Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Strawberry Mango Salsa is a celebration of sweet fruit, zesty lime, and a touch of heat. With its gorgeous medley of colors and bright flavors, it’s the kind of salsa that feels just as at home on a sunny patio as it does at a dinner table.
Ingredient Breakdown
Ripe mangoes and strawberries are the foundation of this dish. Look for mangoes that yield slightly to pressure and carry a fragrant aroma near the stem. Dice them into small, even cubes for a consistent texture. Strawberries should be bright red, firm, and juicy. Avoid overripe berries, as they tend to soften too quickly in the mix.
Jalapeño adds just the right touch of warmth without overwhelming the fruity notes. Remove the seeds and inner membranes to control the spice level while preserving its crisp green flavor.
Lime juice brings a clean citrus acidity that brightens all the other ingredients, while a pinch of chili powder introduces earthy depth and mild smokiness that rounds out the sweetness.
Red onion offers a pungent sharpness and crunch, and when finely diced, it becomes a subtle but essential player. Fresh cilantro adds a herbal citrusy lift, tying everything together with a pop of freshness.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Begin by dicing the mango and strawberries into evenly sized cubes—this ensures that every bite delivers a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and heat. Finely dice the red onion and jalapeño so they blend seamlessly into the salsa without overpowering any one spoonful.
Once all the components are prepped, combine them gently in a medium bowl. Stirring too vigorously may bruise the strawberries or break down the mango, so fold everything together with care.
Add the freshly squeezed lime juice, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir again and taste—this is the moment to adjust. A little more lime can sharpen the flavor, while a touch more salt enhances the sweetness.
While the salsa is delicious served immediately, letting it rest for 10–15 minutes allows the flavors to mingle and settle. However, longer than 30 minutes may begin to soften the strawberries too much, so time it accordingly if prepping ahead.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep the strawberries from becoming too soft:
Choose firm, fresh berries and add them last when mixing. Avoid over-stirring.
Controlling the spice level: jalapeño amounts and alternatives:
Use only half a pepper for mild heat, or swap in poblano for a gentler kick. Add a few red chili flakes for extra spice.
Enhancing flavor with zest or a splash of orange juice:
A pinch of lime zest or a teaspoon of orange juice enhances the citrus dimension without overwhelming the base.
Chilling techniques to boost freshness and presentation:
Chill the bowl before assembling and serve the salsa slightly cold to keep it crisp and refreshing.
Can I use frozen fruit for this salsa?
Frozen fruit is not recommended for this recipe as it releases excess liquid and lacks the firm texture needed for salsa.
How long does this salsa stay fresh in the fridge?
Best enjoyed within 24 hours. Store in an airtight container and stir gently before serving again.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
Fresh mint or basil are great substitutes, offering unique herbal twists.
Can I make it sweeter or spicier?
Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness or keep a few jalapeño seeds in for more heat.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair this salsa with sea salt tortilla chips for a clean, classic crunch. For more flair, try blue corn chips for color contrast or cinnamon-dusted pita chips for a sweet-savory snack.
It also complements a variety of proteins—grilled shrimp, seared chicken breast, fish tacos, or pork tenderloin. The fruitiness offsets the savory notes beautifully, creating a layered flavor experience.
Don’t stop at chips and meats. Spoon it over avocado toast, wrap it into lettuce cups, or serve it as a vibrant topping for quinoa bowls. It even shines on brunch spreads next to frittatas or as a colorful addition to crostini.
Creative Variations
Swap out strawberries with chunks of fresh pineapple, diced peaches, or seedless watermelon to experiment with new flavor profiles. Each brings a different level of sweetness and texture.
For creaminess, fold in diced avocado or crumble in a bit of feta cheese. The added richness complements the brightness of the fruit.
Add black beans or roasted corn to make it heartier—these ingredients lend body and contrast while keeping the dish light and summery.
For a different application, use the salsa as a base for a fruity vinaigrette. Blend it with olive oil and a splash of vinegar to drizzle over leafy salads or grilled vegetables.
Strawberry Mango Salsa is a quick, no-fuss dish that delivers bold, fresh flavor in every spoonful. Its eye-catching colors and sweet-spicy balance make it a versatile standout—whether served at a cookout, picnic, or family dinner.
It’s a recipe that invites customization and creativity, offering endless ways to enjoy the brightness of fresh fruit in savory settings. Keep it simple or play with variations—it’s delicious any way you slice it.
Ingredients
1 cup diced mango
1 cup diced strawberries
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
Juice of one lime
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Salt, to taste
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the mango, strawberries, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Drizzle the freshly squeezed lime juice over the top, then sprinkle with chili powder and a pinch of salt.
Using a spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until evenly mixed, being careful not to mash the fruit. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice as needed.
Serve immediately as a vibrant topping for grilled meats, tacos, or enjoy it simply with tortilla chips for a refreshing snack.
Strawberry Mango Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1 cup diced strawberries
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
- Juice of one lime
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mango, strawberries, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Drizzle the freshly squeezed lime juice over the top, then sprinkle with chili powder and a pinch of salt.
- Using a spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until evenly mixed, being careful not to mash the fruit. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice as needed.
- Serve immediately as a vibrant topping for grilled meats, tacos, or enjoy it simply with tortilla chips for a refreshing snack.
