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Fresh pineapple mango salsa with red onion, cilantro, and peppers served in a white ramekin.
Layla

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Sweet, spicy, and impossibly fresh - this tropical salsa turns any grilled fish or chip into a vacation on a plate.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Condiment, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Caribbean, Mexican
Calories: 68

Ingredients
  

Fruit
  • 2 cups pineapple fresh, finely diced (about 1/2 medium pineapple)
  • 2 cups mango ripe but firm, finely diced (about 2 large mangoes)
Aromatics & Heat
  • 0.5 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 medium jalapeño seeded for mild, minced
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
Fresh & Bright
  • 0.5 cup cilantro fresh, chopped
  • 2 medium lime juiced, about 3 tablespoons
Seasoning
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Sharp Chef's Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Microplane or fine grater

Method
 

Prep the Fruit
  1. Cut the pineapple into 1/4-inch dice, avoiding the tough core. For the mangoes, slice off both cheeks, score the flesh in a grid pattern without cutting through the skin, then scoop out with a spoon. Dice to the same size as the pineapple. Uniform pieces matter here - they look better and eat better.
  2. Finely dice the red onion and mince the jalapeño. If you want less heat, remove the seeds and white pith completely. Mince or grate the garlic clove on a microplane so it disappears into the salsa rather than hitting you with a raw garlic bite.
  3. Add the pineapple, mango, red onion, jalapeño, and garlic to a large bowl. Squeeze the lime juice directly over everything, catching any seeds in your hand. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Fold in the chopped cilantro gently so you don't bruise it. Let the salsa sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving - this brief rest lets the salt draw out juices and the flavors marry. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.
  5. Serve immediately with chips, over grilled fish or chicken, or tucked into tacos. The salsa keeps refrigerated for up to 2 days, though it will soften and become more liquid over time.

Notes

For the best texture, use pineapple and mango that yield slightly to pressure but still feel firm - overripe fruit turns mushy. If your pineapple is especially sweet, add an extra squeeze of lime to balance. Make it 30 minutes ahead for peak flavor, but don't go longer than 2 hours or the cilantro wilts and the fruit macerates too much.