many mangoes are needed?
The recipe requires one mango, which should be peeled and sliced.
What is the texture of jicama?
Jicama has a very crisp and crunchy texture, similar to a savory apple or water chestnut.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead, though it is best to let it marinate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
What kind of jalapenos should I use?
The recipe specifies red jalapeno chiles cut into rings for both heat and color.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice for the dressing.
Is this salad a good side dish for a BBQ?
Yes, it is described as an ideal accompaniment for cookouts and summer picnics.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you do not like cilantro, you can omit it or try fresh mint or parsley for a different herbal note.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, it uses a whole jicama, two cucumbers, and three oranges, making it suitable for a medium-sized group.
Do I need to peel the mango?
Yes, the mango should be peeled before slicing for the best texture in the salad.
What flavor profile does this salad have?
It has a complex profile that is sweet, zesty, salty, and spicy all at once.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy side dish filled with fresh vegetables and fruits.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Yes, pineapple or papaya would complement the tropical flavors of this dish nicely.
Does the recipe require oil?
No, this is an oil-free dressing relying on lime juice for moisture and flavor.
How do I seed a cucumber?
Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scrape out the watery seeds from the center.
Is ground red pepper the same as cayenne?
In many cases, ground red pepper is cayenne, but you can use any spicy ground chili pepper you prefer.
What is the purpose of the 20-minute marination?
It allows the lime juice and spices to penetrate the produce and lets the sweet and savory flavors balance out.
Can I serve this as a main course?
It is primarily a side dish or appetizer, but it works well as a light weeknight meal.