Summer's here, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant and refreshing dish like Summer Corn & Mango Salsa? This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the slight char of grilled corn, creating a perfect balance of flavors that screams sunshine and good times.
The star of this salsa is the fresh corn. Grilling it adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall flavor. Mangoes bring sweetness and a juicy texture that pairs beautifully with the corn. The red bell pepper adds a crisp bite and vibrant color. Red onion contributes a sharp, peppery flavor that cuts through the sweetness. Cilantro gives a fresh, herbal note, while the jalapeño adds a pleasant heat. Finally, lime juice ties everything together with a refreshing citrus zing, and a bit of salt ensures all the flavors pop.
This salsa is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish to add a burst of freshness. It’s also fantastic with tortilla chips for a casual snack or appetizer. For a fun twist, try it in a taco with some grilled shrimp or black beans.
First, let's get that corn grilled. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the shucked ears of corn directly on the grates. You’ll want to turn them occasionally to get a nice, even char all around — this should take about 10 minutes. Once they're nicely grilled, remove them and let them cool down a bit; you don’t want to burn your fingers when cutting the kernels off.
While the corn is cooling, take your time to dice the mangoes and red bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion. You can also chop the cilantro and mince the jalapeño at this point. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, stand each ear upright on a cutting board and carefully slice off the kernels.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Squeeze the juice from two limes over the top, and sprinkle with a bit of salt. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix everything together until it’s all well combined. Let the salsa sit for about 15 minutes before serving; this gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully.