Light Mango Lassi
A light and refreshing take on the classic mango lassi. Made with ripe mango, yogurt, and a touch of cardamom, this drink is creamy, fruity, and perfectly sweet without being heavy.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Soak the saffron strands.
In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 1 tablespoon of warm water. Set aside for 10 minutes to develop color and aroma.
TIPWarm water, not boiling, preserves the delicate aroma of saffron. - mix · ~2 min
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
1.Add cubed mango, chilled yogurt, cold water, and honey to the blender jug.2.Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.3.Check consistency — if too thick, add a splash more water and blend again. - assemble · ~1 min
Pour and garnish the lassi.
1.Drop a few ice cubes into each serving glass.2.Pour the blended mango lassi over the ice.3.Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cardamom powder on top.4.Drizzle a few strands of the soaked saffron, along with the colored water, over the drink. - serve
Serve immediately while cold.
TIPServe right away for the best chilled, frothy texture.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use well-ripened Alphonso or Ataulfo mangoes for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2Chill the yogurt and water beforehand so the lassi is cold without being diluted by extra ice.
- 3Blend the mango and liquid first, then add yogurt to prevent over-blending and a thin consistency.
- 4If the lassi is too thick after blending, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until pourable.
- 5Soak saffron in warm water (not hot) for exactly 10 minutes to extract maximum color and fragrance.
- 6Taste the lassi before garnishing; adjust honey only if the mango isn't sweet enough.
- 7For a frothier texture, add 1-2 ice cubes directly into the blender instead of the serving glass.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the yogurt with plain coconut or almond yogurt (or a 1:1 mix of silken tofu and coconut milk), and use maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based lassi.
low sugarLow-sugar
Skip the honey entirely if the mangoes are very sweet, or replace with 1-2 teaspoons of monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar without losing sweetness.
spicedSpiced
Add a pinch of ground cumin and a tiny pinch of sea salt while blending for a savory-sweet twist that balances the fruit—popular in some regional Indian variations.
protein richProtein-rich
Use Greek yogurt (non-fat or 2%) instead of plain low-fat yogurt, and blend in 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to turn the lassi into a post-workout recovery drink.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Ripe mangoes are packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to support eye health and immune function.
Probiotic Support
The live active cultures in yogurt promote a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.
Lower in Fat
Using low-fat yogurt and water instead of cream or full-fat yogurt keeps the drink light while still delivering creamy texture.
Natural Sweetness
The mango and optional honey provide a sweet flavor without refined white sugar, offering a more wholesome energy source.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, use 2 cups of frozen mango chunks; no need to thaw before blending. You may reduce or omit the ice cubes since frozen mango provides chill and body.
