Mangoes are one of the most popular tropical fruits around the world. Their sweet, creamy flesh makes them an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide variety of other fruits. Combining mango with other fruits allows you to create delicious recipes that provide a complex blend of flavors and textures.
Why combine mango with other fruits?
There are several benefits to pairing mango with other fruits:
- Complementary flavors – Mixing mango with fruits that have different flavor profiles results in a dish with more complex, interesting taste.
- Texture contrast – The soft, creamy mango flesh pairs well with fruits that have crunchier or more fibrous textures.
- Nutritional benefits – Combining fruits gives you a wider range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Visual appeal – Using fruits of different colors and shapes creates an attractive dish.
- Balanced sweetness – Mango can be very sweet on its own, so pairing it with more tart or subtle fruits can provide balance.
What fruits pair well with mango?
Many different fruits can complement the flavor of mango. Some top options include:
Berries
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries make excellent partners for mango. Their sweet-tart taste provides contrast to the tropical sweetness of mango. Berries also add striking pops of color. Try mixing diced mango with your choice of berries and serve over yogurt, make a fruit salsa or blend into a smoothie.
Stone fruits
Peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums have a similar sweet, juicy flesh that goes well with mango. Dice mango and stone fruits together for a fresh fruit salad. You can also puree them into sauces and chutneys.
Citrus fruits
Oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes add a bright, refreshing acidity that balances the rich sweetness of ripe mango. Mix diced mango and citrus sections for a salad or skewers. Lime or lemon juice is also commonly used to marinate and tenderize mango before use.
Pineapple
Pineapple is another tropical favorite that pairs perfectly with mango. Its signature sweet-tart flavor and tender, juicy texture complement mango nicely. Dice the two together for fruit salsa, add to skewers or blend into smoothies and juices.
Kiwi
With its crisp, juicy flesh and tart-sweet taste, kiwi makes a refreshing match for rich, creamy mango. Try mixing diced kiwi and mango together for a salad or pureeing them into a cool soup.
Melon
Sweet melons like honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon marry well with mango’s tropical flavors. Dice melon and mango together for fruit salad or skewers. Puree into smoothies or blend with yogurt and lime juice for a refreshing cold soup.
Papaya
Papaya has a similar tropical vibe as mango. Combining the two makes for a very bright, aromatic fruit pairing. Mix diced papaya and mango in salad or salsa. Blend together for smoothies, juices and ice pops.
Guava
Guava has a unique, floral sweetness that pairs deliciously with mango’s rich, creamy texture. Try mixing diced guava and mango for a unique salsa. You can also swirl guava puree into mango sorbet.
Banana
Banana’s smooth, sweet flavor and creamy texture complement mango well. Use both in fruit salads, smoothies, chutneys, ice creams and more.
Apples
Tart, crunchy apples help offset mango’s richness. Shred or dice apples and mango together for slaws and fruit salads. Apples also work nicely roasted or baked with mangoes for unique compotes and desserts.
Tips for combining mango with other fruits
Here are some tips to get the most flavor and nutrition when pairing mango with other fruits:
- Mix ripe, sweet mango with tart fruits like berries, pineapple and underripe stone fruits or pears.
- Combine mango with crunchy or juicy fruits like apples, grapes and melon for texture contrast.
- Blend mango with creamy bananas, avocado or yogurt for smoothies, sauces and desserts.
- Add citrus juice or zest to mango dishes to heighten the flavor. Lime, lemon and oranges work well.
- Mix colorful fruits together for visual appeal as well as flavor contrast.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices like mint, basil, ginger and cardamom to complement the fruits.
- Store chopped fruit mixtures in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipes with mango and other fruits
Here are some delicious recipe ideas that showcase mango paired with complementary fruits:
Mango berry smoothie
Blend mango, strawberries, banana, yogurt and orange juice for a nutrition-packed smoothie.
Mango peach salsa
Mix diced mango, peach, red onion, cilantro and jalapeno. Season with lime juice.
Tropical fruit salad
Combine mango, pineapple, kiwi, banana, grapes and orange or grapefruit segments.
Mango apple chutney
Cook down mango, apples, raisins, ginger, garlic, vinegar and spices into a sweet-tart chutney.
Mango lime popsicles
Puree mango with lime juice and yogurt. Freeze in popsicle molds.
Mango berry crumble
Top sliced mangoes and berries with a streusel oat topping. Bake until fruit is bubbling.
Tropical fruit skewers
Thread cubed mango, pineapple, strawberries and kiwi onto skewers for a pretty party appetizer.
Melon mango salsa
Mix diced mango with honeydew or watermelon, red onion, lime juice and cilantro.
Mango fruit combinations table
| Fruit | Flavor Contribution | Recipe Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Berries | Sweet-tart, fresh, colorful | Smoothies, salsas, salads |
| Stone fruits | Sweet, juicy, creamy | Fruit salads, chutneys |
| Citrus fruits | Bright, acidic, refreshing | Skewers, salsas, marinades |
| Pineapple | Sweet-tart, tropical | Smoothies, skewers, salads |
| Kiwi | Tart, crunchy, juicy | Salads, salsas, soups |
| Melons | Sweet, juicy, refreshing | Salads, salsas, soups |
| Papaya | Tropical, floral, sweet | Salsas, smoothies, juices |
| Guava | Floral, fragrant, sweet | Salsas, sorbet |
| Banana | Creamy, sweet, soft | Smoothies, milkshakes |
| Apples | Tart, crunchy, juicy | Slaws, compotes, chutneys |
Conclusion
Mango’s rich sweetness pairs beautifully with many other fruits. Berries, stone fruits, citrus, pineapple, kiwi, melon, papaya, guava, banana and apple all make refreshing complements to mango’s tropical flavor. Combining mango with other fruits allows you to create colorful fruit salads, fruity salsas, smoothies and chutneys that offer flavor contrast and nutrition. With so many delicious options, there’s no limit to the ways you can mix and match mango with other fruits.