Cilantro Mango Lime Sauce
This Cilantro Mango Lime Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that adds a burst of tropical flavor to any dish. Made with fresh mango, cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of spice, this sauce is perfect as a marinade, dressing, dip, or drizzle for grilled meats, seafood, tacos, and salads. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with vitamins for a fresh, healthy addition to your meals.
Servings: About 1.5 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
- In a blender or food processor, combine mango, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, honey, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Blend until smooth, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 2: Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime for tang, honey for sweetness, or spice for heat.
- Transfer to a serving dish or store in an airtight container.
Step 3: Chill (Optional)
- Let the sauce sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.
Serving Suggestions
✔ As a dip: Serve with tortilla chips, shrimp, or vegetable sticks.
✔ As a marinade: Use for chicken, shrimp, fish, or tofu before grilling.
✔ As a dressing: Drizzle over salads, grain bowls, or tacos.
✔ As a sauce: Spoon over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or burgers.
Tips for Success
✔ Use a ripe mango – The riper, the sweeter the sauce.
✔ Control the spice – Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
✔ Make it creamy – Add Greek yogurt or avocado for a richer texture.
✔ Enhance the citrus – Add a splash of orange juice for extra zest.
✔ Store properly – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed jar.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, ~2 tbsp)
(Approximate values)
- Calories: 30
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
Health Benefits
✅ Rich in Vitamin C – Mango and lime support immunity and skin health.
✅ Anti-inflammatory Properties – Cilantro and olive oil help reduce inflammation.
✅ Aids Digestion – Mango and lime juice promote gut health.
✅ Heart-Healthy – Olive oil provides good fats that support cardiovascular health.
✅ Naturally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – Perfect for various diets.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze this sauce?
A: Yes! Freeze in an ice cube tray for portioned servings and thaw as needed.
Q: What can I use instead of mango?
A: Try pineapple, peach, or papaya for a different tropical twist.
Q: Can I make it without cilantro?
A: Yes! Swap cilantro for basil or parsley for a different flavor.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce?
A: Blend in Greek yogurt, avocado, or a bit of cornstarch slurry for a creamier texture.
This Cilantro Mango Lime Sauce is a bright, tropical, and versatile condiment that enhances everything from grilled meats to tacos and salads. It’s easy to make, full of fresh ingredients, and adds a pop of flavor to any meal!