A fresh mango jalapeno salsa recipe bursting with sweet juicy mango, spice and heat? Sign me up! This easy to make Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe is perfect for any occasion from Cinco de Mayo parties to summer BBQs. The sweet tropical mango, balanced by zesty lime juice and spicy jalapeno make for a salsa that will liven up any meal. Let’s dive into how to make the best mango jalapeno salsa!
Why Make Your Own Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa?
Making your own Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa recipe from scratch allows you to control the flavor and spice levels. Store bought salsa is often overloaded with preservatives and can sometimes taste bland or overly salty.
Homemade fresh salsa on the other hands lets you:
- Customize spice levels
- Use perfectly ripe mangoes
- Add zing from fresh lime juice
- Highlight the flavor of fresh jalapenos
- Control salt content
Making your own Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe also allows you to adjust the consistency – some like it smooth while others prefer chunky salsa with big pieces. Read on for the step by step recipe for the best mango salsa you’ve ever tasted!
Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe Ingredients
To make this amazing chunky Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe you will need:
- 3 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1⁄2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1⁄4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
It seems like a simple list of ingredients, but the flavors combine for an amazing sweet, spicy and tangy Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa. Let’s go over the key components:
Mangoes
Mangoes are the star ingredient for this Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe. Choose mangoes that are perfectly ripe with a fragrant aroma and yield slightly to touch. The mango provides natural sweetness that is balanced by the other ingredients.
To dice mango, first slice off the fleshy sides in planks, being sure to avoid the large, tough pit in the center. Then cut into cubes or dice to desired consistency.
Red Onion
Red onion adds a lightly pungent bite and savory depth to the Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe. Be sure to dice finely or mince for the best texture and flavor distribution.
Jalapenos
Jalapenos bring the signature spice and heat! For medium heat, dice one whole jalapeno including seeds and white inner ribs where much of the spicy capsaicin oils are stored. For extra spicy kick, add seeds from a second jalapeno.
Remember to wash hands and avoid touching eyes after handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation. Consider using gloves if you have very sensitive skin.
Lime Juice
The juice from 1 juicy, fresh lime adds perfect zesty bite that brings all the ingredients together in the Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe. Lime juice has acidic properties that help “cook” the raw vegetables and balance flavors.
Cilantro
Fresh, chopped cilantro leaves lend herbaceous green flavors that complement the mangoes and onions perfectly in this salsa recipe. Add to your tastes – cilantro can be rather polarizing! Some love it while others liken the taste to soap.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder is an optional ingredient but highly recommended for the Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe. It adds layers of aroma without having to add a raw clove that doesn’t blend well texture-wise. Use to your preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Best Mango Jalapeno Salsa
Now that you understand the key ingredients and flavors at play, let’s go through the quick and easy steps for making fresh mango salsa!
Step 1 – Prep Ingredients
Wash, peel and dice the mango into 1⁄4 inch cubes. Be careful working around the large pit in the center.
Peel and finely dice the red onion.
Wash jalapeno pepper and remove stem, seeds and ribs if desired for milder heat. Dice into small pieces.
Wash and roughly chop cilantro leaves.
Step 2 – Combine Everything in a Bowl
Add the mango, onions, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and dry seasonings including salt, pepper and garlic powder to a mixing bowl.
Step 3 – Mix Well & Adjust Seasonings
Gently toss and stir to thoroughly combine ingredients.
Taste a spoonful of the Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa and adjust lime juice or salt as needed to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and tart flavors.
Keep in mind the flavors will continue to meld as it chills!
Step 4 – Allow to Chill Before Serving
Transfer finished mango jalapeno salsa to an airtight container and let chill in the fridge for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.
This allows time for the flavors to develop fully and for the raw onion to mellow slightly.
Serve chilled or at room temp alongside tortilla chips, grilled fish or chicken, tacos, eggs and more!
And that’s it – easy right? Now that you have this basic Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe down, feel free to tweak and experiment to find your perfect blend of sweet, spicy and tangy!
Serving Ideas for Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa
This amazing salsa truly does go with everything! Beyond chips and dips, here are some delicious ways to eat homemade mango jalapeno salsa:
- As a taco topper or filling
- Drizzled over grilled chicken or fish
- On top of omelets or breakfast scrambles
- Over salad greens for a sweet kick
- As a burger or sandwich topping
- With grilled shrimp skewers
- Inside quesadillas
And much more – get creative! The Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe possibilities are endless.
Tips for Making the Best Fresh Mango Salsa
Through extensive testing in my kitchen, I’ve come up with some top tips for fresh mango salsa success:
- Use perfectly ripe mangoes – avoid under ripe green mangoes or overly soft mangoes for the best flavor and texture
- Dice ingredients to a uniform size for even distribution of flavors in every bite
- For milder heat, remove jalapeno seeds and ribs
- Let chill for at least 30 minutes for flavors to fully develop
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Consider adding 1 tablespoon honey for extra sweetness if mangoes are tart
- Mix in diced avocado just before serving for a creamy twist
Follow these best practices for fresh vibrant flavor in every crunchy sweet, tangy and spicy bite of mango salsa!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common mango salsa questions:
How long will fresh mango salsa last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, homemade salsa will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can I freeze leftover mango salsa?
Yes! Allow to completely cool first, then transfer to freezer bags or containers leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Salsa can be frozen for 2-3 months.
What kind of mango is best for salsa?
Ataulfo, Kent and Tommy Atkins mangoes are all great choices with vibrant yellow flesh and tropical sweet flavor perfect for salsa.
Is red or white onion better for mango salsa?
Red onion is recommended as it offers savory depth without being quite as sharp as white onions. But use whichever you prefer!
What do I serve mango jalapeno salsa with?
This versatile salsa is delicious with tortilla chips, grilled meats, tacos, eggs, salads, sandwiches really anything that could use a flavor boost!
Conclusion
I hope this easy yet flavor packed Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe becomes your new go-to condiment this summer and beyond! Adjust heat to preference and feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like pineapple, corn or cumin.
With perfectly ripe tropical mango, bright zesty lime and spicy jalapeno, every crunchy sweet and tangy bite of this chunky salsa is bursting with vibrant flavors. It can enliven everything from backyard cookouts to casual taco Tuesdays.
For more inspiration head to the recipe comments! And don’t forget to pin this handy Fresh Mango Jalapeno Salsa Recipe for quick access anytime a salsa craving strikes. ¡Buen provecho!
