Mango Pineapple Salsa

Fresh fruit salsa

This mango pineapple salsa is a delicious twist on traditional tomato salsa. It's full of sweet fruit with a touch of spice from red onion and jalapeños.

Ingredient notes

• Mango and pineapple are both wonderfully sweet and pair beautifully together.
• Red onion adds a slightly sharp yet sweet bite as compared to yellow onion. I also love the punch of purple color. For a milder onion flavor, you can substitute shallots.
• Jalapeños add a spicy kick. For extra heat, leave the seeds and membrane intact. To tone down the heat, use pickled jalapeños.
• Cilantro - I love the flavor and freshness and bright green color.  If you are not a fan of cilantro, add parsley or chives instead.
• Lime juice adds acidity and brightens up all of the other flavors.

What to look for when buying mangos

When selecting a mango at the supermarket, look for mangos that have turned from green to yellow/orange and red. A ripe mango will feel heavy and will give slightly when squeezed. Look for skin that is smooth without blemishes.

How to cut a mango

Mangos can be intimidating to cut. They have a pit that runs the length of the fruit from the top stem to the bottom.

1. Cut the mango into two pieces - With the stem on top, move out about ¼ inch from the stem and make a cut from top to bottom. Repeat this cut on the other side. You will have two halves.

☑TIP: The flesh that remains next to the pit isn't easily cut off into neat cubes, so you can use this for smoothies.

2. Remove the flesh from the skin - Take one piece and make parallel cuts through the flesh to the skin, without cutting through the skin. Turn the mango 90 degrees and make another set of cuts. The cuts will look like a diamond pattern.

3. Scoop out the flesh using a spoon. This is the easiest method. Alternatively, fold the mango back, popping the cut cubes of mango forward. Use a small paring knife to separate the fruit from the skin. Repeat with the other half.

For additional information, check out 3 ways to cut a mango.

What to look for when buying a pineapple

• Look for a pineapple with a greenish-yellow hue and vibrant fresh green leaves.
• Choose a heavy pineapple and one that gives slightly when gently squeezed.
• A ripe pineapple will have a sweet pineapple smell when you put your nose near the base.
• Give one of the green leaves at the top a gentle pull. Leaves that come out easily are generally a sign that the pineapple is ripe.

How to cut a pineapple

1. Cut the top off of the pineapple.
2. Cut off the bottom of the pineapple.
3. Set the pineapple upright on the bottom end. Working your way around the pineapple, cut the skin off from top to bottom, following the shape of the fruit.
4. Cut the pineapple in half, lengthwise from top to bottom. Cut each half in half again so you have four pieces.
5. Remove the core from each piece by cutting at an angle. Cut each piece in half again.
6. Slice crosswise to create small chunks. Repeat with each piece.

For more information, check out How to Cut a Pineapple for tips (including a video).

Step-by-step instructions

See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

1. Dice the mango and pineapple (see notes above). Transfer the fruit to a mixing bowl.
2. To dice the jalapeños, cut off the stem. Cut the jalapeño in half lengthwise Remove the seeds and membrane. Cut long thin strips, then cross-cut to dice into small pieces. Transfer the pepper to the mixing bowl.

☑TIP: If you are sensitive to spice, wear disposable gloves when working with jalapeños, or be sure to wash your hands afterward.

3. Dice the red onion and chop the cilantro. Add to the mixing bowl. Toss all of the ingredients to combine.
4. Add the lime juice and stir to combine. Depending on how sweet the fruit is, you can adjust the amount of lime juice. Taste and season with salt as needed.

Serving suggestions

There are so many ways to enjoy this salsa, so I definitely recommend making a double batch!

• Grab a bag of tortilla chips - Snack time doesn't get any better than chips and salsa - sweet and salty!
• Chicken, shrimp, or fish tacos - a delicious way to add a fresh twist to taco night.
• Nachos - This salsa is a wonderful addition to these Barbecue Chicken Nachos.
• Grilled chicken or fish - Serve salsa on top of grilled chicken or fish for a delicious summer dinner. Try this Mango Salsa Chicken.
• Fruit salad - Serve this salsa by itself as fruit salad - with a little spicy kick.  So refreshing especially on hot summer days.

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