Easy Mango Salsa Recipe
- Tim
- May 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 1
Bright, bold, and refreshing—this mango salsa blends sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Perfect as a dip or a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or seafood.
Region: Mexico
Mango salsa has its roots in Mexican cuisine, part of a rich tradition of fresh, flavorful salsas that dates back to the time of the Aztecs. Mangoes, which thrive in Mexico’s warm climate, are widely enjoyed across the country. This salsa showcases the natural abundance of tropical fruit and other fresh, locally and internationally available ingredients. It's a beautiful example of how Mexican cuisine celebrates bold flavors, vibrant colors, and the harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements in one dish.
Easy Mango Salsa - Simply fresh and Wonderful.
This Easy Mango Salsa Recipe features sweet and soft mango as its star ingredient, perfectly balanced by the crisp crunch of red bell pepper, the sharp bite of purple onion, and the fresh, herbal brightness of cilantro. A touch of heat from hot peppers adds just the right kick, bringing all the elements together in a bold, harmonious blend. The result is an explosion of flavors—sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory—that's as versatile as it is delicious.
Enjoy it as a lively dip with corn chips, or use it as a fresh topping to elevate grilled chicken, pork, fish, or seafood. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or as part of a vibrant taco night, this salsa is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Mango Salsa - Recipe Ingredients
Every ingredient in this salsa contributes to a vibrant mix of flavor, color, and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ripe Mangos – Both Ataulfo (Yellow) and Red Mangos (Tommy Atkins or Haden) will work well. I personally prefer the Yellow Ataulfo.
Red Bell Pepper – Charred to bring out its natural sugars and add a smoky depth.
Purple (Red) Onion – Offers a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances the sweetness of the fruit and peppers.
Lime Juice & Zest – Adds brightness and acidity, lifting the overall flavor and tying everything together.
Hot Peppers – Jalapeños provide a mild, manageable heat, while serrano or habanero peppers can be used for a spicier kick.
Fresh Cilantro – Brings a fresh, herbal note; don’t skip the tender stems—they’re packed with flavor.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Simple yet essential, these enhance and unify all the ingredients.
Combined, these elements create a salsa that’s bold and beautifully balanced—sweet, tangy, citrusy, spicy, and herbaceous. Please see Recipe Card below for more detail on the ingredients and quantities.
Key Steps in the cooking & preparation process of Mango Salsa
This vibrant and flavorful mango salsa comes together effortlessly using just a barbecue and a mixing bowl. Below is a quick overview of the key steps, along with some visual images to help guide you through the process. More detailed instructions are contained in the Recipe Card below. These tips and techniques will help you build bold flavor and perfect texture every time:
Grill the Red Pepper - Slice the red pepper into large quarters. Grill on Barbeque over medium to high heat until char marks form, caramelizing the natural sugars and adding a subtle smokiness. Keeping the pieces large helps prevent them from falling through the grates.
Prepare the Onion - Finely dice the purple onion and place it into a large mixing bowl. The raw onion adds a crisp texture and a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the mango.
Chop and Combine - Once the grilled red pepper is cool enough to handle, chop it into small, uniform pieces. Add it to the bowl with the onion while still warm—this helps gently soften the onion and blend the flavors together.
Prepare the Mango - Peel the mango and slice the flesh away from the pit. Cut it into small, even cubes and add to the bowl. The mango brings a juicy sweetness that balances the heat and acidity in the salsa.
These simple yet essential steps result in a salsa that’s beautifully balanced—sweet from the mango, smoky from the red pepper, tangy from the citrus, and fresh from the herbs. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, or enjoyed on its own with chips.
Alternatives to the Suggested Ingredients
This recipe has a few options and alternatives for the Hot Peppers as well as the Mangos. Please see the recipe card below for more detail.
Easy Mango Salsa - Preparation, Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This salsa is incredibly versatile and convenient, making it perfect for both casual meals and entertaining guests. It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it rests. Serve it at room temperature for a more pronounced flavor, or chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing contrast—ideal for warm weather gatherings or make-ahead party planning.
As an appetizer, it’s a crowd-pleaser when served with crispy corn chips, offering a sweet and spicy alternative to traditional dips. As part of a main course, the salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats, fish, or seafood—adding a vibrant, tropical twist to dishes like chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or seared shrimp. It also makes an excellent topping for tacos, adding layers of flavor and texture to everything from meat to grilled fish or veggie tacos.
Want to fuse bold global flavors? Try pairing my Asian Inspired Fish and Shrimp Cakes with this vibrant Mango Salsa—where East Asia meets Mexico in a delicious, cross-cultural bite.
No matter how you serve it, this salsa adds a fresh, flavorful punch that elevates any dish it accompanies.
Easy Mango Salsa - Detailed Recipe
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