Mango Salsa

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Mango Salsa is a fresh mix of sweet mango, crisp red bell pepper, spicy jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and cilantro. It comes together in 15 minutes with one bowl and is guaranteed to steal the show at your next taco night or summer BBQ.

50 CAL 12g CARBS 0g FAT 1g PROTEIN
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This fresh Mango Salsa recipe is quick, colorful, and so easy. Just dice Everything, toss it in a bowl, and let it chill for a few minutes to bring the flavors together. It's perfect with tortilla chips, or on top of grilled salmon, chicken, shrimp tacos, or spooned over burrito bowls. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, so it's great for making ahead, too.

It's also endlessly customizable. You can add more heat, remove some heat, add different fruits, avocados, black beans, or whatever you like! It's the perfect clean-out-your-fridge recipe, so use what you have.

If you love chunky salsa recipes, try this Grilled Pineapple Salsa, Corn Salsa, and Mango Black Bean Salsa!

Before You Get Started

Here are some helpful tips for making this recipe:

  • Choose a ripe mango: Use ripe mangos that give slightly when pressed. They shouldn't be too hard or mushy.
  • Dice evenly: Dice Everything the same size for the best texture.
  • Make it ahead: Since this salsa needs to chill for 15-30 minutes, it's great for making ahead of time!

Overhead view of fresh mango salsa ingredients in bowls, including diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, lime zest, cilantro, and a basket of crispy tortilla chips.

How to Make Mango Salsa

Making mango salsa is so easy and quick. Here's how to do it:

1. Chop Everything

Dice the mango, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro into small pieces.

Here’s a simple way to cut a mango:

  1. Stand the mango upright on a cutting board with the stem side down.
  2. Slice off the sides, which are called “cheeks," just slightly off center. This avoids the large pit in the middle.
  3. Score the flesh of each cheek in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
  4. Flip it inside out by pushing the skin side in, then slice off the cubes.
  5. Trim around the pit to get any extra mango, then peel and chop if needed.

2. Mix It All Together

Combine everything in a large bowl and stir until evenly mixed.

3. Add Lime and Seasoning

Squeeze in the lime juice, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and mix again.

4. Let It Chill

Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.

5. Serve It Up

Enjoy with chips, on tacos, or as a topping for grilled chicken or seafood.

Fresh mango salsa in a white bowl with a wooden spoon, featuring diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and cilantro, served with a side of tortilla chips.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are some fun ways to make mango salsa your own:

  • Milder bite: Swap red onion for scallions or green onions.
  • Meatless protein: Stir in drained black beans or corn.
  • Fruit twist: Mix in pineapple, peaches, or halved cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness.
  • Herb swap: Use parsley if cilantro isn't your jam.
  • Extra zing: Add citrus zest (lime or lemon) to deepen flavor.
  • Add avocado: For a creamy twist, stir in chopped avocado just before serving.
  • Swap the citrus: Try lemon juice or orange juice for a different citrus kick.

How to Use Mango Salsa

Here are some fun ways to use mango salsa:

Storage and Leftover Ideas

  • Store: Store leftover mango salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Leftovers: Spoon over grilled fish or shrimp tacos for an instant flavor boost. Another option is to stir into a grain bowl with quinoa or rice for a refreshing twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about making mango salsa:

Frozen mango works in a pinch, but fresh is best for salsa. Thawed mango may be softer and release more juice, which can make the salsa watery.

 

Choose firm mangoes with colorful skin and a fragrant, sweet aroma. They should yield slightly when squeezed but not feel mushy.

 

The jalapeño pepper adds a mild spice to the salsa. If you prefer more heat, swap with a Serrano pepper instead. For milder heat, remove jalapeño seeds or swap in green bell pepper.

 

Yes, and it actually tastes better. Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or more so the flavors can blend. It can be made up to a day ahead.

 

Hand dipping a tortilla chip into a bowl of fresh mango salsa made with diced mango, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
The Recipe
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Mango Salsa

50 CAL 12g CARBS 0g FAT 1g PROTEIN
PREP TIME: 5 Min
COOK TIME: 10 Min
TOTAL TIME: 15 Min
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 2 cups mango
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced (or green onions for milder flavor)
  • 1 jalapeno, diced (seeded and stemmed)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, diced
  • 3 tbsp lime juice (plus zest for more lime flavor)
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt

Instructions

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1

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to combine.

2

Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors combine and meld. Taste and season as needed. Serve with baked tortilla chips, fish or shrimp tacos, or with grilled chicken or salmon.

Equipment

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Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 2 tbsp.
Amount Per Serving
Calories 50
Calories from Fat 3
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g
0%
Saturated Fat 0g
0%
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 0mg
0%
Sodium 474mg
21%
Total Carbohydrate 12g
4%
Dietary Fiber 2g
7%
Sugars 10g
Protein 1g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
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