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This zesty tropical mango dressing brings sunshine to your meals without much work. The mix of sweet mango, tangy citrus, and a gentle kick turns boring salads into something you'll crave again and again.
I came up with this dressing when my neighborhood market was flooded with mangoes last year. What began as a way to handle extra fruit soon became the number one requested item from friends who tried it during our outdoor parties.
- Ripe mango gives natural sweetness and smooth texture - pick one that's slightly soft when squeezed for best taste
- Fresh lime juice delivers tang and helps the dressing last longer
- Orange juice cuts the lime with milder citrus flavor
- Honey boosts the mango's sweetness while binding everything together
- Ground cumin adds warm undertones that work well with the fruit
- Garlic brings a mellow savory quality that cuts the sweetness
- Fresh chili pepper kicks in that must-have heat - adjust up or down to suit your taste
- Cilantro adds fresh green notes and pairs naturally with mango
- Extra virgin olive oil delivers richness and body - go for a fruity one instead of something sharp
How To Make Tantalizing Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad Dressing
- Mix the foundation
- Put mango chunks lime juice orange juice honey cumin garlic and salt in your blender. Blend until it's totally smooth without any fruit bits left about 60 seconds. You'll get a bright yellow mix that pours easily but isn't too thin.
- Add oil carefully
- Pour the mango mix into a jar then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking non-stop. This slow addition keeps everything from splitting apart and makes the texture silky smooth. The dressing will get a bit lighter and thicker.
- Add the fresh stuff
- Mix in the chopped chili pepper cilantro and black pepper by hand. This keeps their texture and lets their fresh flavors stand out instead of getting lost in the blender. Try it and add more salt if needed to get it just right.
- Let it rest
- Cool the dressing in your fridge for at least 30 minutes before using so the flavors can get friendly. The mango's sweetness will pop more and the spices will spread throughout the whole mixture.
The chili pepper makes all the difference in this dressing. While many fruit dressings turn out too sweet the heat from the pepper creates a fantastic balance that makes you want another bite. My husband who usually stays away from fruit in his main dishes now asks for this dressing on his work lunches.
Great Food Matches
This dressing works best when matched with foods that go well with its tropical vibe. Try pouring it over a salad with spicy arugula avocado and cooked shrimp. The sweetness works against bitter greens while the tang cuts through rich items like cheese or nuts. For an easy dinner mix with leafy greens roasted cashews and grilled chicken for a complete meal in minutes.
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Personal Touches
The great thing about making dressings at home is how easy they are to change up. Want it creamier? Throw in half an avocado when blending. Need it less sweet? Cut back on honey and add a bit of rice vinegar. During winter when fresh mangoes aren't easy to find use thawed frozen mango chunks instead. To make it look fancy drizzle it on a plate and top with tiny greens and flower petals.
Keeping It Fresh
Store this dressing in a sealed container in your fridge for up to a week. It might separate as it sits - just shake it hard before using to mix it back up. The citrus helps keep it fresh but it won't taste as good after about seven days. The dressing gets thicker when cold so you might want to let it sit out for 5 minutes before putting it on delicate greens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Sure, defrosted mango works fine! Just let it thaw completely and drain the extra liquid before blending so it’s not too watery.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Want more heat? Add chili seeds or extra pepper. Prefer it milder? Use less chili or swap it for a mild option like chili powder.
- → Is there a substitute for cilantro?
If cilantro's not for you, fresh mint or basil are great swaps that pair well with the mango and citrus flavors.
- → Can I make this dressing oil-free?
Yes, replace olive oil with extra orange juice or coconut water. It'll be thinner but still tasty.
- → What salads pair best with this dressing?
This dressing pairs wonderfully with avocado, grilled corn, beans, tropical bites, or tossed over grain bowls with veggies.
- → How can I thicken the dressing if it's too runny?
Try adding some avocado or a little Greek yogurt to thicken it up while keeping it flavorful and creamy.