Mango Salsa Dressing
Mango salsa dressing is a tropical, tangy, and mildly sweet salad dressing that brings vibrant flavors to your dishes. It’s a perfect fusion of the classic mango salsa and a zesty dressing, blending the juiciness of ripe mangoes with the boldness of lime, cilantro, and jalapeño.
This refreshing dressing is not only an ideal topping for salads but also works well as a marinade for grilled meats or seafood, or as a dip for tacos, chips, and veggies. Packed with essential vitamins like A and C from the mango, plus healthy fats from olive oil, this dressing is both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe mango (peeled and diced)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small jalapeño (seeded and finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons red onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for added depth)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 garlic clove (minced) – optional
How to Make Mango Salsa Dressing:
Prepare the Mango
Start by peeling the ripe mango and cutting the flesh away from the pit. Dice the mango into small cubes. The riper the mango, the sweeter and juicier your dressing will be. If you prefer a smoother consistency for the dressing, you can puree the mango in a blender.
Combine the Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the diced mango, freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, finely chopped jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, cumin, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using garlic, add the minced garlic at this stage. For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, drizzle the honey over the ingredients.
Mix or Blend
If you prefer a chunky salsa-style dressing, gently mix all the ingredients with a spoon or fork until everything is well combined. For a smoother dressing, transfer the ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture reaches your desired consistency—whether that’s slightly chunky or silky smooth.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors to your liking. If the dressing is too tangy, add a little more honey to balance the acidity. For more heat, consider leaving in some jalapeño seeds or adding extra diced jalapeño. You can also add more lime juice if you prefer a sharper citrus flavor.
Store and Serve
Transfer the mango salsa dressing to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Shake or stir well before serving. This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Use it on your favorite salads, as a topping for grilled fish or chicken, or even as a dip for tortilla chips.
Chef’s Note:
Mango Selection:
The key to a great mango salsa dressing is a perfectly ripe mango. Look for a mango that gives slightly when you press it, but avoid overripe or mushy fruit. If mangoes are out of season, you can use frozen mango chunks—just thaw them before using.
Heat Level:
Jalapeños add a subtle kick to this dressing, but you can adjust the heat according to your taste. For a milder dressing, remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. If you love spice, leave some seeds in or swap jalapeño for a spicier chili like serrano.
Customizing Flavors:
For a more savory version of this dressing, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of apple cider vinegar. You can also add diced avocado for a creamy texture or swap honey for maple syrup to make the recipe vegan.
Cilantro Substitute:
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with fresh mint or parsley. Both herbs add their own unique brightness and will complement the mango and lime.
Versatility:
While this recipe is perfect for salads, it also makes a fantastic topping for grilled seafood, chicken, or tacos. You can even mix it with quinoa or couscous for a vibrant grain salad, or use it as a dip for fresh vegetable sticks or chips.
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, approximately 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 20% of Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 30% of Daily Value
- Iron: 2% of Daily Value
Mango salsa dressing offers a wealth of nutrients, especially from the mango, which is rich in vitamins A and C, and the olive oil, which provides heart-healthy fats. This dressing is low in calories and perfect for those looking for a light yet flavorful addition to their meals. The lime juice adds a zesty freshness, while the jalapeño gives it a subtle kick, creating a well-balanced dressing that can elevate any dish.
Enjoy this versatile mango salsa dressing on your favorite salads, as a marinade, or even as a refreshing dip to add a tropical twist to your next meal!