Every time summer comes around, all we can think about is how mangoes are back in season. So the next time you have a handful of mangoes at home, try experimenting with them! Here are 20 delicious ways you can use your mangoes in your dishes this summer. Which ones are you going to try?
1. Mango Salsa
If cool and refreshing is what you're looking for, adding mangoes to your salsa is where it's at. That vibrant, tropical flavour pairs so well with a mix of red onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapenos. It's the perfect summertime snack that works great as a topping for dishes or just simply a dip for some chips.
2. Mango Smoothie
When in doubt, you can never go wrong with throwing fruit into a smoothie! For a delicious tropical twist, mango smoothies go perfectly with some yogurt and a splash of orange juice. It's a great way to start your morning off.
3. Mango Sticky Rice
For a traditional dessert, consider making mango sticky rice which is a beloved Thai sweet treat. Rice? As a dessert? Give it a try before making your judgment - you'll definitely fall in love with the combination of sweet, creamy, and mildly salty flavours.
4. Mango Chutney
Turns out mango works great as a sauce! A mango chutney is a delightfully sweet and tangy condiment that will pair well with a lot of your dishes. Whether it's on grilled meats, a pairing for your cheese and crackers, or used to tone down the heat of your curries, it works wonders.
5. Mango Chicken
Give your savory dishes a little bit of sweetness, such as in a mango chicken dish that utilizes mangoes to their best potential. It's the perfect way to cancel out a bit of the spicy or salty flavours while enhancing the flavour of the meat.
6. Mango Salad
Sometimes, it's nice just keeping it simple, such as just tossing in some fresh mango slices to your salad! We get that it might feel a bit weird adding fruit to a savory salad, but trust us, it works. It'll be the perfect side dish to your summer barbecue meals.
7. Mango Lassi
A bit different from a mango smoothie, the mango lassi is a beloved Indian drink that is made from ripe mangoes, yogurt, milk, and a hint of cardamom. It's incredibly simple which makes it easy to make, but the creamy deliciousness of this drink will make you believe it came from a restaurant.
8. Mango Cheesecake
Sweet tooth anyone? Level up your basic cheesecake by adding a delicious mango flavour to it. It pairs perfectly with the rich creaminess of a typical cheesecake base, giving it a vibrant and light touch.
9. Mango Sorbet
Looking for a dairy-free frozen dessert that's ideal for the summer heat? The answer: mango sorbet. It's so simple to make, just blend together your ripest mangoes with sugar and a hint of lemon juice before letting it freeze. It's a healthier dessert option you won't be able to resist.
10. Mango Curry
Curries are typically known for their spicy heat that can be a little difficult to stomach. So why not ease some of those flavours by giving it some levity with mangoes? Combined with coconut milk, it gives it a refreshingly different flavour you need to try.
11. Mango Pudding
Nothing more simple yet tasty than a mango pudding! It's creamy, smooth, fruity, and surprisingly easy to make! No guest will ever be disappointed if you serve this as a finisher for a delicious meal.
12. Mango Ice Cream
For a completely different texture profile from sorbets, mango ice cream is an alternative frozen treat you can make. When combined with all that cream and sugar, it's got a much creamier flavour that tastes so good in the summer. It's so refreshing and full of tropical flair.
13. Mango Gazpacho
While the idea of adding mangoes to your gazpacho might be a weird one, you just have to try it to see. You'll be in awe of how well the mango flavour meshes together with the other ingredients! It gives the whole dish a newfound vibrancy that brings it to another level.
14. Mango Margaritas
Just imagine sitting poolside with your feet in the cool water, hot sun warming you from above, and a delicious chilled mango margarita in your hand. Sounds like a dream doesn't it? Nothing more cooling and refreshing than that!
15. Mango Ceviche
For a deliciously refreshing appetizer idea, mango ceviche is the ultimate dish. Typically made with tangy and citrusy flavours thanks to the shrimp or fish being marinated in lime juice, adding in the mango gives it a sweet contrast and provides a nice balance overall.
16. Mango Pancakes
We're not leaving out breakfast here, mangoes can make any meal of the day so much better! Consider mango pancakes for one - thick chunks of sweet mango sitting atop fluffy pancakes, drizzled with some syrup or honey. Now that's a breakfast worth waking up for.
17. Mango Bread
Here's something you probably never considered before - combining mangoes...in bread batter? You'll be surprised by how moist and flavourful it makes the bread though, turning in a tasty breakfast or snack.
18. Mango Tart
Fruit tarts are already delicious in their own right, but we really want to highlight just how amazing and scrumptious mangoes are for this dessert. A buttery crust filled with creamy, dense, rich custard? Sounds like you need the freshness and brightness of the mangos to cut through all that! It's perfect!
19. Mango Rice Pudding
Even something as traditional as rice pudding could always use some new angles or ways to elevate it. Hence, stirring in some ripe, big mango chunks as the final step. That fruity sweetness will complement the rice pudding so well, you may never make it another way in the future.
20. Mango Mousse
Last but not least, for those of you that love light, airy, and not too sweet desserts, a mango mousse is where it's at. You'll get all the delicious flavours of the mango without feeling too heavy after having already enjoyed a dinner.