Fiery Mango Salsa

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

Welcome to a burst of tropical flavor that'll light up your taste buds! This Fiery Mango Salsa is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making it a must-have for your summer gatherings or any time you're craving something fresh and exciting.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 15 minutes!
  • Versatile: great as a dip, topping, or side dish.
  • Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups diced ripe mango
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Ingredients Explained

Mango brings natural sweetness and a juicy texture, making it the star of this salsa. Make sure to use ripe mangoes for the best flavor. Red onion adds a sharp, tangy bite that complements the sweetness of the mango. Red bell pepper provides a mild, sweet crunch, balancing the heat and adding color. Fresh cilantro offers a bright, herbal note that ties everything together. Jalapeño is the source of the salsa's heat; adjust the amount to suit your spice preference. Lime juice adds acidity, enhancing all the flavors and keeping the salsa fresh. Kosher salt and black pepper season the salsa, while a touch of cayenne pepper brings extra heat for those who love it fiery. Finally, a dash of garlic powder adds depth and savoriness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose mangoes that give slightly when pressed for optimal ripeness.
  • If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half a jalapeño and taste before adding more.
  • For a chunkier salsa, dice the mango and peppers into larger pieces.

Detailed Instructions

Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Dice the mango, red onion, and red bell pepper into small, even pieces so they blend well together. Throw them into a large mixing bowl. Next, chop the cilantro and mince the jalapeño — remember to remove the seeds if you want to tone down the heat. Add them to the bowl, mixing everything thoroughly.

Now, it's time to bring in the liquids and spices. Pour in the fresh lime juice, then sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. Give it a taste, and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes a little more lime juice or salt can make all the difference.

Once you're satisfied with the flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, turning a good salsa into a great one.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, and red bell pepper.
2. Add the chopped cilantro and minced jalapeño, mixing thoroughly.
3. Pour in the fresh lime juice and sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or lime juice to balance flavors.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
7. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Serving Suggestions

This Fiery Mango Salsa shines as a dip with tortilla chips but don't stop there. It's a fantastic topping for grilled chicken or fish, adding a vibrant touch to your proteins. You can also use it as a filling for tacos, bringing a fresh twist to your taco night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and the flavors will continue to develop.
What if I don’t have fresh mangoes?
Canned or frozen mango chunks can be used in a pinch, but the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
How long does it last in the fridge?
The salsa will keep well for 2–3 days in an airtight container.

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