This recipe comes from our contributor Beth of Tasty Yummies
The process of planning a wedding is in many ways a joyous one; choosing flowers, finding the dress… even deciding on a cake, but there’s one task that tends to intimidate more than the rest: Planning the menu. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or catering to a mixed crowd with diverse tastes, it can be a feat just trying to find the flavors that will excite and delight, let alone compliment your wedding’s overarching theme. You want your food and drink to sing together, especially during cocktail hour and a bright and refreshing appetizer is the perfect thing to serve guests who are likely craving a bit of sustenance after the ceremony. These one bite Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Skewers are perfect for a casual beach or countryside wedding or a more upscale, formal event.
This simple to make appetizer is the perfect light, nourishing bite for any summer celebration. You’ll find a bright and slightly sweet flavor from the mango, a wonderful crispy crunch from the cucumber and a creamy richness from the avocado. The red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that you can easily control and the fresh mint compliments it all beautifully with a cooling finish. With both the mango and the avocado, make sure you choose ones that are not too ripe. If they are super soft they will make cutting into cubes, kinda messy. I also recommend not mixing the avocado with the cucumber, mango and the olive oil blend, so it doesn’t lose it’s shape or get mushy.
Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites
Adapted from Gourmande in the Kitchen
Makes about 20-24 bites
1 mango, peeled and cut into cubes
1 seedless english cucumber, peeled and sliced into rounds
1-2 avocados (depending on their size), cut into cubes
Juice and zest from 1 lime
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped plus a bit more, whole for the skewers
pinch red pepper flakes, optional
1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Steps:
Whisk together the lime juice and zest with the olive oil, fresh mint, red pepper flakes, if using, and sea salt.
Add the cubed mango and cucumber. Toss well to coat.
To assemble the skewers thread a small leaf of fresh mint on first, then an avocado cube, finally finish by adding a piece of cucumber and a cube mango, that have been tossed in the olive oil blend.
Serve with a fresh squeeze of lime or more red pepper flakes. You can also assemble ahead and chill up to a few hours.
RECIPE NOTES:
I like to peel strips into the cucumber to make them extra pretty.
You can opt for black pepper over the red pepper flakes if you want to take down the heat a little.
Need a little more menu suggestions: Check out our perfect wedding day menu below!
Cocktail: Blood Orange Bourbon Sparker & Blackberry Lavender Lemonade (non-alcoholic option)
Appetizer: Mango, Avocado, Cucumber Bites
Salad: Heirloom Tomato & Avocado Salad
Main: Pasta with Roasted Tomato Pesto
Dessert: Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Tarts
For more of Beth’s recipes visit her blog Tasty Yummies.
More healthy recipes from the BLDG 25 Blog.
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
Raquel
http://www.raquelmanuela.com
OMG. These look so so good! I love mangoes, avocados, and cucumbers!
I will definitely be trying this recipe. They look amazing!
Victoria
http://limitless-roads.tumblr.com
So cute – they’d be great for entertaining too :)
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com