• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Peel with Zeal

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • GF Resources
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • GF Resources
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Appetizers

    Published: Aug 2, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Mango Habanero Salsa

    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    mango salsa in a bowl
    mango salsa in a bowl

    Looking for a unique salsa recipe with the perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors? This homemade mango habanero salsa recipe is going to bring the heat. Hot habanero chilis and ripe mangoes pair up for the most flavorful fruit salsa you have ever tasted.

    person dipping chip into salsa bowl.

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    I am a big fan of homemade salsas. Whether you are making traditional salsa recipes or putting your own spin on it, like making salsa without cilantro, homemade salsa always tastes better thanks to the fresh ingredients and the ability to adjust the seasonings to your preferred taste level.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️How to Make Spicy Mango Salsa
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip
    • 💭 Variations
    • 🌡️Storage
    • More Spicy Recipes
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    When making a fruit-based salsa it is important to take into account both textures and sweetness.

    Fruits like mangos and peaches tend to be softer so when mixed with tomatoes you get a mushy dip. Not good. Instead, we add red bell peppers so you get a different type of sweetness and some crunch.

    To balance the sweetness, we are obviously adding spicy habanero peppers but also olive oil. The fat in the small amount of olive oil helps move the flavors around so you don't get big overly spicy bites mixed with mild ones.

    That little splash makes this the best homemade mango habanero salsa.

    mango salsa in a bowl.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    Mango and habanero chili are obviously the stars of the show. For this recipe, I use 2 large mangos, if you use a different variety you may need to use up to 4 mangos.

    I typically use 1 habanero pepper but always buy two. Just in case it isn't as hot as I would like.

    How to Pick a Ripe Mango

    This recipe is best with ripe juicy mango. Squeeze the mango gently, a ripe mango will give slightly. If it is hard as a rock the mango is not yet ripe and needs to sit for a few more days before cutting into.

    To speed up the ripening process place the mango in a brown paper bag, roll it shut, and store it at room temperature. Mangoes release an odorless gas that speeds up the ripening process.

    Ripe mangos are generally available all year round as they are grown in different regions with staggered growing seasons.

    How to Pick a Hot Habanero Pepper

    Habanero peppers typically turn bright orange when fully mature. But they get hotter if they stay on the vine and turn to their final orange or red color.

    In addition, you will need:

    • Red Bell Pepper
    • Red Onion
    • Fresh Cilantro
    • Fresh Garlic
    • Lime
    • Olive Oil
    • Salt

    I do not recommend substituting white onion in this recipe. The flavor is too strong for the delicate mango.

    You need to use fresh lime as this recipe uses both fresh lime juice and the zest of the lime.

    recipe ingredients on a counter

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    ⏲️How to Make Spicy Mango Salsa

    Making salsa is a relatively quick process with the longest time commitment is in the chopping of the ingredients. The most important trick to this recipe is getting the diced right on the different ingredients.

    This is a chunkier salsa recipe, but certain items need to be bigger than others in order to achieve the perfect texture and to get all the flavors in one bite.

    Step 1- Cut the Mango

    The mango will be the largest diced piece in the salsa. The pit of the mango is large and flat. Cut down lengthwise about one-third of the way towards the center. Repeat on the other side.

    Use your knife to make a cross-hatch pattern. Turn the mango inside out and scrape out the flesh. Depending on how large the mango is you may need to dice it up more.

    cutting mangoes and habanero peppers

    Step 2- Cut the Habanero

    There are two ways to cut hot habanero peppers. The first is with a knife and cutting board. For which I highly recommend wearing gloves. Either latex gloves or kitchen gloves.

    The second is in a food processor. The downside of using a food processor is that the pepper will leave behind a very spicy oily residue that is hard to clean.

    Whichever method you choose, cut off the top and carefully devein.

    Finely dice the pepper with the knife. Or, if you go the food process route, pulse until the habanero is very finely diced.

    To clean out the food processor use the juiced lime from this recipe to wipe down the inside before washing thoroughly.

    The acid will help neutralize the heat of the pepper.

    Step 3- Combine

    Add the remaining ingredients except for the cilantro into a large bowl and gently mix. It will have a brighter flavor if you add it right before serving.

    Allow the salsa to sit at room temperature for one hour to develop the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want a spicier salsa you can add jalapeno peppers or extra habanero at this time.

    Stir in the cilantro and serve.

    adding recipe ingredients to the bowl

    🥗What to Serve with Chunky Mango Habanero Salsa

    Your favorite tortilla chips are the obvious choice. But I also like salsa on pieces of endive spears as a snack.

    This salsa recipe is great on chicken or fish tacos, in place of the pineapple salsa on our roasted salmon recipe, or serve alongside dairy-free enchiladas or lemongrass grilled pork.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

    I can't emphasize enough how small you need to cut the pepper! This is the only way to get the spice level consistent in every bite.

    💭 Variations

    This flavorful salsa can be made with any fruit in place of the mango. You can try it with pineapple, peaches, or even cherries.

    mango salsa and tortilla chips on a platter.

    🌡️Storage

    If you keep the salsa in a covered container, it will last 2-3 days in the fridge. It’s essential to keep it in an airtight container so the mango doesn't go bad.

    Serve the leftover salsa slightly chilled or at room temperature.

    Obviously, you know these are very spicy peppers. Please wear gloves and be sure not to touch your eyes or face. Or anyone else, for that matter including your pets.

    More Spicy Recipes

    • A piece of blackened cod on rice
      Blackened Cod
    • thai pumpkin soup in a black bowl
      Thai Pumpkin Soup
    • spicy kani salad in white serving bowl.
      Spicy Kani Salad with Mango
    • spicy coleslaw on a plate next to a serving bowl
      Spicy Avocado Coleslaw

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you substitute frozen mango for fresh mango in salsa?

    Yes, you can substitute frozen mango for fresh in this recipe. However, for best results use fresh mangoes. Fresh mango has a better texture for this type of salsa.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    mango salsa in a white bowl.

    Mango Habanero Salsa

    Fresh mango salsa with a spicy kick. Mangos and habanero peppers collide for a sweet and spicy salsa that is perfect for dipping or serving on tacos. You won't be to stop at just one bite!
    Servings: 8
    Prep: 10 mins
    Resting Time 1 hr
    Total: 10 mins
    5 from 6 votes
    PRINT PIN SAVE

    Equipment

    • Cutting board
    • Large Knife
    • Small Bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ripe mangos diced
    • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
    • ½ red onion finely diced
    • 1 habanero pepper deveined and very finely minced
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1 lime zest and juiced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ⅓ cup cilantro minced
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all the ingredients, except the cilantro, in a bowl. Stir well to evenly distribute the hot habanero pepper.
      2 ripe mangos, 1 red bell pepper, ½ red onion, 1 habanero pepper, 1 clove garlic, 1 lime, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • Cover and let sit for 1 hour at room temperature.
    • Stir in the cilantro, taste and adjust seasonings as needed, and serve.
      ⅓ cup cilantro
    Rate this Recipe

    Video

    Notes

    • Wearing kitchen gloves or a latex glove when chopping the habanero pepper is highly recommended.
    • The pepper and the garlic should be finely minced to help evenly distribute the heat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 24kcal | Carbs: 2g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 1g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American, Mexican
    Keyword habanero mango salsa, spicy mango salsa
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Next Recipe

    • Beef nachos on a sheet pan.
      Beef Nachos Supreme
    • Chicken nachos on a plate.
      BBQ Chicken Nachos
    • Charcuterie and cheese skewers in a cup.
      Charcuterie Cups
    • Christmas tree charcuterie board with meats and cheese.
      Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Join the Discussion Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Greetings!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    More About Me...

    Subscribe

    Not To Miss Recipes!

    • roasted eggplant on baking sheet
      Easy Oven Roasted Eggplant Slices
    • parmsean roasted zuchhini and yellow squash on a plate.
      Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Squash
    • christmas cookies decorated with royal icing
      Royal Icing with Meringue Powder
    • Roasted cornish hens on a plate with oranges and herbs.
      Citrus and Herb Cornish Hens

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out our new Web Stories

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Partnerships

    Copyright © 2023 Peel with Zeal