Introduction
Mango Salsa is a classic, vibrant condiment, perfect for appetizers, taco toppings, or side dishes. This sweet, spicy, and tangy salsa, featuring ripe mangoes, jalapeños, and fresh herbs, delivers refreshing, tropical flavors in every bite. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves or a lime wedge, this Mango Salsa offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing salsa that brings colorful, zesty charm to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Mango Salsa:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional, for warmth)
For Serving:
- Optional: Cilantro leaves, lime wedge
- Suggested Accompaniments: Tortilla chips, grilled fish, tacos
- Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, margaritas
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Mixing bowl, sharp knife, cutting board, juicer, measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine diced mangoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Add Seasonings: Add lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cumin (if using). Gently toss to combine.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the salsa and adjust with additional lime juice for tanginess, salt for savoriness, or jalapeño for heat to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld (optional but recommended).
- Serve: Transfer to a white ceramic bowl, garnish with cilantro leaves or a lime wedge. Serve chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, grilled fish, tacos, iced tea, or margaritas.
Tips for Better Mango Salsa
- Use ripe but firm mangoes for the best texture and sweetness; avoid overripe, mushy mangoes.
- Taste the salsa before serving to balance sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, as mango ripeness and jalapeño heat vary.
- Dice ingredients uniformly for a consistent bite and appealing presentation.
- Refrigerate briefly to enhance flavor melding, but serve within 2 hours for freshest taste.
- Use a white ceramic bowl for a vibrant presentation, highlighting the colorful salsa and green garnishes.
- Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate up to 1 day; stir before serving.
- Adjust heat by adding or removing jalapeño seeds; wear gloves when handling to avoid irritation.
- Enhance aesthetic: Present in a white ceramic bowl with cilantro or a lime wedge for a bright, inviting look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Mango Salsa: Naturally gluten-free; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium Mango Salsa: Reduce salt to 1/4 tsp or omit entirely.
- Spicy Mango Salsa: Add an extra jalapeño or 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Pineapple Mango Salsa: Replace 1 mango with 1 cup diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Avocado Mango Salsa: Add 1 diced avocado for a creamy texture.
- Mango Mint Salsa: Replace cilantro with fresh mint for a cooler flavor profile.
- Low-Sugar Mango Salsa: Omit cumin and reduce lime juice to 1 tbsp for less tartness, relying on mango’s natural sweetness.
- Peach Mango Salsa: Replace 1 mango with 1 cup diced peaches for a Southern-inspired variation.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; stir before serving, as liquid may separate.
- Do not freeze, as the texture of fresh mango and vegetables will become mushy upon thawing.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
- Use as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or fish, or as a dip with tortilla chips.
- Pair with iced tea or margaritas to complement the sweet, tangy flavor.
- Presented in a white ceramic bowl with vibrant garnishes for a bright, inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 8 servings (1/4 cup each):
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Total Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 2% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand and mango ripeness. Low in fat; pair with protein for balance.
Conclusion
This Mango Salsa recipe offers a sweet, tangy condiment, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a tropical classic. Its quick preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The bright mango flavor and zesty kick delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its refreshing, versatile appeal.
Mango Salsa Recipe: Sweet and Tangy
Classic Mango Salsa with sweet, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe mangoes diced (2 cups)
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- 1 jalapeño seeded, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cumin optional
- Optional: Cilantro leaves lime wedge
- Suggested Pairings: Tortilla chips margaritas
Instructions
- Combine mangoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Add lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin; toss gently.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes (optional).
- Serve in a white ceramic bowl with cilantro, lime wedge, chips, and margaritas.
Notes
- Use ripe mangoes for the best flavor.
- Store in the fridge for 2 days; do not freeze.
- Try avocado or pineapple variations.
- Pair with grilled fish.
