Give Vinaigrette A Mouthwatering Tropical Twist With This One Addition

As far as we know, vinaigrettes and tropical flavors don't usually go together. Every time a salad calls for a foolproof dressing, or a protein needs a quick marinade, we just whisk together a bit of oil, citrus juice, salt, pepper, and vinegar. Mango may be the last thing anyone would expect to find in the mix, and yet, it inexplicably belongs. Through the vibrant lens of this tropical fruit, the vinaigrette takes on a refreshing complexity; one that makes everything it touches taste borderline magical.

Mango has got to be, without a doubt, one of the best fruits to blend into a vinaigrette. It does everything a sweetener does and then some. Before the vinaigrette even meets your taste buds, the fruit's floral aroma already promises greatness. It's a good thing that tropical, vibrant sweetness doesn't disappoint at all. It lends a silky, lush undertone that smooths out the vinegar's sharp acidity, and yet, the signature tangy depth remains the same, only now more complex and compelling. This vivid ingredient wakes the vinaigrette up from its long slumberous routine, and with that, your entire meal also feels brand new again.

Add cubed mangoes into the blender with your usual ingredient mix (minus the oil) and blend until smooth. As the blender is running, gradually drip the oil until it's fully emulsified, ensuring there's no curdling so the vinaigrette turns out as creamy as possible. Now here's where it gets interesting, because you can use more than just fresh, ripe mangoes: Mango chutney is a great alternative to layer a subtle heat underneath. If you don't have chutney, fiery spices such as cayenne pepper and chili powder also do the trick. And herbs like cilantro and basil? Certainly can't forget about them if you want an herbaceous aroma to kick up the undertone.

Once you've got the mango vinaigrette, a world of possibilities opens up. A spinach salad with mango vinaigrette will brighten up any dinner night, and the same goes for any other leafy green salad in your rotation. Drizzled over a grilled chicken salad or a roasted salmon salad, it's exactly the kind of twist that will make your daily meals exciting again. You also can't really go wrong with a summer fruit salad, especially when it's loaded with mangoes, pineapples, and other tropical delicacies.

Vinaigrettes can also be the game-changing ingredient for flavorful roasted vegetables, and mango vinaigrette, in particular, is how you bring about that restaurant-worthy sophistication. You will also love the way it adds a special touch to ordinary tacos and grain bowls, or seeps fruity notes into a cut of meat as a marinade. If nothing else, just save some for whenever you need a dipping sauce that isn't ketchup or mayo.