Mango Vinaigrette - Mango Salad dressing - Simple Living Recipes (2024)

This easy mango vinaigrette has a delicious blend of flavors that will take you to a tropical paradise! With the natural sweetness of a ripe mango and a zesty kick from limes, this salad dressing has the perfect balance between sweet and tangy that elevates any salad.

Whether you're a fan of fruity and refreshing flavors or simply looking to try something new, this mango vinaigrette is the perfect pick as your salad dressing.

It has a tropical flavor balanced with tangy lime that elevates any salad you try it on. It's creamy, velvety, and healthy! You and your family or guests will be impressed with the amazing flavor it'll bring to the table.

By the way, if you're looking for salad ideas, my Peach and feta salad is the perfect choice for this dressing.

Ingredients and Substitutions

For this delicious mango vinaigrette, all you need are some simple ingredients:

• Ripe mango: A medium mango, peeled and pitted, cut into pieces.
• Avocado oil: Has a milder and more neutral flavor than extra virgin olive oil. If you don't have it, check out the FAQ section for all the other options.
• Orange juice: Brings a more tropical and sweet taste. I like to use freshly squeezed.
• Lime juice: To add a zesty kick. Use freshly squeezed lime juice, as the pre-packed doesn't taste quite as good.
• Honey: Balances the tanginess with natural sweetness. You can also use agave nectar as a substitute.
• Rice vinegar: Brings a mild and sweet acidity. If you don't have it, use lime juice only.
• Garlic: To infuse a subtle, savory aroma.
• Shallot: Just a tiny piece will bring a delicious taste to the dressing.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavor.

*See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Mango Vinaigrette

Making a mango vinaigrette is very easy. Here are the step-by-step photos for guidance.

Combine all ingredients, but red pepper flakes, in a personal blender, immersion blender, or small food processor.

Blend until hom*ogenous and smooth. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and enjoy it on your favorite food.

Hint: Use avocado oil for a mild flavor.

• For detailed step-by-step and amounts, check the recipe card further down in this post.

The best mangoes for salad dressings

Different mango varieties offer slightly different flavors and textures, so you can choose based on your taste preferences. Here are some popular mango varieties that work well in vinaigrettes:

1. Ataulfo (Honey) Mango: Known for their creamy and smooth texture. They have a rich, sweet flavor with hints of honey and less fibrous flesh than other varieties.
2. Alphonso Mango: Renowned for their exceptional sweetness and aromatic flavor. They are often considered the king of mangoes due to their superior taste. Using Alphonso mango in your vinaigrette can impart a delicious tropical sweetness.
3. Tommy Atkins Mango: Tommy Atkins mangoes are widely available and have a sweet and slightly tart flavor. They may not be as sweet as other varieties, but they are still a good option if you enjoy a more balanced flavor in your vinaigrette.
4. Haden: Haden mangoes are known for their sweet and rich flavor with a slightly tart undertone. When ripe, the flesh is juicy, tender, and succulent, making them a delicious treat.

How to choose mangoes

Selecting the right ripe mango will help you make the best mango dressing ever. So follow these tips to choose the best mango:

1. Color and Feel: Look for mangoes with vibrant colors, such as shades of yellow, orange, or red, depending on the variety. Give them a gentle squeeze; a ripe mango should have a slight give but not be too soft.
2. Aromatic Fragrance: Sniff the stem end of the mango; a sweet, fruity aroma indicates ripeness.
3. Skin Texture: A smooth, unblemished skin with minimal wrinkling or spotting is a good sign of a quality mango.
4. Variety: Various mango varieties offer distinct flavors and sweetness levels. Experiment with different types to see which one is your favorite.

Variations

You can also add some ingredients to diversify this mango dressing. Here are some variations you can try:

• Turmeric - add a pinch for some depth of flavor.
• Ginger - For extra heat and freshness.
• Cilantro or Parsley - A small hand of chopped cilantro or parsley can add a great flavor to this dressing. But if you plan on keeping it in the fridge for more than a day, I recommend adding them directly to the salad instead of to the dressing, as it slightly changes color and flavor when in contact with acidity for too long.

Storage

This homemade mango dressing, stored in an airtight container, can last in the refrigerator for about a week. After that, its taste and texture may start to deteriorate. If you're making a large batch, consider freezing some portions for future use. Frozen mango vinaigrette can stay good for up to 2 months, but it's always best to consume it within the first month for the best taste. You can freeze it into ice cubes and defrost it as you need.

How to fix a vinaigrette?

People have different tastes, so I'll show you here how to adjust this vinaigrette according to your preferences.

1. Too Acidic: If it feels overly tart or acidic, you can balance it out by adding more fruit or oil to mellow the flavor. Start by adding small amounts at a time and tasting as you go until you achieve the desired level of acidity.
2. Lacking Flavor: If your vinaigrette seems bland, try adding an extra pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor. You can also experiment with adding more honey, or fresh herbs, to give it a more robust taste.
3. Too Salty: If you end up adding too much salt, you can dilute the saltiness by adding a bit more oil and acid in equal parts until the saltiness is balanced out.
4. Sweetness Adjustment: If your vinaigrette is too sweet, add a touch more acid to counteract the sweetness. Or, if it's not sweet enough, add a little more honey or agave nectar to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
5. Texture Issues: If you think it's too thick, add more water and/or oil, little by little. Conversely, if it's too thin, you can add more mango.

This article about 'How to make a vinaigrette yourself' also talks about all the important components a good vinaigrette should have. Consider it all when trying to achieve the perfect salad dressing for you. Remember, start with small adjustments and taste as you go.

Serving Suggestions

This mango dressing tastes amazing on:

• Green salads: Like this delicious peach feta salad.
• Grain Bowls
• Grilled Meats
• Seafood Dishes
• Wraps and Sandwiches
• Poke Bowls
• Roasted Vegetables
• Summer Rolls
• Ceviche

FAQ

Pairing

Looking for delicious recipes to eat with this vinaigrette? Try these:

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📖 Recipe / Receita

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