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Refreshing Sweet and Spicy Mango Dressing

Featured in Elevate Any Dish with Homemade Sauces & Marinades.

Brighten up your meals with this Sweet and Spicy Mango Dressing that balances juicy mango, honey, fresh citrus, and a gentle kick of heat. This crowd-pleaser blends easily in 15 minutes and pairs perfectly with salads, or as a flavorful addition to proteins like salmon, shrimp, or chicken.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:25:25 GMT
A jar of golden mango dressing surrounded by limes and red chilies. Pin it
A jar of golden mango dressing surrounded by limes and red chilies. | linacooks.com

This mango chili dressing brings a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and gentle heat to elevate everyday salads. The natural richness of ripe mango melds beautifully with fresh lime, while chili adds a subtle warmth and fresh cilantro provides an aromatic finish. It's a versatile dressing that enhances both fresh greens and grilled dishes.

The recipe emerged from experimenting with seasonal mangoes during peak summer. The combination proved so successful that it's now a staple condiment in many kitchens.

Key Ingredients

  • Mango: Select fully ripe fruit that gives slightly when pressed. Ataulfo variety offers ideal smooth texture.
  • Lime: Fresh-squeezed juice provides essential brightness. Avoid pre-bottled options.
  • Chili: Fresh Fresno or jalapeño peppers deliver balanced heat.
  • Olive oil: Choose high-quality oil with mild, fruity notes.
  • Cilantro: Fresh leaves should be bright green and crisp.
  • Honey: Raw variety adds depth and helps bind ingredients.
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A bowl of salad with a spoon in it. | linacooks.com

Preparation Method

Preparing the Mango
Choose ripe, aromatic fruit. Cut along sides of pit. Score flesh in grid pattern. Scoop cubes from skin. Remove remaining fruit from pit.
Initial Blend
Combine mango chunks, citrus juices, honey, garlic and cumin in blender. Process until smooth, adjusting sweetness as needed.
Oil Integration
With blender running, add oil in thin stream until mixture emulsifies and thickens slightly.
Finishing
Transfer to bowl. Stir in chopped cilantro and minced chili. Allow flavors to develop for 10 minutes.

The inspiration came from a particularly abundant mango season and the desire to create something beyond traditional vinaigrettes.

Additional Uses

Try this as a 30-minute marinade for seafood. Avoid longer marination as citrus will begin to cook proteins.

Storage Guidelines

Keep refrigerated in sealed glass container. Natural separation may occur - shake before using.

This versatile dressing adds tropical flair to countless dishes, from simple salads to grilled entrees, bringing warmth and brightness to any meal.

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A glass of yellow sauce with green spices on a table. | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will this dressing stay good in the fridge?
This dressing can last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
→ Which chili pepper works best for this recipe?
You can choose jalapeños or Fresno chilies based on how much spice you like.
→ Is this dressing good for more than just salads?
Definitely! Besides greens, it works great over grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
→ What’s the best way to check if my mango is ripe?
Press it gently; a ripe mango will feel soft but not squishy. It should also smell sweet near the stem.
→ Should I mix the dressing before serving?
Yes, always give it a good shake to blend everything back together.

Mango Chili Dressing

Try this tangy and sweet mango dressing, spiced up with chili and brightened with fresh lime and orange. It makes any salad pop with flavor!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Sauces & Marinades

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (1.5 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Fruit & Juices

01 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
02 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (comes from about 2 limes)
03 1 large, ripe mango—peeled, pit removed, and chopped up roughly

→ Seasonings & Aromatics

04 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin powder
05 1 tablespoon honey
06 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 1 fresh garlic clove
08 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

→ Fresh Ingredients

09 2 tablespoons of fine-chopped cilantro
10 1 tablespoon minced medium chili pepper like jalapeño or Fresno

→ Oil

11 1/3 cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Step 01

In a blender, mix together the mango chunks, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, honey, cumin, and salt. Blend at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Pour it into a medium-sized jar.

Step 02

Slowly pour the olive oil into the jar of blended mixture while stirring it continuously with a small whisk or fork.

Step 03

Add the finely chopped cilantro, chili pepper, and black pepper to the jar. Give it a taste and add a pinch more salt if you feel it’s needed.

Step 04

Keep this in the fridge for up to a week. Shake it up well before you use it.

Notes

  1. Perfect as a dressing for salads, or a topping for grilled/roasted salmon, shrimp, or chicken.
  2. Store in the fridge, good for up to 1 week.
  3. Always shake the jar well before use.

Tools You'll Need

  • A strong blender
  • A medium-sized jar with a lid
  • A whisk or a fork for mixing
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 38
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: ~