This delicious recipe for a sweet summer mango habanero salsa includes ripe mangos, sweet pineapple, spicy habanero peppers, zesty red onion and fresh cilantro. This quick and easy appetizer is perfect for entertaining all season long.
When the weather starts to warm up its always a great time to start looking for delicious recipes to break out the chips and salsa. This homemade spicy mango habanero salsa recipe is always my go to during the summer. Fruity fresh mangoes, sweet pineapple and spicy habanero peppers are a perfect mix of sweet and spicy flavors.
I have always loved the fresh Whole Foods mango salsa and set out to create my own version. We use this salsa for everything, our current favorite dinner recipe is pineapple mango habanero salsa with salmon. Alternatively, use it as a relish, a topping on fish or chicken or even blend it for a smooth salsa, dipping sauce or taco sauce. This simple mango habanero salsa recipe pairs perfectly with these homemade tortilla chips.
The sweet flavor of tropical fruits and heat of the habanero pepper make this fresh mango salsa an irresistibly perfect mix of bold flavors. In less than ten minutes and with only a handful of ingredients you can create this flavorful salsa. Don't wait until the warm weather is over to make this easy spicy salsa recipe for your next game day or summer barbecue!
Mango Habanero Salsa Ingredients
Mangos - Fresh ripe mangoes are insanely delicious and taste like natures candy. You can generally find them year round at your local grocery store. If they feel quite hard, let them soften up a few days on the counter at room temperature.
Pineapple - Fresh or canned pineapple can be used in this recipe. Fresh ingredients are always taste better however canned pineapple is definitely a great time saver.
Red Bell Pepper - Fresh red bell peppers add a great pop of color and crunchy bite to this recipe.
Red Onion - Red onion gives a nice bite to this salsa and gives a nice balance to the sweet ingredients.
Habanero Pepper - What would habanero mango salsa be without a habanero pepper? One habanero is used in this recipe however you can use more, less or a different pepper altogether if desired.
Lime Juice - Fresh squeezed lime is a must in salsa recipes. Make sure to use fresh lime juice and not a bottled brand. Bottled citrus juice has a very processed taste and will never compare to the real thing.
Cilantro - Fresh cilantro adds color and a nice flavor to salsa. If preferred, cilantro can be omitted or parsley may also be substituted.
How To Make Mango Habanero Salsa
- First, finely dice mangos, pineapple, red pepper, and onion and combine in a large bowl.
- Second, chop the cilantro and add it to the bowl.
- Third, add the freshly squeezed lime juice to the rest of the ingredients and stir to mix.
- Next, very carefully remove and discard the stem and seeds of the habanero pepper. You may want to use gloves to do this as the peppers are so spicy it may burn your hands! The seeds and membrane inside the habanero are the most spicy so I make sure those are completely removed before chopping.
- Next, finely dice the habanero pepper and mix with the remaining ingredients.
- Finally, add kosher salt to taste and serve with your favorite tortilla chips!
Substitutions For This Recipe
This is the best mango habanero salsa because you can swap any ingredients you might not prefer. Here are a few substitutions I personally love.
Sub mangos for peaches - Turn this dish into a habanero peach salsa.
Turn down the spice - Swap habanero peppers for a less spicy pepper for a mild heat. For example, jalapeno peppers and Serrano peppers are both great alternatives.
Likewise, you can also add more peppers for a spicier salsa with extra heat. Alternatively, omit the spice level altogether to create a mild mango salsa or a pineapple mango chutney.
Swap the cilantro for parsley - Most people either love cilantro or hate it. Cilantro can easily be subbed for parsley or left out entirely.
Variations and Uses
Some of my favorite ways to use this fruit salsa is as a chutney, dip, relish, hot sauce or topping to any protein. These beautiful fresh flavors can be used in so many incredible ways, the possibilities are endless.
Leave as is for a chunkier salsa or blend the ingredients in a food processor or blender to create a smooth mango salsa and use as a taco sauce or delicious dip for wings, fries or skewers.
Roast the habanero peppers in the oven or on a grill before dicing to make a roasted mango habanero salsa. Roasted habanero peppers give the skin a delicious char creating a wonderful smokey flavor.
Additionally, use the salsa as a topping on chicken or fish tacos.
Add diced avocado for a cool refreshing twist and use it in a protein bowl.
Add chili powder for a savory s kick with mild heat. Mangoes and chili powder pair wonderfully together.
Add black beans for some protein and turn this recipe into a topping for a burrito bowl.
Add grilled corn to create a corn and mango pineapple salsa.
Grill the pineapple before dicing to add a delicious layer of smokey flavor!
Tips For Mango Habanero Salsa
- When handling habanero peppers wear gloves or something to protect your skin. These peppers are hot! Habanero peppers are 10 times hotter than jalapeño peppers on the Scoville scale. As a result, if the inside membrane or seeds touch your fingers they will burn.
- Chop the habanero peppers last on the cutting board. Again, this will protect your hands from the heat of the pepper transferring from the cutting board when you are chopping the other ingredients.
- If you have never cut into and diced a mango before it can be a bit tricky. Simply Recipes has great step by step instructions as well as a great video on how to do so here.
FAQ's
Some either love cilantro or have a strong aversion to it. You can absolutely sub it for parsley or even omit it.
Yes! I love making this homemade salsa ahead of time. Store the salsa in an air tight container for up to 3 days. However, the mangos will continue to soften after each day and the texture will change.
Fresh ingredients are always best however, canned pineapple will work just as great. When using canned pineapple, drain the juices well before dicing.
This mango habanero salsa recipe can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days for best results. As the texture of mangos continue to soften after they are diced, I would not recommend making the dish more than a couple days before it is enjoyed.
Yes! You can freeze pineapple mango salsa. It is best to freeze the salsa right away after making it (within an hour). Store in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let thaw at room temperature for at least one hour.
Yes! Habaneros are considered very spicy peppers. Since these peppers are ten times spicier than jalapenos, I remove the seeds and inside membrane. If you like a really spicy salsa feel free to leave them in. Alternatively, when making this recipe for toddlers I like to omit the habanero pepper and add diced avocado for a refreshing twist!
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Mango Habanero Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 Ripe Mangos (diced)
- 1 ½ cups Pineapple (diced)
- ¼ cup Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 Diced Habanero Pepper (stem, membrane and seeds removed)
- ½ Red Onion (diced)
- 2 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Cilantro
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice juice from one lime
Instructions
- Finely dice and combine mangos, pineapple, bell pepper, red onion and chopped cilantro in a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the freshly squeezed lime juice to the rest of the ingredients and mix.
- Carefully remove and discard the stem, seeds and membrane of the habanero.
- Finely dice the habanero and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
- Add salt to taste and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
Vicky says
I was looking for an easy and tasty sweet salsa recipe to serve to my guests. I love how this incorporates fresh mango and adds a little spice!
Beth Sachs says
Such a vibrant delicious salsa. I do love a sweet savory flavor combo.
Jenn Allen says
This was sweet, spicy, crunchy and delicious! We put the salsa on fish tacos and boy was it fabulous!
Mirlene says
A great combo of flavors! This is perfect to put on top of tacos and salads!
kushigalu says
Love the flavor combo in this salsa recipe. Pinned to try this soon.
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this with dinner last night and it did not disappoint! Bold and delicious; was the perfect touch of flavor!
Andrea says
I love the sweet-and-savory combination. What a refreshing and colorful salsa!
Liz says
I love the combination of sweet and spicy! This is great as a dip but also as a taco topping!
Heather Johnson says
i used a serrano and it was delicious!
Eliza says
What a wonderful salsa recipe! I love all the bright colors and tropical, summery flavors you combined. Thanks for another winner from The Savory Cipolla.