Name: Mango Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 ripe mangos (peeled and diced); 1 onion or shallot (finely chopped, preferably red onion); 1 jalapeno pepper (finely chopped, or habanero for more heat); ½ bell pepper (chopped); ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 garlic clove (minced); 1 lime (juiced, about 2 ½ teaspoons of juice); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil); ½ teaspoon sea salt or pink salt; ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, you’re going to want to try this Mango Salsa Recipe. I absolutely love how this salsa balances sweet, spicy, and tangy notes all in one bowl, making it perfect for everything from a quick snack to a party dip. When I first tried this recipe, it became a staple in my kitchen—I bet it’ll do the same for you!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vibrant Flavor Mix: Sweet mango meets spicy jalapeño and zesty lime for a well-rounded taste.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking involved.
Versatile Serving Options: Goes great with chips, grilled meats, or topping for tacos.
Long-lasting Freshness: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days without losing its brightness.

A white bowl filled with a colorful mango salsa. The salsa has bright yellow mango chunks as the main layer, mixed with small green bell pepper pieces, red bell pepper bits, and finely chopped purple-red onion. There are also small green cilantro leaves spread throughout. A wooden spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side, stirring the salsa slightly. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with a whole mango to the top left and some cilantro sprigs below the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Mango Salsa Recipe work beautifully together to create that perfect balance of sweet, heat, and freshness. When selecting your mango, try to find ones that are ripe but still firm to the touch for the best texture. A good lime and fresh cilantro truly make a difference here too.

Mangos: Choose ripe but firm to avoid mushy salsa; the star sweet flavor.
Onion or Shallot: Red onion adds a nice color contrast and mild tang.
Jalapeño Pepper: Fresh and finely chopped for just the right hint of heat; substitute habanero if you want it spicier.
Bell Pepper: Adds a crunchy texture and a mild sweetness.
Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbal lift to balance the fruit and heat.
Garlic Clove: Minced for a subtle punch without overpowering.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil): Adds silkiness and depth.
Lime Juice: Fresh juice is key to bringing everything alive.
Sea Salt or Pink Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just a touch for adding warmth.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Mango Salsa Recipe is so flexible—I love tweaking it depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own; a little mix-and-match is part of the fun.

Spicy Variation: I sometimes swap jalapeño for habanero to kick it up a notch when I’m craving heat.
Herb Swap: Cilantro isn’t for everyone—try fresh basil or mint for a different herbal twist.
Fruit Mix: Adding diced pineapple or avocado makes it creamy and adds complexity, and my family goes crazy for it!
Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: This recipe naturally fits vegan diets and avoids common allergens.

How to Make Mango Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing those ripe mangos into bite-sized pieces—this is a moment where ripe but firm mangoes shine because they hold their shape beautifully. Finely chop your red onion, jalapeño, bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro so the salsa textures blend nicely. A quick tip: deseed the jalapeño if you prefer less heat, but keep some seeds for a little zing.

Step 2: Combine and Season

In a mixing bowl, toss together all your ingredients—mango, onion, jalapeño, bell pepper, cilantro, and garlic. Then add your olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything so you don’t bruise the mango chunks. I like to let it rest for 10 minutes if I can, but it’s just as delicious served immediately.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give your salsa a final taste. You might want to add a pinch more salt or an extra squeeze of lime depending on your mango’s sweetness. This little adjustment ensures that vibrant balance I love so much.

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Pro Tips for Making Mango Salsa Recipe

Choosing Mangoes: I learned the hard way that underripe mangoes don’t sweeten this salsa enough, so I always test for slight softness with a fragrant smell before buying.
Balancing Heat: Start with half the jalapeño, then add more after tasting—you can always add, but can’t take away the spice once it’s in.
Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled juice just doesn’t cut it here—fresh lime juice brightens the salsa perfectly.
Mix Gently: Over-mixing squashes the mango chunks, so fold ingredients gently to keep texture intact.

How to Serve Mango Salsa Recipe

This image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a colorful mango salsa. The salsa has bright yellow chunks of mango as the main layer, mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper, purple onion, and green bell pepper. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered throughout, adding texture and color contrast. The salsa looks juicy and slightly shiny, with a wooden spoon partially visible inside the bowl on the right side. Some fresh cilantro sprigs are placed in front of the bowl on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish with an extra sprig of cilantro or a thin lime wedge on the side for a fresh pop of color and aroma. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra finely chopped red onion on top for crunch just before serving—it’s small details like this that make it feel special.

Side Dishes

This mango salsa pairs brilliantly with grilled chicken or fish, tortilla chips for a quick snack, or even spooned over tacos for an irresistible zing. I’ve even used it as a topping on avocado toast when I wanted a fun twist on breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I like serving mango salsa in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or small avocado halves during gatherings. It makes the presentation fun and encourages people to dig in. For summer parties, serving it chilled in a clear bowl with colorful tortilla chips creates a cheerful and inviting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover mango salsa in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays fresh for up to 5 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the flavors. The lime juice really helps preserve the color and brightness.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite for mango salsa because the fruit’s texture gets mushy when thawed. If you want to save time, I recommend prepping all the ingredients separately and mixing fresh when ready to serve instead.

Reheating

This salsa is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your kitchen is chilly, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors better.

FAQs

Can I make mango salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! This mango salsa tastes great if made an hour or two ahead, allowing the flavors to blend. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh mango?

Fresh mango is ideal here, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen mango (thawed) can work—just make sure to drain any excess juice. However, canned mango tends to be too sweet and syrupy, so I’d avoid that.
How spicy is this mango salsa recipe?

The heat primarily comes from the jalapeño, but it’s quite mild if you remove the seeds. If you like it spicier, leave the seeds in or swap for a habanero pepper. Always taste as you go to hit your perfect spice level.
Can I use different herbs instead of cilantro?

Definitely. Cilantro is traditional and adds a fresh, citrusy note, but if you’re not a fan, basil or mint are excellent alternatives that bring their own unique flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Mango Salsa Recipe is one of those gems I love having in my back pocket—simple, fresh, and full of personality. It’s a perfect little party-starter or a quick way to brighten weeknight dinners. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to impress your family or friends with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Give it a try—I promise your taste buds will thank you!