Easy Mango Salsa Recipe: How to Make Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is a sweet take on the classic Mexican condiment, calling for cubes of fresh mango in place of tomatoes. Diced onion, jalapeño pepper, lime juice, and herbs complete this sweet salsa cruda. In Mexico, each region has its own specialty salsa based on local ingredients and palates. This condiment is unique because chefs do not cook salsas crudas—like salsa verde, mango salsa, and pico de gallo—unlike other salsas that derive their flavors from charred vegetables and toasted chiles.

This fruity salsa makes a light and sweet accompaniment to various savory dishes, including tacos, grilled meats, salads, and burritos.

Mango salsa is a key component in a range of dishes. Some of the most popular uses of mango salsa include:

1. 1. Burritos and burrito bowls: Add this sweet condiment to a burrito or rice bowl for a sweet, acidic dressing or add-in. Try this homemade burrito recipe for your next lunch.
2. 2. Grilled fish or meat: Mango salsa’s cool acidity and fresh fruity flavor lighten the salty smoke of grilled fish (like branzino or sea bass) or meat (like skirt steak). Learn how to make Chef Gordon Ramsay’s crispy whole branzino recipe.
3. 3. Guacamole: Top your favorite guacamole with this fresh fruit salsa for some texture and flavor variation. The chunks of mango nicely complement the creamy avocado.
4. 4. Nachos: Top your baked nachos with mango salsa to brighten up the richness of the melted cheese, black beans, and other add-ins.
5. 5. Quesadillas: Complete your condiment spread for your quesadillas by adding mango salsa to the lineup.
6. 6. Salads: Top any salad (Mexican-inspired or otherwise) with mango salsa for some added sweet and spicy notes.
7. 7. Sopes: These thick, fried, cup-shaped masa cakes create the perfect vessel for an array of salsas. Adding mango salsa will brighten up rich, hearty sopes.
8. 8. Tacos: Mango salsa is a delicious addition to any kind of taco, including shrimp tacos, fish tacos, carne asada, and tinga de pollo.
9. 9. Tortilla chips: Serve fresh mango salsa with fried tortilla chips for a sweet take on the classic stewed tomato salsa.

Whether you’re well-versed in Mexican cuisine or learning more about it, follow these tips to make the best mango salsa possible.

1. 1. Use ripe mangoes. Sweet mango is the star of this dish, so it’s imperative to use fresh, ripe fruit—never canned or frozen fruit—when making this salsa. Avoid using mango that is too ripe, extra soft, or bruised.
2. 2. Always use fresh lime. While using store-bought lime juice will save you some time, the taste simply doesn’t compare to the quality of fresh-squeezed lime juice, which makes all the difference in this simple recipe.
3. 3. Experiment with the salsa ingredients. Adapt this simple salsa recipe to include your favorite veggies, herbs, and seasonings. Swap the jalapeño for diced green or red bell pepper for a less-spicy dish, or double up on the pepper for a hotter salsa. Substitute chopped parsley or basil for the cilantro. Incorporate minced garlic, diced avocado, and additional seasonings, like chili powder and cayenne pepper.
4. 4. Store properly. While it’s best to enjoy mango salsa immediately, it will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.