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Are you ready to spice up your meals? My Spicy Mango Salsa will bring bold flavors to your table. This easy recipe combines sweet mango, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, this salsa is perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the fresh ingredients and simple steps to create a tasty treat you’ll love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: This salsa bursts with the vibrant taste of ripe mangoes, making it a refreshing addition to any meal.
- Perfect Balance of Heat: The jalapeño adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the sweetness of the mango.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be whipped up in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it as a dip with tortilla chips or as a zesty topping for grilled meats and fish.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 ripe mangoes, diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and minced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Two ripe mangoes are the star of this dish. Choose mangoes that feel slightly soft when you squeeze them. Their sweetness gives the salsa a bright flavor.
Next, a small red onion adds a nice crunch. Chop it finely to mix well with the mango. The onion brings a sharp taste to balance the sweet mango.
You will need one medium jalapeño. Remove the seeds if you want less heat. If you love spice, keep some seeds. Mince it well to spread the heat evenly.
Fresh cilantro gives a fresh taste. Chop it finely and mix it in. You can use parsley if you dislike cilantro, but it will change the taste.
Juice one lime for a zesty kick. The acid adds freshness and helps the flavors pop.
Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy note. It’s a small amount, but it makes a big difference.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. These help bring all the flavors together.
This mix of ingredients creates a tasty and colorful salsa. You can enjoy it with chips, grilled chicken, or fish.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Wash and peel the mangoes. Start by rinsing the two ripe mangoes under cool water. This removes dirt and germs. Use a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the skin.
2. Dice the mango and combine with onions. Cut the mango flesh away from the pit. Chop the mango into small cubes. Place these cubes into a mixing bowl. Take one small red onion and finely chop it. Add this onion to the mango bowl.
3. Prepare the jalapeño for the salsa. Grab a medium jalapeño. Cut it in half and remove the seeds if you want less heat. Mince the jalapeño into tiny pieces. Add it to the bowl for a spicy kick.
4. Add cilantro and lime juice. Take a quarter cup of fresh cilantro and chop it fine. Fold the cilantro into the mango mix. Cut a lime in half and squeeze the juice over the ingredients in the bowl. This adds a bright flavor.
5. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Measure out half a teaspoon of ground cumin. Sprinkle it over the mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together gently with a spoon.
Letting Flavors Meld
Letting the salsa rest is key. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors blend together. The result? A bold and flavorful salsa that packs a punch. Enjoy it with chips or as a topping on grilled dishes.
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Mango
To make the best spicy mango salsa, start with ripe mangoes. Look for mangoes that feel slightly soft when you squeeze them. The skin should have a rich color, often yellow, orange, or red. A sweet smell near the stem is also a good sign of ripeness. You can check for firmness and avoid green mangoes, as they will be too tart.
Adjusting the Spice Level
You can easily change the heat of your salsa. If you want less spice, remove all the seeds from the jalapeño. For more heat, leave some seeds in. Start with a small amount of jalapeño, then taste the salsa. You can always add more if you like it spicy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your spicy mango salsa in a colorful bowl. Garnish it with whole cilantro leaves for a beautiful touch. This salsa goes great with tortilla chips for a fun snack. You can also use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. It adds a fresh, zesty flavor to any meal.
Pro Tips
- Choose Ripe Mangoes: Select mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma for the best flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer milder salsa, be sure to remove all the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the salsa to sit for at least 10-15 minutes after mixing helps enhance the flavors as they meld together.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add diced bell peppers or a splash of vinegar for extra depth and flavor variation.

Variations
Adding Fruit
You can make spicy mango salsa even better by adding other fruits. Pineapple gives a sweet twist. Diced avocado adds creaminess and richness. You can also try peaches or kiwi for a fun change. Each fruit brings its own flavor. Mix and match to find what you love.
Heat Alternatives
Not a fan of jalapeño? You can switch to other peppers. Try serrano for more heat or bell peppers for a milder taste. Each pepper changes the salsa’s spice level. Test different types to find your favorite heat.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost flavors with extra spices and herbs. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a smoky kick. Chopped mint adds freshness. You can also try a dash of chili powder for warmth. Explore new flavors to make the salsa your own.
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To store leftover spicy mango salsa, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well. This keeps the salsa fresh and helps prevent odors from other foods. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for best results.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, spicy mango salsa stays fresh for about three to five days. After that, the flavors may fade. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or has a strange color, it’s best to toss it.
Freezing Options
You can freeze spicy mango salsa if you want to keep it longer. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Leave some space for the salsa to expand as it freezes. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Give it a gentle stir before serving, as the texture may change a bit.
FAQs
Can I make spicy mango salsa in advance?
Yes, you can make spicy mango salsa ahead of time. This salsa can sit for up to 24 hours before serving. To prepare it in advance, follow these steps:
– Chop and mix all the ingredients as per the recipe.
– Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid.
– Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to blend nicely.
Be careful not to add salt too early. Salt can draw out moisture from the mango and make it watery. Add salt just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What dishes pair well with mango salsa?
Spicy mango salsa is pretty versatile. Here are some tasty options to enjoy it with:
– Grilled chicken: The sweet and spicy salsa complements the flavors well.
– Fish tacos: It adds a fresh touch to your tacos.
– Tortilla chips: A perfect snack for parties or gatherings.
– Pork: Use it as a topping for grilled pork chops.
– Salads: It can brighten up any salad.
Feel free to get creative and try it with other dishes you love!
Are there any substitutes for cilantro?
If you don’t like cilantro, no worries! Here are some great substitutes:
– Parsley: Offers a fresh taste without the strong flavor of cilantro.
– Basil: Adds a hint of sweetness to the salsa.
– Mint: Gives a cool touch to the salsa.
– Green onions: Use the green parts for a mild onion flavor.
These options will keep your salsa delicious while catering to your taste!
This blog post shared everything you need to make great spicy mango salsa. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips for making it perfect. You learned about variations to add unique flavors and how to store any leftovers.
Mango salsa is fresh, vibrant, and versatile. You can enjoy it alone or as a side. Now you can easily create this tasty dish and impress your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy your delicious sals
Spicy Mango Salsa
A fresh and zesty salsa made with ripe mangoes, jalapeños, and cilantro, perfect for dipping or as a topping.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 50 kcal
- 2 whole ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and minced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 whole lime, juiced
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste salt and pepper
Begin by thoroughly washing the mangoes. Carefully peel the mangoes and cut the flesh away from the pit. Dice the mango into small, even pieces and add to a mixing bowl.
Finely chop the red onion and add it to the mangoes in the bowl.
Deseed the jalapeño for less heat (or leave some seeds for spiciness) and mince it finely. Add it to the mixture for a kick of heat.
Chop the fresh cilantro and fold it into the mango blend.
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the ingredients in the bowl, ensuring even coverage.
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together gently with a spoon to combine the flavors.
Allow the salsa to sit for at least 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve in a colorful bowl and garnish with whole cilantro leaves. Pairs well with tortilla chips or grilled chicken.
Keyword appetizer, fresh, mango, salsa, spicy
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