Spicy-Sweet Mango Chili with Beans and Kale (Vegan)

If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional chili, this Spicy-Sweet Mango Chili with Beans and Kale is the answer. It’s a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that surprises and satisfies in every bite. You might wonder, “Mango in chili? Really?” Yes, really! The tropical sweetness pairs beautifully with the hearty beans, savory vegetables, and gentle heat for a comforting meal.

The secret to this unique chili recipe’s bold flavor is a jar of Peach Mango Salsa from Desert Pepper Trading Company. Desert Pepper Trading Company is a popular, specialty brand that makes a variety of salsas inspired from the sunny Southwest, markets of Mexico, and their own multi-generational kitchens.

 Peach Mango Salsa (a whole jar!) infuses the dish with rich Caribbean-inspired notes that elevate the chili beyond the ordinary. It’s a “medium” heat salsa, which in my book is the most crowd-pleasing heat level and one that doesn’t overpower other flavors. It’s a win-win, enjoy the tropical vibes of a yummy mango salsa while streamlining a recipe thanks to the enormous amount of flavor packed into each jar (which means less chopping and spice hunting time spent)!  Paired with the convenience of canned beans and tomatoes along with the goodness of fresh vegetables like kale and carrots, this mango bean dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Note: I use a fresh chopped mango in this recipe. If they are not in season, thawed frozen mango will also work. Even in a pinch, you can even omit the mango and just rely on the fruit shining through in the salsa. It’s still delicious.

This vegan chili recipe that generously serves 6, is ideal for meal prep because it tastes just as good—if not better—the next day. The spices and flavors have time to meld, making each bite even more harmonious. Plus, it’s suitable for vegans and vegetarians making it a fantastic option for anyone looking for a wholesome, filling meal powered by plants.

Other key nutrition points, a serving of mango chili has 251 calories per serving with 11g protein and nearly HALF the daily requirement for dietary fiber! It’s also abundant in vitamin A, vitamin C and is a good source of iron, potassium and magnesium.

So next time you’re craving a creative chili with a twist, give this Spicy-Sweet Mango Chili with Beans and Kale a try. You might just find yourself loving the unexpected sweetness, savoring the spice, and enjoying every satisfying spoonful!

Purchase this delicious mango salsa (or one of their other amazing, authentic varieties) at Sprouts, Publix, Hannaford, Harris Teeter, Shop Rite, Walmart, Giant Eagle, Market Basket, Jewel, and Meijer or pick up your favorites online at DessertPepper.com. Follow on Facebook or Instagram for more recipe inspo.

Spicy-Sweet Mango Chili with Beans and Kale
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

Spicy-Sweet Mango Chili is a tropical-inspired bowl that will nourish your body and excite with every bite. It all starts with prepared salsa, canned beans and tomatoes for convenience along with fresh produce like kale, carrots and fresh mango.  The surprised hint of sweetness pairs nicely with the spice, and it’s a vegan meal that provides plant protein and nearly half of the daily requirement for fiber.

Course: dinner, entree, entree soup
Cuisine: Caribbean
Keyword: chili, mango, salsa, stew
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 251 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped sweet yellow onion
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 15- oz can black beans drained
  • 1 15- oz can red kidney beans drained
  • 1 16- oz jar Desert Pepper Trading Company Peach Mango Salsa
  • 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen mango
Instructions
  1. In soup pot, bring olive oil to medium-high heat and add onion, carrot and kale and saute for 5-6 minutes or until softened.
  2. Add cumin and paprika to pot and continue to cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add tomatoes (with juices), drained beans, vegetable broth, salsa and mango to pot and lower heat to medium and let simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
  4. Divide among six soup bowls and top with garnishes as desired.
Recipe Notes

A Bunch of Banana Tips and Snack Ideas to Sweeten Any Day

Bananas are not just a delicious and versatile fruit; they also have the power to fuel your runs and workouts plus brighten up your day in unexpected ways. Whether you’re a banana lover or just looking for some fun, practical tips, these ideas will bring a smile to your face. Let’s dive into five banana tips that will leave you grinning from ear to ear!

1) Write a Clever Note on the Peel to Make a Banana Lover’s Day

Sometimes, it’s the small gestures that make the biggest impact. Before sending someone off with a banana, why not add a little personalized note right on the peel? Use a pen to gently inscribe a sweet message, or even a funny doodle. Whether it’s a motivational quote, a simple “Have a great day!” or an inside joke, this tiny touch can turn an ordinary snack into a delightful surprise.

Here are some romantic banana-inspired message ideas:

  • I find you a-peeling!
  • Let’s monkey around!
  • I’m bananas for you!
  • Love you a bunch!
  • Let’s never split!

2) Slow Down Ripening with a Simple Trick

Ever bought a bunch of bananas only to watch them go from perfectly ripe to overly brown in what feels like minutes? A simple way to slow down the ripening process is to wrap the stems in plastic food wrap. This trick works by trapping the ethylene gas that bananas naturally release, which is responsible for ripening. If you’re feeling a bit extra, there are even adorable reusable Nana Hats that do the job just as well while adding a fun touch to your fruit display (see my watermelon one in the video).

3) Get Dicey: How to Cut the Perfect Banana Topping for Breakfast: Here’s a morning routine hack for you! Instead of slicing bananas the usual way, try dicing them into small cubes, while still in the skin. This cross-hatch dicing technique is perfect for topping your oatmeal, yogurt, or cereal – or to stir into pancake batter. The small pieces are easier to mix in and give you a delightful burst of banana in every bite.

4) Freeze Chocolate-Covered Banana Slices for a Healthy Treat: Craving something sweet but trying to stay on the healthier side? Try slicing up some bananas and dipping them in melted chocolate. Freeze the slices for a few hours, and you’ll have a delicious, guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth. These frozen delights are perfect for a quick snack, dessert, or even as a fun treat to share with friends and family. You can also get creative by adding a sprinkle of sea salt, popped amaranth or quinoa, or chopped nuts before freezing. Check out my Crispy Chocolate Banana Bites recipe.

Treat your sweet tooth to this healthy snack - a sugar-free crispy chocolate inspired by a Nestle Crunch bar, nut butter and banana slices! Prep a batch and store in the freezer. Gluten-free and only 84 cal per piece

5) Create a Peanut Butter Banana Sundae for the Ultimate Banana Snack: Bananas and peanut butter (or other nut and/or seed butters you prefer) are a match made in heaven, and this sundae takes it to the next level. Start by slicing a banana lengthwise and spreading a generous layer of peanut butter on top. Add your favorite toppings—think granola, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of honey—and you’ve got yourself a smart and satisfying snack. Whether you enjoy it as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a post-workout treat, this peanut butter banana sundae is sure to hit the spot.

Enjoy these banana tips, and don’t forget to share the joy with others! Whether you’re adding a bit of fun to someone’s day or treating yourself to a healthy snack, bananas are here to make life a little sweeter.

Delicious Red Fruit Salad with Lime-Honey-Mint Dressing

Summer is the perfect time to indulge in fresh, vibrant, and healthy dishes, and nothing screams summer more than a refreshing fruit salad. Add a pop of bold color to your table with a  red fruit salad, made up of the summer’s best season – watermelon, strawberries, cherries and raspberries.

This beautiful fruit salad -- featuring red raspberries, strawberries, watermelon and cherries – will be the star of your summer celebration. The Honey Lime Mint dressing is super easy to make and adds a flavorful upgrade to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Not only is a salad of red fruit visually stunning, it’s also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and a burst of natural sweetness. The easy Lime-Honey-Mint Dressing enhances the sweetness with a bright tang of citrus – no need to dirty another dish, I just mix it up in the bottom of my serving dish and then toss around after adding fruit before serving.

This beautiful fruit salad -- featuring red raspberries, strawberries, watermelon and cherries – will be the star of your summer celebration. The Honey Lime Mint dressing is super easy to make and adds a flavorful upgrade to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

A fun way to prep the salad is in a large, wide-mouth mason jar – keep in the fridge until ready to serve. Then dump into a bowl before serving, the dressing on the bottom ends up on top!!  Perfect for a summer patio meal, pool party or pot luck!

This beautiful fruit salad -- featuring red raspberries, strawberries, watermelon and cherries – will be the star of your summer celebration. The Honey Lime Mint dressing is super easy to make and adds a flavorful upgrade to your breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Red Fruit Salad with Lime-Honey-Mint Dressing
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 
This beautiful fruit salad — featuring red raspberries, strawberries, watermelon and cherries – will be the star of your summer celebration. Super easy to make, so also perfect for lazy days or busy night meals.
Course: Dessert, entree salad, Side Dish, Snack
Keyword: cherries, fruit salad, raspberries, strawberries, watermelon
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • Dressing:
  • 2 Tbsp. honey
  • 1 ½ Tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp chopped fresh mint leaves
  • Fruit 4 cups total, can vary a bit
  • ¾ cup raspberries
  • ¾ cup halved and pitted cherries
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 ½ cup watermelon cubes 1/2” cut
Instructions
  1. In bottom of glass jar that holds 4 cups or a medium serving bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice and chopping fresh mint.

  2. When ready to add raspberries, halved and pitted cherries, sliced strawberries, and chopped watermelon to bowl and gently toss to coat with dressing.
  3. Store leftovers, covered, in the fridge for up to two days.

  • 1 ½ cup watermelon cubes 1/2” cut

Instructions

Red, White, and Blue Caprese Salad with Blueberries

There’s no time like summer to enjoy fresh salads that are not only exploding with flavor but also bring fabulous color to the table – like this Red, White and Blue Caprese Salad.

Everyone loves a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, aromatic sweet basil and creamy mozzarella cheese all drizzled in balsamic syrup. My patriotic version of the classic favorite summer salad that adds blueberries in honor of the USA and Red, White and Blue. Perfect for summer entertaining.

Who doesn’t love a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, aromatic sweet basil and creamy mozzarella cheese all drizzled in a balsamic dressing or syrup?  This is my patriotic version of the classic favorite summer salad that adds blueberries in honor of the Red, White and Blue. This beautiful salad can be tossed together in two minutes and is a delicious and easy way to celebrate the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any warm-weather gathering.  This is a must-make for berry season and summer entertaining by the pool, patio or a potluck!

Everyone loves a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, aromatic sweet basil and creamy mozzarella cheese all drizzled in balsamic syrup. My patriotic version of the classic favorite summer salad that adds blueberries in honor of the USA and Red, White and Blue. Perfect for summer entertaining.

TIPS FOR MAKING BLUEBERRY CAPRESE SALAD

Mozzarella: This creamy, mild cheese is the cornerstone of a Caprese salad and I like that it brings a little protein to the party. I used mozzarella pearls (so cute and perfect for a salad) but you can also use a bigger ball of mozzarella and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Balsamic Syrup: To keep life easy, I used a prepared balsamic syrup rather than make my own by reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepot until thickened. The particular prepared balsamic syrup I used was infused with ginger, it was SO DELICIOUS. Also, as an alternative, you can use the balsamic salad dressing of your choice or simply olive oil for a less sweet effect on this tomato cheese salad.

Basil: You can’t skip the fresh basil in a Caprese salad! I like to grow a pot of my own sweet basil in the summer, to have in abundance for my recipes as inspired. But you can also grab fresh sprigs in the market. To store your clipped basil sprigs, place stem ends in a cup with a bit of water and store on the countertop to use within a few days – in the fridge, leaves will turn black-brown quickly.

Everyone loves a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, aromatic sweet basil and creamy mozzarella cheese all drizzled in balsamic syrup. My patriotic version of the classic favorite summer salad that adds blueberries in honor of the USA and Red, White and Blue. Perfect for summer entertaining.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Red, White & Blueberry Caprese Salad
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

Everyone loves a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes, aromatic sweet basil and creamy mozzarella cheese all drizzled in balsamic syrup. My patriotic version of the classic favorite summer salad that adds blueberries in honor of the USA and Red, White and Blue. Perfect for summer entertaining.

Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: balsamic, blue cheese, blueberry, mozzarella, salad, tomato
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 4 oz. mozzarella pearls drain if packed water
  • 4 oz. grape or cherry tomatoes halved
  • 4 oz. fresh blueberries or thawed frozen berries
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp (+/-) balsamic syrup or balsamic dressing
  • Optional: slices of mozzarella to punch out star shapes with a cookie cutter
Instructions
  1. Toss mozzarella pearls, tomatoes, blueberries and basic in a serving bowl. Drizzle with balsamic syrup.
  2. If desired, used cookie cutter to punch out star shapes from slices of mozzarella cheese.
  3. Best served when made, but leftovers stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days (although basil may oxidize a bit, it’s still fine to eat).

How To Hull Strawberries with a Straw: Healthy Snack Hack

Hulling a strawberry with a straw is a simple and effective method to remove the stem and the flavorless core. It’s quick, easy and efficient — especially if you are preparing a bunch of strawberries at once for a fruit tray, summer snack, or as an ingredient for recipes. Also, this strawberry hack is safe for kids — no knife needed and they will have lots of fun with the ‘chore’.

Lean how to hull a strawberry quickly and efficiently with this food prep hack that just uses a drinking straw! No knife, so safe for kids to help out making recipes and snacks.

What you need: Fresh strawberries and a straw. A sturdy straw works best, such as a metal straw or a reusable plastic straw). Even a higher-quality disposable straw (like from fast food) will work — but a paper straw will definitely NOT hold up.

HOW TO HULL STRAWBERRIES WITH A STRAW

  • Wash berries under cool water to remove dirt and pesticides.
  • Hold strawberry with one hand, straw with the other.
  • Insert straw into bottom of berry, directly opposite of the stem.
  • Push and/or gently wiggle straw upwards to effectively remove core and stem in one motion.
  • Pull out straw, which also removes core/stem.
  • Pull stem out of straw and repeat with remaining strawberries. Compost or toss away this part.
  • Sometimes on bigger berries, a bit of leafy section will remain. Just nip that off with a paring knife.

By following these strawberry prep steps, you’ll have perfectly hulled strawberries ready for your recipes or as a healthy snack! Washed, dried, and hulled strawberries should remain fresh for about a week if stored in an air-tight container lined with paper towels. I find the paper towels help help soak up any additional moisture and lengthen the storage time.

SIX STRAWBERRY RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

Six healthy strawberry recipes you'll love all summer and beyond

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Protein Waffles

No-bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bomb for One

Spicy-Sweet Strawberry Radish Salsa on Wedge Salad

Strawberry, Cucumber & Sugar Snap Salad with Blue Cheese

Strawberry Seed Pizza

Strawberry Tart with Paleo Crust