Get ready to transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this vibrant and tangy twist on salsa! Fresh Mango Salsa is a refreshing combination of ripe mangos, colorful vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing that will instantly elevate your chip-dipping game or garnish any dish with a burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Flavor: Ripe mangos combined with fresh cilantro and lime create a fiesta of flavor in every bite.
- Quick & Easy: Whip up this light, refreshing salsa in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Usage: From tacos to grilled meats, this salsa is a delightful complement to a wide variety of dishes.
- Healthy & Fresh: Packed with fruits and veggies, it’s not just tasty but also nutritious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fresh Mango Salsa lies in its simplicity. With a handful of fresh ingredients, each playing a vital role, this salsa is a colorful and flavor-packed addition to your table that you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
- 3 ripe mangos, diced: Go for mangos that give slightly to pressure for a juicy and sweet base.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Adds crunch and a vivid pop of color to your salsa.
- ½ cup chopped red onion: Provides a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the mango, enhancing the overall balance.
- ¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped: Offers a refreshing, herbal lift to the mix.
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced: Delivers a pleasant heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1 large lime, juiced (about ¼ cup lime juice): The acidity of lime juice brightens and ties the ingredients together beautifully.
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste: Enhances the flavors, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and delightful.
Variations
Part of the charm of Fresh Mango Salsa is its flexibility. Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your tastes or what you have on hand without losing its spirit of freshness and flavor.
- Avocado Addition: For a creamier texture, dice up some ripe avocado and gently fold it into the salsa.
- Alternative Heat: Swap out the jalapeño for a milder pepper or a serrano pepper if you like more heat.
- Herb Twist: If you’re not a cilantro fan, fresh mint or basil can offer an exciting flavor change.
How to Make Fresh Mango Salsa
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by ensuring you have all your ingredients ready. Dice the ripe mangos, chop the bell pepper and onion, and prepare the cilantro and jalapeño. Having everything prepped ahead of time makes the assembly fast and fuss-free.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
In a large serving bowl, combine the diced mango, chopped bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle them with freshly squeezed lime juice, stirring gently to combine. Season with salt, and stir again for that perfect taste balance. For even richer flavor, let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Fresh Mango Salsa
- Mango Selection: Choose mangos that are slightly soft to the touch for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
- Uniform Dicing: Aim for uniform cuts on the fruits and veggies for even distribution of flavor in every scoop.
- Rest for Flavor: Allowing your salsa to sit for 10 minutes or more lets the flavors meld and intensify.
- Season Gradually: Add salt slowly, tasting as you go, to just the right level of seasoning to complement the natural sweetness.
How to Serve Fresh Mango Salsa
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh cilantro or a scattering of finely chopped red onions can elevate your presentation and add a dash of extra flavor. For a hint of zest, a sprinkle of lime zest can also work wonders.
Side Dishes
This Fresh Mango Salsa pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. For a fully festive spread, serve it alongside an array of crunchy tortilla chips or use it as a vibrant topping for tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your salsa in a hollowed-out mango half or small tropical fruit bowls can be a fun and visually appealing twist. Alternatively, layer it in a glass jar for a colorful centerpiece at outdoor parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days, though the flavors are best enjoyed within the first day.
Freezing
While freezing is not recommended for the salsa due to a change in texture, you can freeze individual mango pieces to have them ready for your next batch.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Fresh Mango Salsa, as it’s enjoyed best cold or at room temperature to maintain its fresh, vibrant flavors.
FAQs
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Can I make Fresh Mango Salsa ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
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What if I don’t like cilantro?
You can substitute cilantro with fresh mint or basil for a different but delightful twist that complements the other flavors well.
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Are there other fruits I can use?
Absolutely! Pineapple or papaya can be great substitutions or additions to the mango for a more exotic blend.
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How spicy will this salsa be?
The heat level is moderate with one jalapeño. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less of the jalapeño, or omitting it entirely for a milder version.
Final Thoughts
Take a bite, close your eyes, and let the tropical flavors of Fresh Mango Salsa sweep you away. Whether you’re dining solo or with friends, it promises to add a burst of sunshine to your meal. I can’t wait for you to try this bright and cheerful dish!
Print
Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tropical
Description
This vibrant and refreshing Mango Salsa combines sweet ripe mangoes with crunchy bell peppers, sharp onions, fragrant cilantro, and spicy jalapeño, all brightened with fresh lime juice. Perfect as a topping, dip, or accompaniment, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a burst of tropical flavor.
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables
- 3 ripe mangos, diced
- 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
Seasonings and Citrus
- 1 large lime, juiced (about 1/4 cup lime juice)
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the mango: Cut the mangoes by slicing off each side of the pit, then score the flesh with a knife and scoop out the diced mango using a spoon, ensuring small, even pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add the diced mango, chopped red bell pepper, chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño.
- Dress the salsa: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture, making sure to distribute it evenly for bright flavor.
- Mix well: Use a large spoon to gently stir all ingredients together until evenly combined. Taste and season with salt as needed.
- Rest and serve: Let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve immediately with chips, grilled meats, or as a topping.
Notes
- For extra flavor, let the salsa rest for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- To make the salsa spicier, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use a sharp knife and sturdy cutting board when preparing the mango to avoid slipping.
- This salsa is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
