Mango Salsa with Jalapeno

This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.

Sweet, spicy, tropical, and gorgeously flavorful, this Cucumber Mango Salsa with Jalapeno is about to outshine everything else on your table. Trust me: you’re gonna want to bookmark this fresh mango salsa recipe because it’s the perfect snack, appetizer, condiment, and side dish for tacos, grilled chicken, steaks, and pretty much everything you make this summer!

About this mango salsa recipe

Cookout season is in full swing. If you’re planning on hosting (or attending) some BBQ fun, having a few simple, rock-solid recipes on deck makes the whole season feel easier.

From traditional favorites like potato salad, baked beans, and dill pickles to more whimsical dishes like broccoli grape salad bacon-wrapped hot dogs, here in the NSN kitchen, I’ve got a bounty of recipes to help you make the most of summer.

So far, though, no recipe has quite the charming balance of juicy sweetness and tongue-tingling spice as my brand-spankin’-new recipe for mango salsa. 

Loaded to the brim with colorful fruits and veggies, laced with jalapeño fieriness, kissed by the warm embrace of spices, and tied together with bright, citrusy lime juice, this easy mango salsa is my new obsession.

Why you’ll love this recipe

If you’re still on the fence, my mango cucumber salsa recipe is also:

• Quick & Easy – It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.
• No Cook – If you live somewhere as hot and humid as here, you know that’s one big Hallelujah! 🙌
• Versatile – Consider this bright & healthy mango salsa your favorite new kitchen chameleon. It’s delightful eaten straight from the bowl with a spoon (don’t judge!), but is also super yummy with crispy tortilla chips or fried plantains. You can spoon it over your favorite grilled meats (hellooooo chicken, pork, and steak!), or serve it next to your favorite seafood dish. Heck, you can even serve it over a hunk of cream cheese with a side of crackers. Seriously, folks. My mango red onion salsa is lovely with everything. 
• Easily Customizable – Whether you love the creamy richness of avocado, the sizzling heat of serranos, or prefer your salsa to be more sweet than spicy, I’ve got a version of this mango salsa dip that’s just for you. 

Mango salsa ingredients

Just a handful of ingredients to make this simple mango salsa:

• Mango – Any variety you like to eat is perfect! Look for unblemished fruits that are heavy for their size, and have a slight give when squeezed.
• Red Onion – For some color, crunch, and piquancy.
  • Feel free to swap in pickled red onion, shallots, sweet yellow onions, or scallions instead. 
• Jalapeño – For a touch of heat. Remember, nearly all of the spicy-causing compound lives in the white membranes and seeds, so remove them for a milder flavor.
  • You can always dial the heat up by making mango serrano salsa, or dial it down by swapping in poblano peppers instead.
• English Cucumber – For refreshing crunch with almost no fuss.
  • You’re welcome to swap in conventionally grown cukes, but you’ll need to peel any waxy skin and remove the watery seeds before chopping.
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro is a necessary addition to pretty much any dip.
  • If you’re not a fan, you can either omit it or swap in another fresh herb like parsley or mint.
• Fresh Lime Juice– Acidity helps to tie everything together. Make sure to use fresh citrus for the best flavor.
• Garlic Powder – For a mild pop of allium complexity without the bite.
  • You can also use fresh minced garlic for a sharper flavor, or swap in chopped roasted garlic.
• Smoked Paprika – For a lovely bit of smokiness and warmth.
  • Swap in spicier ground chipotle.
• Ground Cumin – For warmth. If you only have whole cumin seeds, give them a quick toast in a dry pan till fragrant, then mash with a mortar and pestle or clean coffee/spice grinder.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning.

Recipe variations

While I think this is the best mango salsa recipe around, there are lots of ways to make it your own. Try any of the following fresh mango salsa recipes for a delicious twist on the original:

• Spicy Mango Salsa: If tongue-tingling heat is your jam, leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapenos. Alternatively, you can add pickled jalapeno peppers, cayenne pepper or chili powder, to taste, or use slightly spicier serrano peppers.
• Avocado Mango Salsa: Prefer cool, creamy goodness? Swap out one of the mangos for a large, firm Hass Avocado in this mango taco salsa recipe.
• Mango Pineapple Salsa: Wanna double down on the fruity goodness? Switch out of the mangos for 1 cup of chopped pineapple.
• Sweet Mango Salsa: If kiddos are in the mix, make a sweeter version they’ll love. Omit the English cucumber and use 1 small red bell pepper (chopped), instead.
• Mango Papaya Salsa: If you have a hankering for more of an Indian chutney vibe, swap the cucumber for 1 ripe papaya. Swap the cilantro for an equal amount of fresh mint. Omit the cumin and smoked paprika; instead use ¼ tsp ground ginger.
• Other Optional Add-Ins – If needed, you may want to adjust your mango dip a bit. 
• Honey or Agave – If your mangoes are under-ripe and a little bland, you may want to consider adding agave or honey to the lime juice mixture.
• EVOO – If you like a little extra richness (or if you’re using this mango salsa for fish or chicken), drizzling in some olive oil does wonders.

How to make jalapeño mango salsa

This mango salsa recipe with jalapeno comes together in a jiffy. Here’s how:

1. Mix mango salsa: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mangoes, red onions, jalapenos, cucumbers, and cilantro. Use a large spoon and stir well to combine.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or glass measure, add the lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Add olive oil to taste, if using.
3. Dress the salsa: Pour the lime juice mixture over the ingredients in the mixing bowl. Then gently stir the mango salsa to thoroughly combine. Taste and adjust the salsa to taste with seasonings.
4. Serve mango salsa recipe: Transfer the mangoes salsa to a serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips on the side or use mango salsa on tacos, burritos, grilled salmon, shrimp, and more!

Expert tips for the best success!

I’d love to share some expert tips with you for making the most delicious and fresh mango onion salsa around. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds! 🌶️🥭

• Look for ripe mangos that give slightly when gently squeezed. Their skin should have a vibrant color, ranging from yellow to reddish hues. Remember, a ripe mango will be juicy and sweet, making it the star of your mango dip.
• Jalapeños add a delightful kick to this cilantro mango salsa, but the level of spiciness can vary from pepper to pepper. To keep it mild, remove the seeds and membrane before dicing the jalapeños. For a bolder flavor, include some or all of the seeds. Also, make sure to wear gloves and/or wash your implements well after handling chiles.
• Aim for small, uniform dices when cutting the mango, jalapeños, and other ingredients. You want it to look like a more colorful version of pico de gallo. If you’re not a fan of chunky salsa, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor for a smoother texture.
• To get the most juice out of your fresh limes, give them a firm roll on the counter for 10-15 seconds before slicing them open. Oh, and if you don’t want to waste a thing? Zest the lime first and rub it into some salt for rimming your margaritas, then toss the spent shells in a pitcher of water for a refreshing way to hydrate over the course of the evening.
• Allow this traditional mango salsa with cilantro time to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together, plus, the salsa will become even more refreshing when cold. Win-win!

FAQs: frequently asked questions

Is mango salsa good?

That’s like asking “are dogs awesome?” The answer is: Oh, absolutely! Mango cucumber salsa is a gee-dang tropical dance party for your mouth. 

The combination of sweet and juicy fruit, the refreshing crunch of cukes, and a hint of spiciness from the chiles creates a flavor explosion that will make your tastebuds do the cha-cha. It’s the perfect balance of fruity, zesty, and refreshing goodness. So, if you’re a fan of vibrant flavors and a salsa that’s a little bit exotic, this lime mango salsa is definitely a good choice.  🎉🌮🥭

Is mango cilantro salsa healthy?

Look, I’m gonna level with you: I’m not a licensed nutrition professional, but I DO like to treat my body like a temple. While I can’t deem something healthy or not (because honestly, what does that word even mean anymore??), what I CAN tell you is that I’d eat a whole batch of this fresh salsa without batting an eye. 

Here’s why: When you make mango salsa at home, you have control over the ingredients you use. Fresh ingredients like diced mangoes, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños provide you with a dose of wholesome, unprocessed, nutrient-packed goodness.

Also, this vibrant mango jalapeño cucumber salsa is relatively low in calories, especially if you keep the added fats and sugars to a minimum. It’s a super flavorful, guilt-free snacking option, especially compared to heavier dips and sides. 

Is this mango salsa for tacos spicy?

This easy mango salsa recipe can be as spicy or as mild as you like! For the mildest possible experience, use a less-spicy chile like poblanos. If you prefer a medium amount of heat, use jalapeños, but remove some or all of the spicy seeds and membranes. Or for a spicier salsa, use extra jalapeños and leave the seeds and membranes in there. And for a serious spice lover, consider swapping in a serrano, scotch bonnet, or habanero pepper instead.

Serving mango salsa with jalapeños 

Friends, one of my absolute favorite things about this mango salsa jalapeno goodness is that it crosses cultural and geographical boundaries. It goes equally well with American, Mexican, Cuban, Caribbean, AND Hawaiian flavors. This delicious fruit salsa is essentially a friendship bracelet for the entire food world.

• For Taco Tuesday! Mango taco salsa is the perfect addition to any Mexican or Tex-Mex spread. I particularly like it with fish tacos, taco bowls, or shrimp tacos, and tacos with black beans or carnitas. However, it’s also a great topping for steak fajitas, burritos, and tostadas ceviche.
• During Happy Hour! Pop a bowl of this mango salsa and some tortilla chips or pita chips on the table to nibble. 
• For Pool Parties & Cookouts! Whether you serve it with baja chicken, scallop and corn recipes, crab salad rolls, or ceviche seafood and coleslaw jalapeno your crew is bound to be impressed.
• Tropical Flare! Add a little flare to your favorite Caribbean dishes, like this coconut rice with curry, cumin chicken recipe, Havana beans, recipes for jerk pork, and ropa vieja recipe.
• After Workouts! I like to eat a big bowl of this mango pico de gallo with nothing more than a spoon after workouts, and it seriously hits the spot.
• More Mangoes! Make it a mango party with Thai Mango Salad, Crab Rolls with mango and avocadoes, Spicy Mango Margaritas, and Strawberry Mango Boozy Popsicles.
• ANY DAY, ANYTIME! It’s great for adding some bright freshness to seared tuna recipes, poke bowls, teriyaki chicken bowls, grilled peach salads, salsa with salmon, snack plates, and more.

Storing leftovers

Fresh mango salsa with jalapenos will typically last for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Here are a few tips:

1. Transfer the lime mango salsa to an airtight container or a sealed jar. This helps prevent air exposure, which can lead to faster spoilage.
2. Place the container of mango salsa in the refrigerator as soon as possible after preparing it. The cooler temperature helps slow down the growth of bacteria and extends the salsa’s freshness.
3. Use clean utensils or a spoon to scoop out the desired amount of salsa to prevent introducing any contaminants that could cause spoilage. Unless you’re eating the whole bowl, in which case, double dip away.
4. If you notice any significant changes in color, texture, or smell, or if it looks or smells off, it’s best to discard it.

If you’re looking to enjoy mango taco salsa beyond a few days, you can consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container. However, note that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the mango, so it’s recommended to consume it within a month of freezing for the best flavor.

Now that you’re armed with all these juicy tips, it’s time to create some mango-licious magic! Remember, when life gives you mangoes, salsa your way to happiness! Whether you’re spicing up your tacos or diving into a bowl of chips, let the jalapeno mango salsa be your fruity partner in crime. Until next time, stay fresh, stay saucy, and keep dippin’ with a smile! 🌶️🥭😄 Keep slayin’ that salsa game, my friend!

Chey

Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram! 

More recipes for fresh salsa!

• Pico de gallo
• Corn salsa 
• Pomegranate dip
• Green tomatillo salsa 

©No Spoon Necessary.  All images and content are under copyright protection. Please do not use any images without prior permission. Please do not republish this recipe without prior consent. To reference this recipe, please link directly to this post.