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Fresh Cilantro Mango Lime Sauce

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Bring tropical flavors to your table with this fresh and vibrant cilantro mango lime sauce. This versatile condiment combines the bright herbaceous notes of cilantro with sweet mango and zesty lime, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Quick to prepare in just minutes using a food processor, it transforms into a smooth, creamy sauce that's ideal for drizzling over grilled fish or chicken, using as a salad dressing, or as a dipping sauce. The recipe is naturally dairy-free, vegan, and can be adapted for AIP diets by simply omitting the black pepper and using only cilantro leaves. It's a refreshing alternative to traditional sauces that adds both color and flavor to any dish.
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Updated on Sun, 23 Feb 2025 13:37:07 GMT
Fresh cilantro mango lime sauce, a vibrant blend of sweet, tangy, and herby flavors. Pin it
Fresh cilantro mango lime sauce, a vibrant blend of sweet, tangy, and herby flavors. | tasteofcook.com

This tropical-inspired sauce combines fresh mango's sweetness with cilantro's brightness and lime's tang, creating a versatile condiment that brings sunshine to any dish. Each component plays a crucial role in developing a balanced, complex flavor profile.

Essential Components

  • Fresh Cilantro: Vibrant green leaves with no wilting or yellowing. Its bright, citrusy aroma adds a fresh, herbaceous depth to any dish.
  • Ripe Mangoes: Soft to the touch with a fragrant sweetness, signaling peak ripeness. Their natural sugars balance acidity, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
  • Fresh Limes: Heavy for their size, with smooth, thin skin. Their bright acidity enhances flavors, bringing a lively zest to dressings and marinades.
  • Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Cold-pressed for maximum purity and a smooth, buttery texture. Its fruity notes elevate both raw and cooked dishes.
  • Fresh Shallots: Firm and free of green sprouts, ensuring a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor without bitterness.
  • Fine Sea Salt: Dissolves evenly, enhancing natural flavors without overpowering. A key element in achieving a well-balanced dish.
  • Fresh Black Pepper: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle heat and a peppery bite that rounds out the flavor profile.
  • Quality Food Processor: Ensures a silky-smooth blend, breaking down ingredients efficiently for a perfectly emulsified texture.
  • Glass Storage Containers: Preserve freshness without absorbing odors, keeping delicate ingredients crisp and aromatic.

Culinary Choreography

Ingredient Preparation:
Select perfectly ripe mangoes with slight give when pressed. Wash cilantro thoroughly and dry completely. Cut limes just before juicing for maximum freshness.
Initial Blending:
Begin with cilantro and shallots to ensure proper breakdown. Pulse several times before adding remaining ingredients. This prevents stringy texture.
Sauce Development:
Add mango and lime juice gradually while processing. Stream in olive oil slowly to create proper emulsion. Watch for smooth, flowing consistency.
Final Seasoning:
Taste and adjust salt, acid, and heat levels carefully. Consider balance between sweet mango and tangy lime. Allow flavors to meld briefly before final adjustments.
Homemade mango lime sauce with cilantro, perfect for tacos, salads, or dipping. Pin it
Homemade mango lime sauce with cilantro, perfect for tacos, salads, or dipping. | tasteofcook.com

My Caribbean chef mentor taught me to add a tiny pinch of ground coriander it enhances the cilantro beautifully.

Storage Solutions

Store sauce in airtight glass containers in refrigerator for up to five days. Natural separation may occur simply whisk gently before serving. Consider freezing in small portions for longer storage, though fresh preparation is optimal for best flavor. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for fullest flavor development.

Perfect Pairings

Transform dishes with thoughtful sauce applications. Drizzle over grilled fish or shrimp for tropical flair. Use as marinade for chicken or pork before grilling. Create vibrant salad dressing by thinning slightly with additional olive oil. Consider as dipping sauce for spring rolls or as unique taco topping.

Creative Variations

Adapt this base recipe while maintaining proper balance. Create spicier version with fresh jalapeño or habanero. Develop smokier variation using roasted shallots. Some chefs add fresh ginger for Asian fusion, while others incorporate coconut milk for creamy texture. Consider adding fresh mint or basil for additional herb complexity.

Bright and zesty cilantro mango lime sauce in a bowl, ready to drizzle over dishes. Pin it
Bright and zesty cilantro mango lime sauce in a bowl, ready to drizzle over dishes. | tasteofcook.com

Serving Suggestions

Present sauce in small serving bowls for dipping. Create artistic drizzles over plated dishes. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, lime zest, or diced mango. When using as marinade, allow proper time for flavors to penetrate. Consider temperature slightly chilled provides optimal refreshing quality.

This cilantro mango lime sauce represents the perfect fusion of tropical and fresh herb flavors. The combination of proper ingredient selection and careful preparation creates a versatile sauce that brightens any dish. Whether used as marinade, dressing, or dipping sauce, this recipe consistently delivers professional results that enhance both casual and elegant meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How ripe should my mango be?
Use a ripe but firm mango for the best consistency and sweetness in the sauce.
→ How long does this sauce keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I make this less spicy?
This sauce isn't spicy, but you can reduce the black pepper or omit it entirely.
→ What can I substitute for cilantro?
While cilantro is key to the flavor profile, you could use fresh basil for a different but still delicious sauce.
→ Is this sauce freezer-friendly?
Fresh herb sauces are best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen for up to 1 month though some texture changes may occur.

Cilantro Mango Lime Sauce

Create this bright and flavorful sauce combining fresh cilantro, sweet mango, and tangy lime for a perfect addition to any grilled dish.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 16 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Sauce Base

01 Fresh cilantro leaves, 1-1½ cups
02 Fresh lime juice, ½ cup
03 Medium shallot, 1
04 Fresh mango, 1 cup
05 Extra virgin olive oil, ½ cup
06 Fine sea salt or pink salt, ½ teaspoon
07 Ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Rinse cilantro thoroughly and shake off excess water. For AIP version, remove leaves from stems.

Step 02

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process on high for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy.

Step 03

Use immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Notes

  1. Can be made AIP-compliant by using only cilantro leaves and omitting black pepper
  2. Perfect as a sauce for grilled fish, chicken, or as a tropical salad dressing

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 70
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: ~