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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!
Table of Contents
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.
Ingredients for mango salsa
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.
Follow these chef 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
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
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 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.
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
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More recipes for fresh salsa!
Mango Salsa Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 1-Cup Glass Measure (or small bowl)
Ingredients
- 2 ripe Mangos – peeled, pit removed & small dice (about 2 ½ cups)
- ½ small Red Onion – finely chopped (about ¾ cup) (sub: scallions – thinly sliced)
- 1 large Jalapeno Pepper – de-stemmed, de-seeded , and finely chopped (scant ¼ cup)
- ½ whole English Cucumber – small dice (about 1 cup)
- 1/3 Cup Cilantro Leaves – gently packed; chopped
- 1 small Lime – juice & zest
- ¼ tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Ground Cumin & Smoked Paprika
- Sea Salt & Ground Black Pepper – to taste (sub: kosher salt)
- OPTIONAL 1-2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil – to taste, for a richer mouthfeel
Instructions
- Combine Produce Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mango cubes, red onions, jalapeños, cucumbers, and cilantro. Use a large spoon and stir well to combine.
- Mix Seasonings: 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.
- Flavor 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.
- Serve: Transfer the mangoes salsa to a serving bowl and serve with tortilla chips on the side or use as topping for tacos, burritos, grilled salmon, shrimp, and more!
Notes
- Spicy Salsa: If you prefer your mango salsas on the spicy side, leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapenos. Alternatively, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder, to taste.
- Avocado Mango Salsa: Swap out one of the mangos for a large, firm Hass Avocado.
- Mango Pineapple Salsa: Switch out of the mangos for 1 cup of chopped pineapple.
- Sweet Mango Salsa: Omit the English cucumber and use 1 small red bell pepper (chopped), instead.
- Mango Papaya Salsa: 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.
- Recipe Serves: 4-6 people
Nutrition
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