The pink sauce became a TikTok and Instagram sensation in 2023, where home cooks shared their bright, tangy creations. It reflects the trend of eye‑catching, shareable foods that blend sweet, sour, and spicy flavors for quick snack pairings.

There is no historic regional version; however, variations appear with added beet juice for deeper color, or swapping mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter texture. Some creators use coconut milk for a dairy‑free twist.

Most people serve it as a dipping sauce for fast‑food items like chicken nuggets, fries, or as a drizzle over salads and grain bowls. Its bright hue makes it popular for photo‑ready plating.

The sauce is often featured at casual gatherings, game nights, and TikTok‑inspired food challenges. It’s also used for themed parties where vibrant colors are desired.

Authentic ingredients include dragon fruit, sunflower oil, milk, vinegar, chili powder, citric acid, Himalayan pink salt, lemon juice, honey, and mayonnaise. Substitutes can be papaya for dragon fruit, almond milk for dairy, or vegan mayo for a plant‑based version.

It pairs nicely with chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, sweet potato fries, and even as a bright topping for fish tacos or grilled shrimp.

Its vivid pink color, sweet‑sour‑spicy balance, and the use of exotic dragon fruit set it apart from typical condiments. The sauce’s visual appeal drives its shareability on social media.

Common errors include over‑blending which can cause a frothy texture, not chilling long enough which leaves the flavor under‑developed, and adding too much oil which makes the sauce separate.

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps emulsify the oil and water phases, giving the sauce a smooth, aioli‑like texture that the creator felt was missing without it.

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator at 4°C; give it a quick blend before serving if it separates.

The YouTube channel Sarah Betts focuses on quick, trend‑driven recipes, kitchen hacks, and approachable home cooking videos that often explore viral food phenomena.

Sarah Betts emphasizes transparency about ingredient sourcing and cost, often recreating viral dishes with a focus on health‑conscious tweaks, whereas many other channels simply replicate the trend without commentary.