This Fresh Mango Salsa is a delightful medley of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, all combined into one vibrant dish. It’s a recipe that feels like sunshine on a plate, bringing a burst of summer freshness into your kitchen regardless of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires just 15 minutes of your time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Vibrant Flavors: The blend of sweet mango with spicy jalapeño and citrusy lime is irresistible.
- Versatile: It’s a versatile condiment that pairs well with chips, grilled chicken, or fish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Fresh Mango Salsa lies in its simplicity and the fresh ingredients that make each bite a burst of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
- 3 ripe mangos, diced: Ensure that the mangos are at the peak of ripeness for maximum sweetness.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a crisp texture and vibrant color.
- ½ cup chopped red onion: Provides the perfect hint of pungency to balance the sweetness.
- ¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped: Gives an herbaceous freshness that’s essential in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced: Adds the ideal amount of heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
- 1 large lime, juiced (about ¼ cup lime juice): The acid binds all the flavors together.
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste: Enhances the overall flavors, so adjust according to your taste.
Variations
Part of the joy of cooking is making a recipe your own. Here are a few variations of Fresh Mango Salsa that let you tailor it to suit your needs.
- Pineapple Twist: Swap half the mango for diced pineapple for an extra tropical flair.
- Avocado Addition: Mix in diced avocado for a creamy texture that complements the salsa’s brightness.
- Cucumber Cool: Add diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch, great for hot summer days.
How to Make Fresh Mango Salsa
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the ripe mangos and chopping the red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro. Mince the jalapeño carefully, especially if you’re looking to control the heat level. Having everything prepped and ready makes assembling the salsa a breeze.
Step 2: Combine and Season
In a medium-sized serving bowl, mix together all the prepped ingredients. Drizzle the fresh lime juice over the top and gently stir to combine everything well. Sprinkle with salt, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.
Pro Tips for Making Fresh Mango Salsa
- Ripeness Matters: Choose mangos that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy, as this ensures optimal sweetness without compromising texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salsa sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to help the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust the Heat: For those who love spice, include a bit of the jalapeño seeds; for less heat, omit them entirely.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh mint can be added for an interesting twist that pairs well with the cilantro.
How to Serve Fresh Mango Salsa
Garnishes
Freshly torn cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can add a bit more depth and color to your presentation. Consider a light drizzle of olive oil for extra sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this salsa with grilled fish or chicken for a tropically inspired meal. It’s also wonderful as a topping for tacos or a side with spicy Mexican rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Fresh Mango Salsa in a hollowed-out half of a mango or a bowl made from red bell pepper halves for an attractive and eco-friendly serving vessel, perfect for picnics or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and become more pronounced over time.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content of the ingredients, which can cause the salsa to become soggy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Fresh Mango Salsa is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply let it come to room temperature before serving straight from the refrigerator.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen mango for Fresh Mango Salsa?
While fresh mango is preferred for its texture, you can use thawed frozen mango if fresh is unavailable. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid after thawing.
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What can I substitute for cilantro in this salsa?
Parsley or basil can be used as substitutes if you’re not a fan of cilantro. Though they will alter the flavor, they will still add an aromatic touch.
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Is there a way to make this salsa spicier?
To add more heat, include additional jalapeño peppers or incorporate a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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How do I prevent the mango from getting mushy?
Be sure to use ripe yet firm mangos and avoid excessive stirring once the salsa is combined to maintain a pleasing, chunky texture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking to add some zing to your supper, this Fresh Mango Salsa is an unbeatable choice. Bursting with fresh flavors and bright colors, it’s sure to win over your family and friends. Enjoy these sunny bites and feel like you’ve transported to a tropical paradise!
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Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 3 cups
- Category: Appetizer, Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This vibrant and refreshing Fresh Mango Salsa combines ripe mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice to make a perfect topping or dip. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with bright flavors, and versatile for any occasion such as tacos, grilled meats, or as a standalone snack.
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables
- 3 ripe mangos, diced
Vegetables
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
Herbs and Spices
- 1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
Liquids
- 1 large lime, juiced (about 1/4 cup lime juice)
Instructions
- Prepare Mango: Cut the mango by scoring it vertically and horizontally without cutting through the skin, then scoop out the diced flesh with a spoon or peel and cube the mango, avoiding the pit.
- Combine Ingredients: In a serving bowl, mix the diced mango, chopped red bell pepper, red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one large lime over the mixture and gently stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly.
- Season: Season the salsa with salt to taste, then stir again.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salsa rest for at least 10 minutes for flavors to meld, then serve immediately as a dip or topping.
Notes
- Using ripe mangoes ensures the salsa is sweet and flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference.
- For a milder salsa, omit some or all of the jalapeño seeds.
- This salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 120g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
