Bright, refreshing, and bursting with tropical flavors, this easy mango salsa recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. A beautiful medley of ripe mangoes, crisp peppers, zesty lime, and aromatic cilantro, this salsa is perfect for the summer months, but also all year-round.
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💝 Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Fresh mango salsa is not just a dip! It's a fantastic topping for grilled chicken, fish, or tacos and can liven up your salads or grain bowls.
- Easy and quick: This recipe is simple, requiring just a handful of fresh ingredients and no cooking. It's the perfect last-minute addition to your meal.
- Healthy: Mango salsa is full of vitamins and antioxidants. It's a delicious way to add more fruit and veggies to your diet.
📝 Mango Salsa Ingredients
For this spicy mango salsa you will need only a few simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store.
(Check the complete list of ingredients and instructions at the bottom of this article in a printable recipe card).
- Mango: The star of this salsa. Choose medium-ripe ones for a sweet, juicy flavor. Ripe, juicy mangos will produce a watery and mushy salsa.
- Jalapeño Pepper: Adds a little heat. If you prefer less of a spicy salsa, you can skip the jalapeño completely. For more spice, consider a serrano pepper instead.
- Sweet Red Pepper: Provides color and crunch. It can be replaced with green bell pepper or any other color you prefer or have on hand. I like red bell pepper.
- Red Onion: Gives a sharp, fresh bite. If it's too strong, swap for milder green onions or sweet white ones.
- Cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh, herbal flavor. If you're not a fan of fresh cilantro, fresh parsley or mint can work as well.
- Lime: The zest and juice add essential tanginess. In a pinch, lemon juice could be used.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Any variety will do, though sea salt or kosher salt are especially good choices.
👩🍳 How To Make Mango Salsa
Pro Tip: Cutting a Mango
Cutting a ripe mango can seem intimidating, but it's simple once you get the hang of it.
Stand the mango upright, then slice the two wide sides off the pit. Score the flesh without cutting through the skin, then invert the piece so the cubes pop up. Slice them off the skin and dice any larger pieces to your desired size.
Now, with the mango prepared, let's make the salsa.
Step 1. Using a cutting board, dice and chop all your ingredients.
Step 2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mangoes, peppers, onion, and chopped cilantro.
Step 3. Add fresh lime juice and zest to the bowl.
Step 4. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined, adjusting seasoning to taste.
🍽️ How to serve
With Seafood: Mango salsa is the perfect combination with grilled or pan-seared fish such as salmon, tuna, flaky white fish, red snapper, sea bass or mahi mahi. It's also delicious with shrimp, fish tacos or simply on the side.
With Poultry and Meats: Pair your salsa with chicken or pork for a tropical twist. The sweetness of the mango and the acidity from the lime juice complement these meats well.
As a Dip: Serve mango salsa as a standalone dip with tortilla chips. It's a guaranteed hit at parties or casual gatherings.
In Tacos or Burritos: Use it as a fresh, fruity filling in tacos or burritos. Try it in burrito bowls, for example, for a delicious experience. Check out this recipe for chicken tacos.
On Salads: Toss mango salsa with mixed greens for a refreshing salad, or use it as a topping on a chicken or shrimp salad.
With Grain Bowls: Layer mango salsa over your favorite grain bowls—think rice, quinoa, or farro—for added flavor and texture.
On Toast: Spread some cream cheese or avocado on a slice of toasted bread and top it with mango salsa for a quick, easy, and delicious snack or breakfast.
❄️ Storage
Leftover mango salsa should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, but it's best eaten within the first two days or even faster. The ingredients tend to get mushy and watery.
💡 Expert Tips
- If you notice your salsa has produced a lot of juice, drain it but don't toss it out! It's packed with flavor and makes a great marinade for chicken or fish.
- Can't find good mangoes? Try ripe peaches or pineapple for a different but equally delicious tropical twist.
- Make avocado mango salsa, by adding a small chopped avocado to this recipe.
🙋♀️ Recipe FAQs
Fresh mangoes are best, but if you only have frozen ones, be sure to thoroughly thaw and drain them before using. However, I am not a fan
Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch, similar to a ripe avocado. They should also have a fruity aroma at the stem.
It's not recommended to freeze mango salsa because the texture of the ingredients, especially the mango and peppers, can become mushy upon thawing. Fresh salsa is best consumed the day you make it.
If you like this, maybe you want to try this Authentic Pico De Gallo, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, Mexican Beans Salad, or this Pico de Gallo with Tuna.
Related: Cinco De Mayo-Authentic Mexican Recipes
Remember, this homemade mango salsa is not just limited to these ideas. Feel free to get creative and use it in your favorite ways!
🇲🇽 More Mexican Recipes To Love
📖 Recipe
Easy Mango Salsa Recipe (Great For Fish Tacos)
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangos diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper deveined, seeds removed, diced
- 1 sweet red pepper chopped
- 1 red onion medium size, diced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime juice and zest
- ¼ teaspoon Salt or to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine your diced mango, peppers, onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Add lime zest and juice to the bowl.
- Sprinkle with salt.
- Stir until well combined, adjusting seasoning to taste.
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