This Mango Habanero Salsa is everything you want in a fruity salsa-sweet, spicy, and completely addictive. Growing up in the Southwest, I've spent plenty of time eating Mexican food. So when I say this one earns a permanent spot on your table, it comes from a lot of taste-testing experience! It has that chunky pico de gallo-style texture with bright tropical fruit flavors and just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering it.
This is just one of many salsa recipes we've developed over the years. We take our Mexican-inspired food seriously around here, and it shows in every bite!
This spicy salsa is best known for sneaking up on you. Take a bite. So delicious! Take another bite. Yum! Now the heat is starting to hit, but the combination of sweet mango with a touch of pineapple sweetens your bite and creates an incredible combo.
We've been making this for 10+ years and I'm not lying when I say the bowl is cleared out every time we make it! When you want to be sure to "wow" your guests, this is the salsa you make.
If you want to try a couple other delicious hot sauces try this homemade Salsa Roja or this roasted Pineapple Habanero Salsa or this easy Avocado Salsa Verde. Serve all three for an amazing chips and salsa bar.
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Why this recipe made the cut
Every recipe on Borrowed Bites gets tested, re-tested, and tasted by multiple groups to ensure it's something you can be proud to serve! We have made this dozens of times and are confident you'll love it as much as we do because:
- It's made with only 6 ingredients!
- It's full of healthy fruits and veggies.
- It has just enough kick without being too spicy.
- It is versatile - perfect for weeknights, parties, and everything in between. Find it on our collection of Game Day Recipes, and use it for your next sports viewing event!
My favorite salsa recipe ever!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Katie
Ingredients for mango habanero salsa
These 6 ingredients are all you need for a delicious salsa. In our opinion the perfect combination does not include bell peppers or tomatoes.
- Mango: Fresh mango is essential. When in the grocery store look for fruit with a bit of give but not overly soft.
- Pineapple: The sweet flavor of the pineapple accents the mango. It's easy enough to cut yourself, but if you are in a hurry, get the fresh pineapple spears from the produce section and just finish by dicing them to the correct size.
- Red onion: Not only does red onion provide a pretty pop of color, but it provides a mild onion flavor perfect for complementing the sweet fruit.
- Cilantro: Only fresh cilantro is recommended. Dried cilantro does not have the same flavor and will not produce the same result.
- Habanero chilies: Habanero peppers have a unique fruity yet spicy flavor to them. Of course you can substitute with jalapeño peppers or any other spicy pepper, but for a real compliment to the tropical flavors go for the habaneros.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime juice only! I promise you won't regret it. Bottled lime juice does not taste the same. This salsa is all about fresh flavors!
Helpful kitchen tools
How to make mango habanero salsa
This recipe is mostly about chopping a handful of ingredients. The perfect time to turn on some great music and work on your knife skills!
- Using a sharp knife or this vegetable chopper, dice the ripe mangoes and pineapple into approximately the same size- this is key for texture!
- Chop the onion and cilantro a bit smaller than the fruit.
- Dice the habaneros as small as possible. These really are spicy, so wear gloves or be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after dicing them (don't touch your eyes or face until you do). Also, be sure to wash the cutting board and knife really well.
- Once it is all diced, add it to a large bowl and stir. Add the remaining ingredients: salt, pepper, and lime juice. Adjust with more or less to your taste.
Helpful hint: we love to use a juicer for the limes for ease of juicing and to help keep our hands clean!
Variations
- You can swap the habanero for a different kind of pepper, like jalapeno or serrano.
- Sometimes we cut open our mango or pineapple and it's bad. In that case, we always supplement that amount with the other fruit- making the salsa either all pineapple or all mango. Still delicious!
- You can use sweet onion or white onion in place of red onion, although that will alter the final flavor.
What to serve with mango pineapple salsa
- Tinga de Pollo (delicious tacos!)
- Mexican Marinade for Chicken (or steak!)
- Dutch Oven Carnitas
- Fish tacos
- Black Beans or Borracho Beans
- Pineapple Lime Rice
- Green Enchiladas
- Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
How to cut pineapple
First, cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Then stand it upright and slice off the skin. Cut the pineapple in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again (4 quarters).
Slice out the tough core from each quarter. Cut each quarter into strips, and then cut those strips once lengthwise so you have long, thin pieces. Rotate the pieces and cut into a small dice.
FAQs
Habaneros are one of the spiciest peppers according to the Scoville scale. Be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands with soap thoroughly before touching anything.
This can be made a few hours ahead, but for best results serve the day it is made. If you need it prepped further than a few hours ahead, it is best to chop and store each of the ingredients in their own container. Store in the fridge until it's time to mix together.
If there are any leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It changes a bit, but it is still delicious.
Tips & tricks
- Select perfectly ripe fruit. It's key to the flavor and texture of the salsa.
- Start with less habanero than you think you want and add more from there. It's easier to add more than to adjust the salsa once it is already combined.
- Chop the fruit to approximately the same size. Texture is an important part of this salsa experience.
More recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
Recipe
Mango Habanero Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups mango, finely diced about 2 large
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup cilantro, rough chopped
- 1-2 habaneros, finely diced
- 2-4 tablespoon lime juice 1-2 juicy limes
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Chop all ingredients. Add mango, pineapple, red onion, cilantro and habaneros to a large bowl. Stir to combine.2 cups mango, finely diced , 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced , ½ cup red onion, finely diced, ½ cup cilantro, rough chopped, 1-2 habaneros, finely diced
- Add 2 tablespoon of lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper, Stir. Taste and adjust adding more lime, salt, and pepper to your taste.2-4 tablespoon lime juice, salt and pepper
- Serve as an appetizer with tortilla chips or as a topping to your favorite taco.
Notes
- Select perfectly ripe fruit. That is key to the flavor and texture of the salsa.
- Start with less habanero than you think you want and add more from there. It's easier to add more than to adjust the salsa once it is already in the bowl.
- Chop the fruit to approximately the same size. Texture is an important part of this salsa experience.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Katie says
My favorite salsa recipe ever!
Danielle says
We love that you love it! Thank you for taking a minute to let us know!