Filled with fresh ingredients, this Mango Habanero Salsa is a sweet & spicy treat that will take your tortilla chip or taco to the next level! This combination of fresh ripe fruit, spicy peppers, and tasty cilantro will have you coming back for more!
This Mango Habanero Salsa recipe is best known for sneaking up on you. Take a bite. So delicious! Take another bite. Yum! Now the heat from this spicy salsa is starting to hit, but the combination of sweet mango with a touch of pineapple and the habanero peppers is an addictive combination. You just can’t stop!
This version of mango pico de gallo is great on your favorite tortilla chips or served with anything Mexican, but it is especially delicious on tinga chicken tacos, grilled street tacos (chicken or steak), and dutch oven carnitas.
Fish tacos are also a classic vessel for homemade fresh mango salsa.
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 is great
- It’s made with only 6 ingredients!
- It’s full of healthy fruits and veggies.
- It has just enough kick without being too spicy.
Ingredients for mango habanero salsa
These 6 ingredients are all you need for a delicious habanero mango 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: Habaneros 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.
The key is to make sure to dice the ripe mangoes and pineapple into approximately the same size. The onion should be diced a bit smaller than the fruit.
Handling the habanero chili isn’t as tricky as it might sound. They are spicy, so the main tip is to 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.
When dicing you want to get the peppers as small as possible. Larger pieces of habanero will make the fruit salsa unevenly spicy.
Once it is all diced, add it to a large bowl and stir. Adjust the remaining ingredients: salt, pepper, and lime juice to your taste.
This can be made a few hours ahead, but for best results serve the day it is made. 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.
For a crowd
If serving this flavorful spicy salsa to a crowd, I serve it as part of a salsa bar. Due to the spicy nature, make sure to serve at least one salsa that has mild heat and one that has medium heat. That way everyone has a spicy level they enjoy.
If needing to prep the day before, keep all the components separate and mix together just a couple hours before serving time. The tropical fruits like to give off juice and get a bit soggy when they sit together for too long.
FAQs
Habaneros are one of the spiciest peppers according to the Scoville scale which measures the spiciness of peppers. Be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands with soap thoroughly before touching anything.
It's a fruity sweet with a kick of heat in the background. Plus the herbaceous flavor of cilantro and zesty lime really make it pop.
If you want to make this 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.
Tips and 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.
What to serve with mango salsa
- Black beans are a classic side dish to all things Mexican.
- For more bold flavors, try this Pineapple Lime Rice.
- These Green Enchiladas feature an easy filling with the perfect mix of sweet and heat.
Recipe
Fresh Mango Habanero Salsa (Only 6 Ingredients!)
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.
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