1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Mango Chili Dressing

Mango Chili Dressing

Featured in Kitchen Flavor Boosters.

Give your meals an instant flavor upgrade with this Sweet and Spicy Mango Dressing. Made with ripe mango, zesty lime, orange juice, honey, and your pick of chili peppers, it’s a breeze to make in just 15 minutes. Whether you pour it over fresh greens or pair it with grilled chicken or fish, its balanced mix of sweetness and heat shines through every time.
A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:40:46 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A jar filled with yellow mango dressing next to fresh limes and chili peppers. Pin it
A jar filled with yellow mango dressing next to fresh limes and chili peppers. | quickierecipe.com

This vibrant mango chili dressing brings together the perfect balance of tropical sweetness and gentle heat. Fresh mango provides natural sweetness while lime juice adds brightness, chili brings a subtle warmth, and cilantro contributes an herbal freshness. The result is a versatile dressing that enhances both simple salads and grilled dishes.

The recipe came from experimenting with seasonal mangoes during peak ripeness. The bright flavors and silky texture make it a requested favorite at gatherings.

Key Ingredients

  • Mango: Choose ripe, fragrant fruit that gives slightly when pressed. Ataulfo variety preferred for smooth texture.
  • Lime: Fresh-squeezed juice only - bottled lacks the essential bright notes.
  • Chili: Fresno or jalapeño peppers provide ideal heat balance.
  • Olive oil: Use high-quality oil with clean, fruity flavor.
  • Cilantro: Select fresh, crisp bunches without wilting.
  • Honey: Raw honey adds complexity and helps bind ingredients.
A bowl of salad with a spoon in it. Pin it
A bowl of salad with a spoon in it. | quickierecipe.com

Preparation Method

Prepare the Mango
Choose ripe mango, cut along sides of pit. Score flesh in grid pattern, scoop out cubes. Remove remaining fruit from pit.
Mix Base
Blend mango chunks with citrus juices, honey, garlic and cumin until smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Add Oil
With blender running, slowly stream in olive oil until mixture becomes creamy and emulsified.
Finish
Transfer to bowl, stir in chopped cilantro and minced chili. Allow flavors to develop for 10 minutes.

This dressing evolved from summer kitchen experiments with an abundance of ripe mangoes, aiming to create something unique for everyday salads.

Additional Uses

Try using as a marinade for seafood, particularly shrimp. Limit marinating time to 30 minutes to prevent citrus from altering texture.

Storage

Keep refrigerated in an airtight glass container. Natural separation may occur - shake well before using.

This bright, tropical dressing elevates simple dishes with its balanced sweet-heat profile, bringing fresh seasonal flavors to the table year-round.

A glass of yellow sauce with green spices on a table. Pin it
A glass of yellow sauce with green spices on a table. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will this dressing stay fresh?
Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep for around 7 days.
→ What kind of chili works best?
You can go with either jalapeño or Fresno chili—pick based on how much spice you’d like.
→ Can this dressing be used beyond salads?
It’s not just for salads! Drizzle it over grilled shrimp, chicken, or even salmon for an easy flavor boost.
→ How can I tell if my mango is ripe?
If it feels slightly soft when you press it and smells sweet at the stem, you’re good to go!
→ Should I mix the dressing before pouring?
Yep, make sure to shake it well to blend everything together again before using.

Mango Chili Dressing

Craft a zesty dressing packed with fruity mango, bright citrus, and a hint of spice. It's the ultimate way to elevate any salad!

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

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 of freshly squeezed orange juice
02 The juice of 2 medium-sized limes (around 1/4 cup)
03 1 large mango, peeled, seed removed, and cut into chunky pieces

→ Seasonings & Aromatics

04 2 tablespoons of sweet honey
05 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin spice
06 1 whole garlic clove
07 A half teaspoon of salt
08 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

→ Fresh Ingredients

09 2 tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro leaves
10 1 tablespoon of a medium-heat chili pepper, finely minced (like Fresno or jalapeño)

→ Oil

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

Instructions

Step 01

Put the mango chunks, lime and orange juice, honey, cumin, garlic, and salt into a blender. Blend at medium speed until completely smooth. Pour into a jar that’ll hold the mixture.

Step 02

Gently pour the olive oil into the jar, doing it slowly and steadily while stirring with a whisk or fork non-stop.

Step 03

Mix in the chopped chili, the fresh cilantro, and the ground black pepper. Taste it, and if you think it needs more salt, add a sprinkle.

Step 04

Keep it in the fridge for up to 7 days. Before using it again, give it a good shake.

Notes

  1. Works well as a topping for salads or with grilled salmon, shrimp, and chicken
  2. Stays fresh for up to a week in the fridge
  3. Make sure to shake before you pour it

Tools You'll Need

  • A blender
  • A medium-sized jar for storage
  • A fork or a small whisk 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: ~