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This sunny mango heat dressing combines tropical sweetness with a gentle kick. Juicy mango delivers natural sugar while lime adds tang, chili brings warmth, and cilantro offers fresh herb notes. You'll get a multipurpose dressing that works wonders on both everyday salads and barbecued meats.
I came up with this while playing around with super-ripe seasonal mangoes. The zingy flavors and smooth texture make everyone ask for it whenever I host dinners.
Essential Elements
- Mango: Pick ripe ones that smell good and yield slightly to touch. Go for Ataulfo mangoes if you want the creamiest results.
- Lime: Don't even think about bottled juice - squeeze it fresh or you'll miss those bright flavors.
- Chili: Try Fresno or jalapeño for just the right amount of heat.
- Olive oil: Grab something quality with a nice, fruity taste.
- Cilantro: Look for bright green, perky bunches.
- Honey: Unprocessed honey adds depth and helps everything stick together.
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Making Steps
- Handle the Mango
- Get a nice ripe mango and slice around the pit. Make a grid pattern in the flesh, then scoop the cubes out. Don't forget to scrape off the extra fruit from the pit.
- Create Foundation
- Throw mango pieces into a blender with your citrus juices, honey, garlic and cumin. Blend until smooth and taste for sweetness.
- Incorporate Oil
- Keep the blender going and pour olive oil in a thin stream until everything looks creamy and well mixed.
- Complete
- Pour into a bowl and mix in the chopped cilantro and diced chili. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavors can mingle.
This dressing started from my summer kitchen playtime when I had way too many ripe mangoes and wanted something different for my everyday greens.
More Ways to Use
Works great as a seafood marinade, especially for shrimp. Just don't let it sit longer than 30 minutes or the citrus might mess with the texture.
Keeping Fresh
Store in the fridge in a sealed glass container. Don't worry if it separates - just give it a good shake before you use it.
This zingy tropical dressing makes plain dishes pop with its sweet-spicy balance, bringing summer vibes to your table no matter the season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does it last in the fridge?
- It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about a week.
- → What chili works best?
- Jalapeños or Fresno chilies are both great—just pick your heat level!
- → Can I use it for more than salads?
- For sure! Try it on grilled shrimp, salmon, or chicken for a tasty kick.
- → How do I know if my mango’s ready?
- A ripe mango will feel a bit soft and smell sweet near the stem.
- → Do I need to mix the dressing before using?
- Absolutely. Give it a good shake so everything blends nicely before using.