Homemade Mango Habanero Salsa Recipe

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This easy and delicious Mango Habanero Salsa is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. With juicy mangoes, spicy habanero peppers, and fresh cilantro, this salsa is always a hit. Ready in just a few simple steps, this recipe is packed with fresh flavors, perfect for dipping or as a topping for your favorite meals!

A vibrant bowl of pineapple salsa with chopped onions, peppers, and fresh cilantro, set on a light wooden surface. A lime and cilantro sprig are nearby, adding a fresh touch.

If you are intimidated by cooking with habanero peppers, you are not alone! Many people shy away from using habaneros, fearing they’ll end up with something far too spicy—but don't you worry I've got you covered!

With a few easy techniques, you can enjoy the delicious, fruity flavor of this pepper without overwhelming heat.

Try this spicy salsa is the perfect addition to my Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Gluten-Free Chicken Enchiladas, or Dutch Oven Barbacoa.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Sweet And Spicy: The natural sweetness of the fresh mangoes and spicy kick from the habanero is the perfect combination.
Fresh Ingredients: Using high-quality, fresh seasonal ingredients adds so much flavor. It does not compare to salsa out of a jar!
Quick And Easy: You just need 10 minutes and a handful of ingredients that you can grab at your local grocery store to make this flavorful salsa.

Ingredients

Mango: You will want to make sure you choose ripe mangoes for this recipe. The mangos add sweetness which balances out the flavors nicely.
Orange Bell Pepper: I used an orange bell pepper, but you can certainly use a red bell pepper as it will be slightly sweeter.
Red Onion: The red onion is a bit softer than a white onion. I would not recommend using a white onion in this recipe as it will likely be a bit too sharp.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a nice vibrant color and distinct flavor to this fresh salsa.
Lime Juice: Please use fresh lime juice! I do not recommend the stuff that comes in the jar, it's not fresh and it does not taste the same. If you are in a pinch and don’t have limes, you can use fresh lemon juice.
Sea Salt: Pink Himalayan Sea Salt is my go-to, but kosher salt will also work.
Habanero Pepper: Seeds, stem and membrane removed. You will also want to make sure you chop it into small pieces.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions And Variations

Milder Salsa: If spicy habaneros are too much for you, swap them out for jalapeño peppers, or serrano pepper, which will provide more of a mild heat.
Change The Texture: You can chop your mangos larger to make more of a chunkier salsa. For a smooth salsa, you can place the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
Pineapple Habanero Salsa: You can swap mango for pineapple for a fun variation on this fruit salsa.
Cooling Element: Try dicing up an avocado and adding it in for a cooling effect and creamy texture.

How To Make Habanero Mango Salsa

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

A glass bowl containing chopped ingredients: bright orange bell peppers, red onions, vibrant green cilantro, and diced yellow mango. The colorful ingredients are arranged neatly, showcasing a mix of textures and freshness.

Step 1. In a large bowl add the chopped mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt and combine.

Step 2. Add in a little bit of the habanero pepper, and stir to combine. Take a taste and add more spicy pepper or salt to suit your taste preference.

Expert Tips And Notes

Wear Gloves: The heat of the pepper will stay on your hands long after you are done chopping! You may want to use gloves to avoid getting the juice of the peppers on your hands.
Adjust The Spice Level: Add a little bit of habanero pepper at a time. Doing this will help you monitor the heat level to one of your liking.
Use Fresh Fruit and Veggies: This recipe only includes a handful of ingredients, so it's extra important to use fresh fruit and veggies for the best results.

What To Serve With Habanero Mango Salsa

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this up!

Tortilla Chips: Pair this salsa with your favorite tortilla chips or crackers for dipping.
Mexican Food: Pair with tacos de barbacoa, grilled shrimp tacos, barbacoa quesadillas, fish tacos, nachos, or gluten-free chicken enchiladas.
BBQ: Serve alongside your favorite smoked meats, such as brisket, smoked burgers, pulled pork, or carnitas.
Grilled Meats And Fish: Top your grilled chicken, grilled salmon, or beef with this homemade salsa.
Toppings Bar: You can also include it as part of your toppings bar for your next Taco Tuesday, along with Cottage Cheese Queso, Quick Pickled Red Onions, and Easy Guacamole.

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Storage And Reheating

Storage: Place the leftover salsa in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.
Reheating: There is no need to reheat as it is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

Recipe FAQs

What are habanero peppers?

A Habanero pepper is an extremely hot chili pepper. It’s smaller in size and usually orange or red in color. Habanero chilies are great for roasting, grilling, or sautéing, and are typically used sparingly in recipes as a little goes a long way.
If you want to mellow out the heat of a habanero pepper, try roasting it first. This will bring out more of the sweetness and cut down on the spice.

Are habanero peppers spicy?

Yes, these suckers are spicy! In fact, they are estimated to be roughly 10 times hotter than jalapeno peppers! They have a heat level between 100,000 and 350,000 on the Scoville scale. For reference, that's about ten times hotter than jalapeno peppers!

Can I use frozen mango for this recipe?

You can definitely use frozen mangos for this recipe. You will need them to thaw and then pat them dry before preparing the salsa. If you skip that step the added moisture can make your salsa too watery.

A colorful salad featuring chunks of mango, red onion, and herbs in a white bowl. Nearby are a bright orange pepper and green leafy herbs on a rustic white wooden surface.

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