Mango Habanero Salsa

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Are you ready to turn up the heat? This sweet and spicy Mango Habanero Salsa is your new go-to for tortilla chips, tacos, and anything in need of a kick. Bonus points if you pair it with a Tamarind Margarita - cheers to that!

Mango Habanero Salsa in a bowl garnished with cilantro.

Looking for a spicy mango salsa that brings the heat and the flavor? This Mango Habanero Salsa is bursting with sweet, juicy mangos, fiery habaneros, crisp and fresh bell peppers, garlic, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

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Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How to Make Mango Habanero Salsa
Expert Tips
How to Serve
Recipe FAQs
Related Recipes
Recipe
Comments

This bright and bold salsa is perfect with tortilla chips, spooned over your favorite tacos, or with grilled vegetables or plant-based burgers like these black bean lentil burgers.

Basically, this Mango Habanero Salsa is summer in a bowl! Pair it with Tamarind Margaritas or refreshing Watermelon Water and let the snacking (and sipping) begin!

Ingredients

The ingredients you need to make the best mango habanero salsa are available at most grocery stores.

Habanero pepper - Handle fiery habanero peppers carefully, and consider wearing gloves. These peppers pack a punch! Remove the seeds and membranes to tone down the heat.
Fresh cilantro - chop the leaves and stems.
Fresh lime juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the heat and sweetness of this fresh salsa.
Mangoes - For the best flavor, look for juicy mangoes. Choose ripe mangoes for their natural sweetness. The skin should yield when pressed.
Red bell pepper for a bit of crunch and a sweet, mild flavor that balances the heat from the habanero.
Red onion adds a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness. It has a milder flavor than white onion, adding a nice color contrast.
Salt enhances all the flavors.

A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

It was so easy to make, and the sweet-spicy combination made it absolutely delicious. It tasted great on tacos!

- Anjali

Substitutions & Variations

Add-ins - Roasted corn kernels can add a smoky sweetness to the salsa. Mix in diced tomatoes for a more traditional salsa feel. Add diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Cilantro - If you don't like cilantro, omit it.
Grill the mango, onions, and peppers for a smoky flavor.
Habanero - If you can't find this fiery pepper, use scotch bonnet peppers, jalapeno peppers, or serrano peppers instead. Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
Mango - Use diced pineapple or peaches instead of mango.
Milder Spice - Reduce the spice level by substituting the habanero with Anaheim peppers or add more bell pepper for a non-spicy version.
More Spice - Add another habanero or two, or add a serrano pepper.

How to Make Mango Habanero Salsa

It's easy to make this chunky mango habanero salsa, even if it is your first time!

Chopped ingredients to make fresh mango habanero salsa.

Step 1: Chop the mango, red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, habanero pepper, and cilantro.

Ingredients for mango habanero salsa in a bowl.

Step 2: Place the chopped fresh ingredients in a large bowl.

Chopped ingredients in bowl to make mango habanero salsa.

Step 3: Pour freshly squeezed lime juice over the mixture and add salt. Stir all ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Bowl of Mango Habanero Salsa with tortilla chips on a platter.

Garnish this fresh Mango Habanero Salsa immediately before serving it with a slice of fresh lime and cilantro. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

Balance the Heat - Remove the seeds and membranes from the habanero peppers for a milder salsa. If the salsa is too spicy, add more mango or bell pepper to balance it out.
Chill Time - To allow the flavors to blend, chill the salsa for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour or two.
Consistency - Aim to dice the ingredients uniformly to ensure even flavor distribution.
Handle with Care - Wear gloves to avoid getting the spicy oils on your skin when working with habanero peppers.
Taste Test - Always taste and adjust lime juice and salt before serving.

Chopped fresh mango habanero salsa in a bowl next to tortilla chips and lime.

How to Serve

This Mango Habanero Salsa is a versatile side dish and can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you're using it as a dip, side, or topping, this salsa is sure to add a vibrant pop of flavor to any meal! Here are a few ideas:

Dip - Serve it with tortilla chips or pita chips as a snack or appetizer with Watermelon Water or a fun Blue Lagoon Mocktail, or at aperitivo hour with an Aperol Spritz, Tamarind Margaritas, or Pomegranate Blood Orange Margaritas.
Rice Bowls - Spoon this spicy mango salsa to your favorite rice or grain bowls like this Southwest Quinoa Bowl.
Salads - Use this chunky salsa as a topping for salads like this Vegan Southwest Salad.
Tacos - Spoon it over your favorite veggie tacos to elevate the flavors with a sweet and spicy kick.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store this mango habanero salsa?

Store the leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious. I don't recommend freezing it.

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a few hours before serving will allow the flavors to blend. If you let it sit for a day or two before serving, the salsa will be mellow, so you may want to add another habanero if you like the spice!

Can I use frozen mango?

Fresh mango is best for this recipe, but if using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture before dicing.

How do I reduce the heat in the salsa?

Remove the seeds and membrane from the habanero or use a milder pepper like a jalapeño. You can also make it ahead and serve it the next day-the flavors will mellow, and the salsa will not be as spicy.

If you try this recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

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Recipe

Mango Habanero Salsa

Author: Emily Miller

Spice up your meals with this Mango Habanero Salsa! A perfect blend of sweet and spicy, this fresh salsa is great for tortilla chips, tacos, and more. It's easy and delicious!

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 0

Resting time: 30

Total Time: 1

Servings: servings

Calories: 86.4kcal

EQUIPMENT

INGREDIENTS

▢ 2 cups ripe mango approximately 4 mangoes, diced
▢ 1 large red bell pepper seeded and diced
▢ ½ cup red onion diced
▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
▢ 1 habanero chile pepper seeded and membrane removed, minced
▢ ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped leaves and stems
▢ 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 medium lime
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt adjust to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the chopped mango, red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, habanero chile pepper, and cilantro.
2 cups ripe mango, 1 large red bell pepper, ½ cup red onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 habanero chile pepper, ¼ cup fresh cilantro
Pour freshly squeezed lime juice over the mixture. Add the salt and stir until well combined.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

NOTES

Remove the seeds and membranes from the habanero peppers for a milder salsa. If the salsa is too spicy, add more mango or bell pepper to balance it out.

To allow the flavors to blend, chill the salsa for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour or two, or make it the day before you plan to serve it.

Aim for uniform dice of all ingredients to ensure even flavor distribution.

Wear gloves to avoid getting the spicy oils on your skin when working with habanero peppers.

Always taste and adjust lime juice and salt before serving.
For a smooth salsa, mix all of the ingredients in a food processor.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 86.4 kcalCarbohydrates: 21.6 gProtein: 1.5 gFat: 0.6 gSaturated Fat: 0.1 gSodium: 95.6 mgPotassium: 294.8 mgFiber: 3 gSugar: 17.4 gCalcium: 24.6 mgIron: 0.4 mg

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Resplendent Kitchen offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site as a courtesy. Although resplendentkitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information from online calculators, these figures are estimates.