Mango Habanero Salsa Recipe

This healthy, no-tomato mango habanero salsa recipe combines the tropical sweetness of mangoes with the fiery kick of habanero peppers. It is a crowd-pleaser that will elevate your dishes with vibrant colors and irresistible flavors.

For a less spicy salsa, try Mango Cucumber Salsa.

Why I Love This No-Tomato Salsa

• It is a breeze to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• The sweet and spicy combo creates a refreshing flavor.
• This flavorful salsa is perfect for taking on picnics and gatherings.
• This is a no-oil salsa with mangoes and raw ingredients.
• It's gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great appetizer or topping for all kinds of diets.

How Hot is Habanero Mango Salsa?

The spiciness of habanero mango salsa can vary depending on the number of habanero peppers used.

Habanero peppers are generally known for their hotness and rank high on the Scoville scale, which measures the spiciness of chili peppers. On average, habanero peppers have a Scoville rating ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). In comparison, jalapeño peppers, commonly used in milder salsas, typically have a Scoville rating of around 2,500 to 8,000 SHU.

But don't be afraid! When combined with ripe mangoes, the heat of the habanero peppers in mango habanero salsa is nicely balanced by the sweetness of the fruit, resulting in a delicious salsa.

Ingredients

Gather a handful of ingredients. Use as much of each ingredient as you want, but see the recipe card for suggested quantities.

• Note on Mangoes - You can find mangoes prepared into chunks, making this an even easier salsa. I do not recommend using frozen mangoes.
• Color isn’t the best indicator of ripeness—focus on firmness, smell, texture, and the stem instead. A ripe mango should yield slightly to gentle pressure but shouldn’t feel mushy. It should have a sweet, fruity aroma at the stem. Look for smooth, plump skin, as wrinkled or shriveled skin can indicate overripeness. The stem end should be slightly raised with no mold or damage.
• If your mango is underripe, leave it at room temperature or place it in a paper bag to speed up ripening. Once ripe, store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for a few days.

How To Cut Mangoes

Select a ripe mango and wash it.

Hold the mango upright. Make vertical cuts on all sides to get four pieces.

Cut a checkered pattern on the flesh of each piece.

Scoop out the mango cubes with a spoon.

You can remove the remaining flesh from the seed if any is left.

Optional: If you prefer, peel the skin off the mango slices with a sharp knife before cutting them into cubes.

How To Handle and Cut Habaneros

Handling and chopping habanero peppers require caution due to their high level of capsaicin, which is the compound responsible for their spiciness.

• Do not touch your eyes or lips after handling them.
• Wear gloves to safely handle and chop habanero peppers to prevent capsaicin contact with your skin.
• Ensure it's a well-ventilated workspace to avoid inhaling the pepper's spicy fumes - ask me how I know.

Cut off the stem.

Slice peppers in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes for reduced heat.

Chop peppers into small, uniform pieces on a cutting board.

After chopping, place the chopped habaneros in a bowl with the rest of the ingredients. Carefully remove and discard gloves. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Clean the knife and cutting board with hot, soapy water.

How To Make Habanero Salsa

Once everything is chopped or diced, squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with salt. Gently toss all the fresh ingredients together until well combined in a large bowl. Allow the chunky salsa to sit in the fridge for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. It's that easy!

Serving Suggestions for Mango Habanero Salsa

• Serve the salsa with your favorite tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer or snack.
• Enhance tacos or quesadillas with a generous spoonful of salsa. Try it on Roasted Cauliflower Tacos, Black Bean Tostadas, or Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas.
• Use the salsa as a vibrant topping for tofu or tempeh like in Everything Bagel Crispy Tofu or Smoked Tofu.
• Drizzle the salsa over a refreshing green salad for a sweet and spicy flavor.
• Place a dollop over a grain bowl like a Mediterranean Grain Bowl or Vegan Taco Bowl.

Mango Salsa FAQS

More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Vegan Recipes

Have a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Mango Habanero Salsa. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.