Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mango salsa is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the heat of jalapeno peppers and the freshness of cilantro. This versatile salsa can be served as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, as a dip for tortilla chips, or as a side dish for tacos or burritos.

History

Mango salsa originated in Mexico, where mangoes are a popular fruit that is often used in both savory and sweet dishes. The combination of mangoes with spicy peppers, onions, and cilantro creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that has become popular around the world.

Ingredients

2 mangoes, diced
1 medium red onion, diced
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced [1]
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
0.5 tbsp ancho chile powder
2 large limes, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and serve with your favorite low-fat chips or fresh vegetable sticks.

Variations

Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Substitute pineapple for mango for a tropical twist.
Add diced tomatoes for extra freshness.
Mix in black beans or corn for added protein and fiber.

Notes

Mango Salsa from the Public Health Cookbook, Seattle and King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, government publication in the public domain
Serves: 96
Use as a dip with any of Foodie's chip, cracker or pretzel recipes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe mangoes for the best flavor. Look for mangoes that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to suit your taste preferences. For a milder salsa, use only one pepper or remove the seeds and membranes before mincing.

- For a more intense flavor, roast the jalapeno peppers before adding them to the salsa.

- Serve the salsa chilled for a refreshing summer dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve mango salsa as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, as a dip for tortilla chips, or as a side dish for tacos or burritos.

Cooking Techniques

Use a sharp knife to dice the mangoes, onions, and cucumber.

- Seed and mince the jalapeno peppers carefully to avoid getting the oils on your skin.

- Mix the salsa gently to avoid crushing the mangoes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red bell pepper instead of jalapeno for a milder salsa.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice if desired.

- Use parsley or mint instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Mango salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making the salsa even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve mango salsa in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut for a tropical presentation. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves or lime wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Mango salsa pairs well with grilled chicken, fish tacos, shrimp skewers, or black bean burgers. Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover mango salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze as the texture may become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of mango salsa contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of mango salsa contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of mango salsa contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of mango salsa contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mango salsa is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

Mango salsa may contain allergens such as cilantro and jalapeno peppers. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Mango salsa is a low-calorie, flavorful dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Summary

Mango salsa is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for summer entertaining. With its sweet and spicy flavors, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy this refreshing salsa with your favorite dishes for a burst of tropical flavor.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for mango salsa. It was during a trip to Mexico with my husband, many years ago. We were staying at a small bed and breakfast in a charming little village nestled in the mountains. One evening, the owners of the B&B invited us to join them for dinner, and that's when I first tasted their delicious mango salsa.

The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the salsa immediately captured my attention. I had never tasted anything like it before - the sweetness of the mangoes paired with the tangy lime juice and spicy jalapeños created a perfect combination of flavors. I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After dinner, I asked the owners for the recipe, and they were kind enough to share it with me. They explained that mango salsa was a popular dish in their region, where mangoes grew abundantly. They showed me how to select the ripest mangoes and the best ingredients to use for the salsa.

When we returned home from our trip, I couldn't wait to recreate the mango salsa in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed - ripe mangoes, fresh cilantro, red onion, jalapeños, and limes. As I chopped, diced, and mixed the ingredients together, the familiar scents of the salsa filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that cozy dining room in Mexico.

The first bite of the mango salsa brought back memories of our trip and the warm hospitality we had experienced. I was thrilled that I had successfully recreated the dish and that I could now share it with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made mango salsa countless times, experimenting with different variations and tweaks to the original recipe. I have added ingredients like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and even a touch of honey for extra sweetness. Each time I make mango salsa, I am reminded of that magical evening in Mexico and the generosity of the B&B owners who shared their recipe with me.

As I continued to make mango salsa for family gatherings, potlucks, and parties, it became a signature dish of mine. People would always ask for the recipe, and I would gladly share it, just as the owners of the B&B had shared it with me.

One day, while browsing through a cookbook at a friend's house, I came across a recipe for mango salsa that was slightly different from the one I had learned in Mexico. Intrigued, I decided to try it out and compare the two versions.

The new recipe called for mangoes, red onion, bell peppers, jalapeños, lime juice, and a hint of cumin. I followed the instructions carefully, chopping and mixing the ingredients together. When I took my first bite of the newly prepared salsa, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of flavors and the added kick from the cumin.

I realized that mango salsa was a versatile dish that could be adapted and customized to suit different tastes and preferences. The possibilities were endless, and I was excited to continue exploring new variations of this beloved recipe.

As I grew older, I passed down the recipe for mango salsa to my children and grandchildren, along with the story of how I had discovered it in Mexico. I encouraged them to experiment with different ingredients and make the salsa their own, just as I had done over the years.

Today, whenever I make mango salsa, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the experiences that led me to discover this wonderful recipe. It has become a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing meals with the people I care about. And as I watch my family enjoy the salsa, I know that the tradition of making and sharing this dish will continue for generations to come.