Fresh mango salsa loaded with ripe mangos, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Sweet, spicy, and perfect for chips, tacos, or grilled meats.
Mango Salsa Recipe
We're whipping up the perfect summer salsa in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen today, my friends! This fresh mango salsa is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and zesty.
Made with perfectly ripe mangos, spicy jalapeno pepper, crisp bell pepper and red onion, and tangy lime juice, it’s bold, vibrant, and ready in minutes, everything you need for your next party, grilling session, or hey, just for yourself!
What You'll Love About This Salsa
- Sweet + Heat = Perfection. Juicy mangos and spicy jalapeño strike the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a splash of lime to tie it all together.
- Quick & Easy to Make! This salsa comes together in minutes with only simple, vibrant ingredients. No cooking required.
- Super Versatile. Use it as a dip, taco topper, or spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or rice bowls. It adds bold flavor to just about anything.
- Bonus! You can make it as mild or as spicy as you want! It's up to you.
Fresh Mango Salsa Ingredients
- Mangos. Use juicy ripe mangos for the best sweetness. Ataulfo or Kent varieties work great. Frozen mango (thawed and drained) can be used if you're in a pinch.
- Red Bell Pepper. Adds crunch and color. Orange or yellow bell pepper also work well, or other sweet peppers.
- Red Onion. Brings sharpness and bite. Sub with white onion for a milder flavor or green onions for a fresh twist.
- Jalapeño Pepper. Adds heat with flavor. Swap with serrano for more heat or use habanero if you like it fiery. For milder salsa, remove the seeds and membrane.
- Garlic. You can substitute with a small amount of garlic powder if needed.
- Fresh Cilantro. For bright, herbal flavor. If you're not a fan, try fresh parsley or mint for a different vibe.
- Lime Juice. For acidity and zing. Lemon juice works in a pinch, or try a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Salt. Don't forget the salt! Season to taste.
Mike's Recipe Tips & Notes
- Make It Creamy. For a richer twist, fold in diced avocado just before serving. You can also mix in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy salsa vibe.
- Add Fresh Tomato. A diced tomato adds extra juiciness and a touch of acidity. It’s a great way to stretch the salsa if serving a crowd.
- Spice It Up . Want more heat? Swap in a serrano or habanero for the jalapeno, or use even hotter peppers.
- Make Ahead. This salsa tastes even better after chilling for 30-60 minutes to let the flavors meld. You can make it a day ahead, but for best texture, wait to add avocado (if using) until just before serving.
- Can You Can It? This salsa is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Due to the fresh fruit and low acidity, it’s not safe for water bath canning.
Serving Ideas
This fresh mango salsa adds a burst of sweet heat and citrusy zing to all kinds of dishes. Here are some favorite ways to serve it:
- Wraps & Sandwiches. Try it in a wrap with grilled chicken or layered onto a spicy sandwich. Try it on my curry chicken salad recipe, or spooned onto Chicken Shawarma.
- With Tortilla Chips. It's the perfect dip for parties or snacking.
- Tacos. Spoon it over shrimp, fish, chicken, or veggie tacos for a juicy, flavorful topping. You'll love it on my tacos al pastor recipe, spicy shrimp tacos, or my favorite fish tacos recipe.
- Grilled Meats. Perfect with grilled chicken, pork, or steak for bright pops of flavor.
- Seafood. This salsa pairs beautifully with grilled or baked fish, shrimp skewers, or seared scallops. I vote for scallops!
- Rice Bowls & Salads. Use it as a fresh topping for grain bowls, taco salads, or even over greens.
It's so versatile! So many ways to enjoy it!
Storage & Leftovers
Store mango salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, but the texture is best within the first day or two.
Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the juices. This salsa is not shelf-stable and should always be kept refrigerated. Freezing is not recommended, as the fresh ingredients can become mushy when thawed.
Looking for More Salsa Recipes?
- This Mango-Habanero Hot Sauce has similar flavors - in hot sauce form!
- My Fresh Ghost Pepper Salsa delivers wonderful heat in a fresh salsa.
- This Chile de Arbol Salsa is also vibrantly spicy, Mexican style.
- This Homemade Salsa (Restaurant Style) will surprise you - it's so much like your favorite restaurant.
- See all of my Salsa Recipes
Got any questions or comments about my fresh mango salsa recipe? Ask away! Please comment and give it a review in the form below if you enjoy it! I'd love to hear from you. Thanks!
Fresh Mango Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 small ripe mangos peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2 small red bell pepper diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper diced or minced (cored for less heat)
- 1/2 small red onion diced
- 1 clove garlic minced (or to taste)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice from 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Add the mango, bell pepper, onion, jalapeno, and garlic to a mixing bowl. Mix to combine.
- Stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.
- Gently toss until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Nutrition Information
This salsa is gluten free.
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 8/4/25 to include new information and photos. It was originally published on 5/16/18.
Velo Mitrovich says
I made this and served it with fish tacos using fried tilapia, flour tortillas and nothing else. It was extremely good.
Mike H. says
Thank you, Velo - enjoy!
John Eagerton says
I've been making a slight variation of this salsa, more as a salad to accompany fish and seafood, for years. My only addition is seeded cucumbers cut into "half moon" slices. I highly recommend this recipe as either a salsa or a salad.
Mike Hultquist says
I love it! Sounds great, John. Thanks!!
Mac says
Mike you're right, this is super fresh. I've been experimenting with adding your salsas (papaya, spicy pineapple and this fresh mango) to different meals they are all wonderful. I particularly like this fresh mango added to my morning smoothie for a real wake up call.
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome, Mac. Smoothie! That's a great idea!
Damien C. says
I made this for the Super Bowl this year and everyone raved about it. Such a great salsa recipe. Please keep up the excellent work, Chili Pepper Madness!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thank you, Damien! Glad they liked it!
Palladini says
I bookmarked this site, this I will have to make later this year when my crop in pots get to harvest time
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Excellent, thanks! Let me know how it turns out for you.