Sweet And Spicy Mango Dressing

When I made this Sweet and Spicy Mango Dressing, the kitchen smelled bright and tropical.
The mix of ripe mango, honey, and chili gave it that perfect balance of sweet and heat.
I remember drizzling it over salad and thinking—it tasted like sunshine with a little kick.

This dressing is smooth, tangy, and full of fresh flavor.
It’s perfect for salads, grilled chicken, or even as a dip.

Let’s blend it up together—you’ll love how simple and refreshing it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Sweet mango meets tangy citrus and spicy chili for a taste combination that wakes up your taste buds.
• Incredibly Versatile: Use it as a salad dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce for spring rolls and grilled meats.
• Quick to Make: Ready in just 10 minutes with simple blending.
• Naturally Sweet: Made with real mango and honey instead of refined sugar.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes about 1 and 1/2 cups of dressing, enough for 6-8 large salads. Planning a party? Double the batch and store it in mason jars.

Difficulty: Super easy. If you can use a blender, you can make this dressing.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Blender or food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight container or jar for storage
• Cutting board and knife

Ingredients for Sweet And Spicy Mango Dressing

This dressing comes together with fresh, simple ingredients that create bold, bright flavors. The mango brings natural sweetness, while lime and orange juice add tang. A hint of chili pepper provides just the right amount of heat. Here’s everything you need:

• Mango: Use ripe, fresh mango for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Frozen mango works too if thawed first.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweet mango.
• Orange Juice: Fresh orange juice brings extra citrus depth and natural sweetness.
• Honey: Raw or regular honey adds smooth sweetness and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Cumin: Ground cumin provides earthy, warm undertones that complement the fruit.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds savory depth. One medium clove works perfectly.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil creates a smooth, rich texture.
• Chili Pepper: Fresh chili pepper brings heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness and color.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick.

Variations for Sweet And Spicy Mango Dressing

• Make It Milder: Remove the seeds from the chili pepper or use just a pinch of red pepper flakes instead.
• Extra Heat: Add a small piece of fresh jalapeño or habanero for serious spice lovers.
• Creamier Version: Blend in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise for a thicker, creamier consistency.
• Different Fruit: Try peach, papaya, or pineapple instead of mango for a unique twist.
• Herb Swap: Use fresh mint or basil in place of cilantro for different flavor profiles.
• Add Ginger: A small piece of fresh ginger adds warmth and pairs beautifully with mango.

How to Make Sweet And Spicy Mango Dressing Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mango

Peel and chop the mango into chunks. Make sure it’s ripe for maximum sweetness and smooth blending.

2. Prep the Other Ingredients

Juice the lime and orange. Peel the garlic clove. Roughly chop the cilantro. Remove seeds from the chili pepper if you want less heat.

3. Blend Everything Together

Add mango, lime juice, orange juice, honey, cumin, garlic, salt, chili pepper, cilantro, and black pepper to your blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until smooth.

4. Add the Oil

With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour in the olive oil. This creates a smooth, emulsified dressing. Blend for another 15-20 seconds until everything is well combined.

5. Taste and Adjust

Give the dressing a taste. Add more honey if you want it sweeter, more lime juice for extra tang, or more chili pepper for additional heat. Blend briefly after any adjustments.

6. Store or Serve

Pour the dressing into a jar or airtight container. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

How to Serve Sweet And Spicy Mango Dressing

This tropical dressing shines in so many ways:

• On Salads: Drizzle over mixed greens with grilled chicken, avocado, black beans, and corn for a Southwest-style salad.
• As a Marinade: Use it to marinate chicken, shrimp, or fish before grilling. The enzymes in mango help tenderize meat.
• With Grain Bowls: Pour over quinoa or rice bowls loaded with roasted vegetables and protein.
• For Tacos: Use as a sauce for fish tacos or chicken tacos instead of traditional toppings.
• With Spring Rolls: Serve as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls or summer rolls.
• Over Fruit Salad: Toss with fresh fruit salad for a savory-sweet side dish.

Storing Sweet And Spicy Mango Dressing

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 7 days. The dressing may separate slightly, so shake well before each use.
• Freezing: This dressing can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 2 months. Thaw individual cubes as needed.
• Before Using: Always give the dressing a good shake or stir before using, as the oil may separate from the other ingredients.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Choose Ripe Mango: The riper the mango, the sweeter and more flavorful your dressing will be. Look for mangoes that give slightly when pressed.
• Start with Less Chili: You can always add more heat, but you cannot take it away. Start with half the chili pepper and add more if needed.
• Fresh Citrus is Key: Bottled juice will not give you the same bright, fresh flavor as squeezing your own limes and oranges.
• Blend Well: Make sure everything is completely smooth before adding the oil. This prevents chunks in your final dressing.
• Emulsify Properly: Adding the oil slowly while the blender runs helps create a creamy, well-mixed dressing that will not separate as quickly.
• Adjust Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon of water or more citrus juice. If it’s too thin, add a bit more mango or honey.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Sweet And Spicy Mango Dressing FAQs