Bursts of sweet, juicy mango, zesty lime, and a spark of jalapeño—Fresh Mango Salsa is sunshine in a bowl! This recipe is my go-to for potlucks, taco night, or anytime you need to bring a pop of color (and flavor!) to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Flavor Explosion: Every bite is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy that brightens up even the simplest meal.
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: No fancy gadgets required—just chop, stir, and you’re ready to serve in under 15 minutes.
- Seriously Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you spoon it over tacos, scoop it up with chips, or serve it with grilled chicken, this salsa disappears fast!
- Naturally Fresh & Healthy: It’s made entirely from wholesome ingredients, so you can snack away without a second thought.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to unforgettable Fresh Mango Salsa? Start with the best, freshest produce you can find. Each ingredient brings its own splash of sweetness, crunch, or zing, making this salsa so more-ish you’ll wonder where it all went!
- Ripe mangos (3, diced): The star of the show! Go for mangos that yield slightly to pressure but aren’t mushy—this gives you juicy, sweet chunks that hold up in salsa.
- Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds a wonderful crunch and a pop of color to balance the sweet mango.
- Chopped red onion (½ cup): Brings a mild bite and gorgeous purple hue to the salsa, without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Gives a burst of herby freshness that’s essential for an authentic salsa taste.
- Jalapeño (1, seeded & minced): Brings the perfect amount of heat—just enough to tickle your taste buds without stealing the spotlight.
- Lime, juiced (1 large, about ¼ cup): Lifts everything up with its tang and also keeps the fruit bright and lively.
- Salt (⅛ to ¼ teaspoon, to taste): The quiet hero—just a pinch enhances all the vibrant flavors and ties everything together.
Variations
The beauty of Fresh Mango Salsa is how endlessly customizable it is! There are so many delicious ways to make it your own, whether you’re adjusting for spice, sweetness, or using what’s already in your fridge.
- Swap in Pineapple or Avocado: Add diced pineapple for a tropical twist or creamy avocado for extra richness.
- Kick up the Heat: Use serrano or habanero peppers for an extra bold salsa or add an extra jalapeño for more zing.
- No Cilantro? No Problem: Substitute with flat-leaf parsley or a sprinkle of fresh mint if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Mild Version for Kids: Skip the hot pepper and add finely diced cucumber for a milder, super-refreshing version.
How to Make Fresh Mango Salsa
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Start by dicing your ripe mangos and chopping the red bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Be sure to remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño if you want less heat. Small, uniform pieces make for the perfect scoop on a chip or spoonful on tacos!
Step 2: Mix It All Up
Add all the prepped ingredients into a spacious serving bowl. Squeeze fresh lime juice generously over the mixture—this doesn’t just brighten the flavor, it helps keep the salsa crisp and vibrant. Sprinkle salt and give everything a gentle but thorough stir.
Step 3: Taste and Rest
Before serving, taste the salsa and see if you’d like a pinch more salt or lime. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—if you can wait!—to let the flavors meld and become even more irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Fresh Mango Salsa
- Mango Mastery: Use mangos that are fragrant and slightly soft—they’ll be sweet but still dice neatly without turning to mush.
- Dice for Dip-ability: Cut everything into similarly sized pieces for the ultimate chip-scooping experience and balanced flavor in every bite.
- Tweak the Heat: Want it extra spicy? Leave some seeds in the jalapeño. For a mild version, use only half or swap in bell pepper entirely.
- Let it Marinate: Allowing the salsa to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving lets the flavors mingle and makes every taste pop!
How to Serve Fresh Mango Salsa
Garnishes
Go classic with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a few finely sliced green onions. For a fun twist, fresh lime wedges and thin rounds of jalapeño make the salsa look as dazzling as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Fresh Mango Salsa is absolutely stellar with anything Mexican-inspired—think tortilla chips, grilled chicken, fish tacos, or piled onto a colorful grain bowl. It adds zing to burgers and is a total game changer with grilled shrimp or tofu.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, heap the salsa into a hollowed-out bell pepper or half a pineapple for serious wow factor. Try layering it into mini mason jars for picnic packs, or use it as a vibrant topping for avocado toast at brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Fresh Mango Salsa in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best within a couple of days, but honestly, it rarely sticks around that long!
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salsa—while the flavors are still great, the texture turns soft and watery after thawing. It’s definitely a dish to savor fresh!
Reheating
No reheating needed here—Fresh Mango Salsa is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just give it a quick stir after it comes out of the fridge, and dive right back in.
FAQs
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How do I choose a ripe mango for salsa?
Look for mangos that are slightly soft when pressed and have a fruity aroma near the stem. Avoid mangos that are rock hard or overly wrinkled—perfectly ripe mangos make the juiciest and sweetest salsa!
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Can I make Fresh Mango Salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, letting the salsa sit for 10-30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. Prep it the morning of your gathering for an even more vibrant dish (just give it a stir before serving).
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What can I use instead of jalapeño?
If you want all the fresh flavor without the heat, substitute diced green bell pepper or even English cucumber. You’ll still get great crunch and color in your Fresh Mango Salsa.
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Is Fresh Mango Salsa vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This salsa is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a universally loved option for any gathering or meal.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you serve it, this Fresh Mango Salsa is bound to add cheer to your table and smiles all around. Give it a try—I have a feeling it’ll become one of your favorites, too!
Print
Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and refreshing Fresh Mango Salsa that’s perfect for summer gatherings. This salsa is a colorful mix of diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice, offering a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Ingredients
For the Fresh Mango Salsa:
- 3 ripe mangos, diced (how to cut a mango)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 large lime, juiced (about 1/4 cup lime juice)
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a serving bowl, combine the prepared mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle with the juice of one lime.
- Stir and Season: Using a large spoon, stir the ingredients together. Season to taste with salt, and stir again. For the best flavor, let the salsa rest for 10 minutes or longer.
Notes
- Mango salsa adapted from the mango pico in my Thai mango cabbage wraps.
- Storage suggestions: Honestly, I’ll be amazed if you have any salsa leftovers! You can store the salsa in the refrigerator, covered, for several days. It will be best fresh, though.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
