Name: Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and chopped; ¼ cup olive oil; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or chili powder (adjust to taste); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Water, as needed for consistency

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your salads, this sweet and spicy mango salad dressing is the perfect choice. It strikes a delightful balance between fruity sweetness and a subtle heat, making every bite exciting. This dressing is incredibly versatile, pairing well with leafy greens, grilled proteins, and even grain-based salads. Plus, it’s homemade, meaning no preservatives or artificial flavors—just fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Ripe mango
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Honey or maple syrup
Lime juice
Dijon mustard
Garlic
Red pepper flakes or chili powder
Salt
Black pepper
Water (if needed for consistency)

Directions

Prepare the Mango: Peel and pit a ripe mango. Cut the flesh into small chunks.
Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the mango chunks, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Adjust Seasoning: Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.
Thin if Necessary: If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time and blend again until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve or Store: Transfer the dressing to a jar or bottle and use immediately or store for later.

Variations

Citrus Boost: Swap lime juice for orange juice for a milder citrus flavor.
Extra Spice: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Creamy Version: Blend in Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamier texture.
Ginger Twist: Add freshly grated ginger for a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes about 1 cup of dressing

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Shake Before Use: Since natural ingredients separate over time, shake or stir well before using.
Freezing Not Recommended: The texture of mango-based dressings may change after freezing.

FAQs

How can I make this dressing vegan?

Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it vegan.

What type of mango works best?

A ripe and sweet variety like Ataulfo or Kent mangoes works best.

Can I use frozen mango?

Yes! Thaw it before blending for the best consistency.

What salads pair well with this dressing?

It’s great on leafy greens, grain salads, or even fruit-based salads.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?

Yes, but lime juice provides a more tropical, tangy flavor.

Is this dressing good as a marinade?

Absolutely! It works well as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

How do I make it less spicy?

Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?

Yes, a food processor works fine, but the dressing may be slightly less smooth.

Does it work as a dipping sauce?

Yes! It’s delicious as a dip for spring rolls or grilled veggies.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to a week when stored properly.

Conclusion

This sweet and spicy mango salad dressing is a game-changer for any salad, offering a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and versatile enough to use as a dressing, dip, or marinade. Try it today and bring a burst of tropical flavor to your meals

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