Litchi, Cucumber & Mint Salad
A light, refreshing salad that pairs juicy litchis with crisp cucumber and fresh mint. A squeeze of lime and a whisper of black salt bring all the flavors together beautifully. Perfect as a cooling side on a warm day.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the litchis and cucumber.
1.Peel and deseed the litchis, then cut each in half.2.Peel the cucumber and dice into small, even cubes. - mix
Toss the salad together.
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved litchis, diced cucumber, and torn mint leaves. Add the lime juice, black salt, and roasted cumin powder. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
TIPUse a gentle hand when tossing to keep the delicate litchis from breaking apart. - rest · ~15 min
Chill briefly before serving.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold.
TIPDon't skip the chill — it intensifies the sweetness of the litchis and makes the salad incredibly refreshing. - garnish
Garnish with extra mint and serve.
Give a final gentle toss, garnish with a few more mint leaves, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1If using canned litchis, drain them thoroughly and pat dry to avoid a watery salad.
- 2Deseed litchis by making a small slit and gently pressing the seed out to keep the flesh intact.
- 3Chill the serving bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes before assembling to keep the salad extra crisp.
- 4Add a tiny pinch of red chili powder or chaat masala for a mild spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
- 5Taste the salad after chilling and adjust lime juice or black salt just before serving, as flavors mellow in the fridge.
- 6Use a very sharp knife to dice the cucumber so the cubes are clean and don't release excess moisture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Tangy
Add 1/4 teaspoon chaat masala and a finely chopped green chili. The tangy-spice blend transforms this into a lively Indian street-style salad.
Berry SwapBerry Swap
Replace litchis with an equal weight of hulled and halved fresh strawberries. The berries' tartness works beautifully with the mint and lime.
Creamy TwistCreamy Twist
Fold in 2 tablespoons of thick yogurt (Greek or hung curd) after tossing. This adds a creamy, cooling layer that makes it a richer side dish.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of crushed roasted peanuts or pomegranate arils on top just before serving for added texture and a pop of color.
No Salt VersionNo-Salt Version
Omit the black salt and instead use a squeeze of orange juice and a pinch of dried mint. Perfect for low-sodium diets while keeping the fresh flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Litchis and lime juice both provide a generous dose of vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie
Cucumber is over 95% water, making this salad naturally hydrating and very low in calories — ideal for weight management.
Digestive Aid
Fresh mint and roasted cumin powder are traditional digestive aids in Indian cuisine, helping to soothe the stomach and reduce bloating.
Mineral Boost from Black Salt
Black salt (kala namak) contains trace minerals like potassium and iron, and is believed to aid electrolyte balance and digestion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, thaw them in the refrigerator, drain any excess liquid, and pat them dry before halving. They may be slightly softer but will still work well.
