Mango Pineapple Salsa

A flavorful salsa is a welcome addition to any backyard barbecue, game day party or potluck dinner. If you’re sick of the traditional version, why not swap it out for something a little sweeter? This fun and flavorful mango and pineapple salsa is made with tropical fruits that make it completely irresistible. Sweet and salty is a classic combination, and that’s never more true than in this recipe that pairs sweet fruits with salty tortilla chips. The best part? It tastes even better the longer you let the flavors marry in the refrigerator. That means you can make it in advance and it’ll taste even better the next day. 

This is a straightforward recipe that can be made quickly and easily. Once you have the fruits, peppers and cilantro cleaned and prepped, simply combine them in a dish and cover to refrigerate. Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips, and enjoy cold or at room temperature. 

Ingredients for Mango Pineapple Salsa 

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

• Mango: This sweet, juicy fruit acts as the base for the tropical salsa. The fresh mango juices marry beautifully with the acidity of the lemon and lime juice, which makes for a complex flavor that perfectly balances sweet and sour.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is key to adding tropical flavor in this salsa recipe. Typically associated with sweet recipes, it makes for a refreshing combination when scooped up with a salty chip.
• Sweet red pepper: Though this sweet pepper doesn’t offer much spice, it still lends the earthy, grassy flavor that peppers are known for. It also serves as a crunchy complement to the soft, juicy fruits in the salsa. 
• Plum tomato: Tomato is key to any salsa recipe, and this one is no different. The juicy plum tomatoes offer acidic, sweet flavor that’s earthy and aromatic. 
• Fresh cilantro: Since this recipe is on the sweeter side, the addition of fresh cilantro helps balance out the sweetness with some earthy, herbal flavor reminiscent of traditional salsa. You can mince the cilantro into tiny pieces or roughly chop larger leaves, depending on your preference. 
• Lime juice: The tart flavor from lime juice helps balance out the sweet fruits in this recipe. Lime juice adds a more tart, bitter flavor than lemon juice and is commonly used in more tropical dishes like this one.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice helps offset all the sweet fruit juices with a bit of acidity. You can add more or less, depending on your preference. 
• Jalapeño pepper: Any salsa recipe needs a little heat! The jalapeño peppers in this recipe offer flavorful spice with a bit of crunch. 
• Tortilla chips: There’s no better companion to salsa than tortilla chips! Choose your favorite variety of salty chip to scoop up this irresistible salsa. 
• Green onions: These bold bulbs have a deeply grassy flavor that’s a strong combination of onions and garlic. They add a good crunch and a zesty kick to anything they’re mixed into.

Directions    

Step 1: Mix it all up 

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

In a large bowl, combine all the salsa ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for one hour or until chilled. Serve with tortilla chips.

Mango Pineapple Salsa Variations

• Char the pineapple in advance: This mango pineapple salsa recipe is delicious as it is, but if you’d like to add even more deep, caramelized flavor, try charring the pineapple in advance. Cooking the pineapple over a hot grill or searing it in a pan will help the sugars in the pineapple char and caramelize, giving the salsa a smokier flavor.
• Add more heat: This is a relatively mild salsa, so it’s great for serving to a big crowd with varying spice tolerances. But if you like spicy salsas, try adding in different types of peppers here, like poblanos, habaneros or serranos.

How to Store Mango Pineapple Salsa 

Mango pineapple salsa should be stored in the refrigerator. Once the ingredients are combined, cover the bowl and transfer it to the refrigerator. You can transfer the salsa to an airtight container or a mason jar with a tight fitting lid too.

How long does mango pineapple salsa last? 

The great thing about this recipe for mango pineapple salsa is that it gets even better as the flavors develop and marry together in the bowl. If covered and stored in the refrigerator, this salsa can last for four to five days. 

Mango Pineapple Salsa Tips    

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

What can you make with mango pineapple salsa?

Mango pineapple salsa is a really versatile dip. It can be enjoyed with chips, on a plate of grilled fish or over chicken tacos. It makes a great addition to simple salads or a burrito bowl and can be served alongside grilled steak or a hamburger.

Is mango pineapple salsa spicy?

It depends how much jalapeño pepper you add! This recipe is relatively mild and super sweet, with hints of acidity from the citrus. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to double the amount of jalapeño outlined in the recipe. 

Can you season this mango and pineapple salsa with salt and pepper?

Of course! Although we don’t think this recipe requires any additional seasoning, a little salt and pepper goes a long way in any recipe. Keep in mind that adding salt will draw out the juices from the mango and pineapple, so you’ll get a more liquid consistency when it’s left overnight.