Tropical Mango Salsa

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Meet your new go-to party appetizer: Tropical Mango Salsa. This vibrant dish marries sweet, juicy mangos with a touch of heat from jalapeños, creating a refreshing burst of flavor perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just want to add some flair to your weeknight dinner, this salsa is a must-try.

Ingredients for Tropical Mango Salsa

Mangos bring the sweet, juicy base to this salsa. Make sure they're ripe but still firm for the best texture. The red bell pepper adds a satisfying crunch and a pop of color. Red onion provides a sharp, savory contrast to the sweet mango, while jalapeño introduces a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your liking. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herby freshness, and the lime juice ties everything together with its tangy brightness. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances all these flavors perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose mangos that yield slightly to pressure but aren't mushy.
  • To tame the heat, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño.
  • For a sweeter salsa, add a teaspoon of honey or a splash of orange juice.
  • If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a good alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This mango salsa pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken, adding a bright contrast to the smoky flavors. It's also fantastic as a topping for tacos or as a dip with tortilla chips. For a light lunch, try it over a bed of greens with some avocado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
How long will the salsa keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will keep for 2-3 days.
What if I can't find ripe mangos?
You can substitute with peaches or pineapples for a different twist.

Tropical Mango Salsa Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl and adding in your diced mango. Make sure the pieces are bite-sized — nobody wants to wrestle with giant chunks of fruit! Next, toss in the finely chopped red bell pepper and red onion. These should be cut small enough to blend seamlessly with the mango.

Add the minced jalapeño and chopped cilantro to your bowl. If you're worried about the heat, start with half the jalapeño and add more if desired. Now, squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. This step is crucial, as the lime juice not only enhances the flavors but also helps to meld them together.

Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out, so start with a little and adjust according to taste. Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is well combined and coated in that lovely lime juice.

At this point, taste your salsa and adjust any seasonings if needed. You can serve it right away, or for an even better flavor experience, cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in just 10 minutes!
  • A delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
  • Uses fresh ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
  • Perfect for a variety of dishes or as a standalone snack.
  • Bright and colorful presentation that enhances any table.

Ingredients

2 ripe mangos, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine diced mango, red bell pepper, and red onion.
2. Add the minced jalapeño and chopped cilantro to the bowl.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Gently toss the ingredients until well mixed.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

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