Are you looking for a refreshing mango salsa to go with BBQ, grilled meat, tacos, or burrito you are at the right place!

Salsa de Mango is a combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that make it perfect for a variety of dishes from grilled meat to even sandwiches.

You will require a few simple ingredients and have to follow easy-peasy steps to make this colorful and refreshing mango salsa. This colorful salsa is made with ripe mangoes, crunchy vegetables, and lime juice, this mango salsa comes together effortlessly in under 20 minutes.

Mango salsa can be served as both an appetizer and a condiment.

As an appetizer, I enjoy salsa de mango with tortilla chips, pita bread, or crackers before the main course. You can use mango salsa as a topping or garnish for various appetizers, such as bruschetta, crostini, or avocado toast.

I like to serve salsa mango habanero with summer recipes like grilled meats, grilled seafood, or tacos.

You can also have a look on our more appetizer recipes like 15 Blackstone Griddle Appetizer Recipes To Try, and Easy Blackstone Chicken Street Tacos.

TYPE OF MANGO FOR SALSA

When choosing mangoes for salsa, it’s best to select varieties that are ripe yet firm and have a sweet and tangy in flavor. Here are some popular types of mangoes that work well in salsa:

— Ataulfo (Honey or Champagne Mango):

These mangoes are small, golden-yellow in color, and have a creamy texture with a rich, sweet flavor. They are less fibrous than other varieties, making them perfect for salsa as they hold their shape well when diced.

— Tommy Atkins:

This is one of the most widely available mango varieties, known for its vibrant red and green skin. Tommy Atkins mangoes have a mild, sweet flavor and a firm texture, making them suitable for salsa.

— Kent:

Kent mangoes are large with dark green skin that turns deep yellow when ripe. They have a sweet and rich flavor with minimal fiber, making them ideal for salsa.

— Keitt:

Keitt mangoes are large and oval-shaped with dark green skin even when ripe. They have a sweet and tangy flavor with a firm texture, making them great for salsa, especially if you prefer a slightly tart taste.

— Alphonso:

Alphonso mangoes are considered the “king of mangoes” due to their exceptional sweetness, rich flavor, and smooth texture. While they are less commonly found in some regions, they make an excellent choice for salsa if you can find them.

Regardless of the variety you choose, ensure that the mangoes are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe mangoes can become mushy and lose their texture when diced for salsa.

Habanero Pepper Vs Jalapeño Pepper in Salsa Mango Habanero

I use both habanero pepper and jalapeño pepper in mango salsa. The difference between habanero pepper and jalapeño pepper in mango salsa lies primarily in their heat level and flavor.

Habanero peppers are significantly hotter than jalapeño peppers. They are known for their intense heat, ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) on the Scoville scale.

Habanero peppers have a fruity and floral flavor profile with a distinctive tropical sweetness. Despite their heat, they contribute a unique fruity complexity to dishes.

Jalapeño peppers have a milder heat compared to habaneros, typically ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU on the Scoville scale. They provide a noticeable but manageable level of spiciness to dishes.

Jalapeño peppers have a more vegetal and grassy flavor with a hint of sweetness. They add a mild heat and subtle flavor to dishes without overpowering other ingredients.

INGREDIENT FOR MAKING SALSA MANGO HABANERO

1. Ripe Mangoes: You will need 2 ripe mangoes. Sweet and juicy mangoes provide the base flavor and sweetness for the salsa.(Ataulfo or Champagne mangos are recommended for their sweeter flavor and softer texture)

2. Red Bell Pepper: You will need 1 red bell pepper that adds a crunchy texture and vibrant color to the salsa.

3. Red Onion: You will need ½ onion to provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the salsa.

4. Habanero Pepper: You will need 1 habanero pepper to add a hint of spice and heat to the salsa.

5. Fresh Cilantro: You will need ¼ cup fresh cilantro to add freshness and herbaceous flavor to the salsa.

6. Lime Juice: You will Juice of 2 limes to provide tanginess and help to balance the sweetness of the mangoes.

7. Salt and Pepper: You will need salt and pepper to enhance the flavors and seasoning of the salsa according to personal preference.

HOW TO MAKE MANGO SALSA: STEP BY STEP

Step 1: Prepare the Mangoes and Vegetables

Peel the mangoes, removing the flesh from the pit. Dice the mango flesh into small cubes.

Next, wash the red bell pepper and habanero pepper, ensuring they are clean. Remove the seeds from both peppers and dice them into small pieces. Proceed to peel the red onion and finely chop it into small pieces. Finally, rinse the fresh cilantro and chop it finely.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Bowl

In a large mixing bowl, add the diced mangoes, red bell pepper, red onion, habanero pepper, and chopped cilantro. Ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the bowl.

Step 3: Add Lime Juice and Seasoning

Squeeze the juice of two limes over the mango and vegetable mixture. This will provide a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the mangoes.

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed to achieve the desired level of seasoning.

Step 4: Mix Well and Refrigerate

Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly coated with lime juice and seasoning.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the salsa.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, give the mango salsa a final stir to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serve the mango salsa as a topping for grilled meats, seafood, or tacos, or as a dip with tortilla chips.

COOKING TIPS FOR PERFECT MANGO SALSA

• Opt for ripe mangoes that are fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed.
• Adjust the amount of lime juice according to the sweetness of the mangoes.
• Customize the spiciness of the salsa by adjusting the amount of habanero pepper used.
• Allow the mango salsa to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
• Aim for uniformity in the size of the diced ingredients for a visually appealing salsa with consistent texture in every bite.
• Taste the salsa before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• When serving mango salsa as a topping, use a slotted spoon to drain any excess liquid before spooning it onto dishes.

What are some other fruits that can be used in mango salsa?

Avocado: You can add creamy texture and richness by adding diced avocado into the salsa. Its mild flavor complements the sweetness of the mangoes.

Pineapple: Introduce a tropical twist by adding diced pineapple to the salsa. Its sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with the mangoes.

Papayas

Peaches

Strawberries

Watermelon

You can also add vegetables of your choice like:

Cucumber: For a refreshing crunch, include diced cucumber in the salsa. It adds a light and crisp texture while balancing the sweetness of the mangoes.

Tomato: Enhance the color and juiciness of the salsa with diced tomatoes. Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.

EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS REQUIRED

1. Knife: Used for chopping and dicing ingredients such as mangoes, peppers, onions, and cilantro.
2. Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients and prevents damage to countertops or surfaces.
3. Mixing Bowl: Used to combine all the diced ingredients and mix them with lime juice and seasonings to create the mango salsa.
4. Citrus Juicer (Optional): If using fresh limes, a citrus juicer can be handy for extracting juice efficiently, ensuring every drop of lime juice is used in the salsa.

STORING MANGO SALSA

To maintain freshness and flavor, store mango salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can cause the salsa to lose its vibrancy and spoil more quickly. Mango salsa can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving leftover salsa, give it a good stir to redistribute the ingredients and flavors.

WHAT GOES WELL WITH MANGO SALSA

The sweet and tangy flavors of mango salsa complement the char of grilled and smoked food.

• Grilled chicken
• Fish tacos
• Grilled shrimp skewers
• Grilled Salmon
• Coconut rice
• Nachos
• Quesadillas
• Avocado toast
• Grilled vegetables

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes, mango salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and chill until ready to serve.

How long does mango salsa last in the refrigerator?

Mango salsa typically stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the texture may start to degrade, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I freeze mango salsa?

While you can technically freeze mango salsa, the texture of the mangoes may become mushy upon thawing, so it’s not recommended.

Can I use frozen mangoes instead of fresh?

While fresh mangoes are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen mangoes as a substitute in a pinch. Just be sure to drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the salsa.

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