Print

Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad Dressing

Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad Dressing

Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful blend of ripe mangoes, honey, lime juice, and chili that adds a refreshing sweet-spicy twist to salads, grilled veggies, and more. This easy-to-make dressing balances natural sweetness with a lively kick of heat, making it a versatile, healthy, and customizable addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chili or 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small clove garlic (optional)

Optional Variations

  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or mashed avocado (for creamy twist)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (vegan alternative to honey)
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice or zest (extra citrus)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or basil (herb infusion)
  • Pinch of mild paprika (for mild version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mango: Peel the mango and cut the flesh away from the pit. Chop it into chunks easy to blend, ensuring maximum juiciness and flavor release.
  2. Mix the Dressing Ingredients: Combine the mango chunks, honey (or agave), freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and optional garlic in a blender or food processor.
  3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until creamy and well combined. If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of water or more olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Sample the dressing and adjust sweetness, spice, or acidity as needed. Add more lime juice for tang, more chili for heat, or a bit more honey for sweetness.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Place the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and develop before drizzling over your salad.

Notes

  • Choose perfectly ripe mangoes—they should be fragrant and yield slightly when pressed for the best sweetness.
  • Adjust spice gradually: start with a small amount of chili and increase slowly.
  • Use a powerful blender for an ultra-smooth texture, or whisk for a chunkier style.
  • Serve fresh; dressing tastes best within 2-3 days of making.
  • Always taste and tweak acidity and sweetness for a perfect balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: mango salad dressing, sweet and spicy dressing, mango dressing, salad dressing recipe, healthy salad dressing, vegan dressing, spicy mango sauce