Description of this recipe: This vibrant Avocado and Mango Salsa is a delightful fusion of creamy avocado, sweet mango, and zesty lime. It’s a quick and easy recipe that requires no cooking, making it perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a simple snack. The combination of textures and flavors creates an irresistible experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
Why you will love this recipe:
This salsa is more than just a dip; it’s a celebration of fresh, tropical flavors. The creamy avocado provides a smooth and buttery base, while the sweet mango adds a burst of tropical sunshine. The red onion offers a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness, and the jalapeño (optional) provides a gentle kick of heat. Fresh cilantro and lime juice tie all the flavors together, creating a harmonious and addictive salsa.
Beyond its incredible taste, this Avocado and Mango Salsa is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for grilled fish, chicken, or tacos, or even as a flavorful addition to salads. It’s a healthy and delicious way to add a touch of the tropics to any meal. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Begin by washing and drying all your produce. Carefully dice the avocado and mango into small, uniform pieces. Finely chop the red onion and mince the jalapeño (if using), removing the seeds for a milder flavor. Chop the fresh cilantro. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the assembly process quick and easy.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, mango, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Be careful not to mash the avocado; you want to maintain its creamy texture.
Step 3: Season and Mix. Drizzle the lime juice over the mixture. Season with salt to taste. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the lime juice and salt are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can cause the avocado to become mushy.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust. Give the salsa a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lime juice for extra tang, more salt for enhanced flavor, or more jalapeño for additional heat. Remember that the flavors will meld and intensify as the salsa sits, so it’s best to start with less seasoning and add more gradually.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy. Serve the Avocado and Mango Salsa immediately with tortilla chips, grilled meats, fish, or as a topping for your favorite dishes. For optimal flavor, let the salsa sit for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Very Easy
- Taste: Excellent
- Versatility: High
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dip with tortilla chips.
- Top grilled fish, chicken, or pork with the salsa.
- Add to tacos or burritos for a burst of flavor.
- Use as a topping for salads or grain bowls.
- Serve with grilled shrimp or scallops.
- Add to scrambled eggs or omelets for a tropical twist.
- Use as a condiment for burgers or sandwiches.
- Serve with quesadillas or nachos.
- Add to ceviche for added flavor and texture.
Tips:
- Use ripe but firm avocados and mangoes for the best texture and flavor.
- To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze extra lime juice over it.
- If you don’t have fresh jalapeños, you can use a pinch of dried red pepper flakes.
- For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing.
- If you’re not serving the salsa immediately, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent browning.
- Add other ingredients to customize the salsa to your liking, such as black beans, corn, bell peppers, or other herbs.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your preferred level of spice.
- Use a good quality lime for the best flavor.
- Make sure to chop the ingredients into small, uniform pieces for a consistent texture.
- Gently toss the ingredients together to avoid mashing the avocado.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion:
This Avocado and Mango Salsa recipe is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients. It’s a vibrant and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re serving it as a dip, a topping, or a condiment, this salsa is a versatile addition to any meal. With its easy preparation and delicious taste, this Avocado and Mango Salsa will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy this tropical fiesta in every bite! The bright flavors and contrasting textures make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect appetizer for a summer barbecue, a light lunch, or a flavorful addition to your favorite Mexican dishes. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make this salsa ahead of time, but keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly. To minimize browning, squeeze extra lime juice over the avocado and store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume it within a few hours for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Can I use frozen mango in this recipe?
- While fresh mango is ideal, you can use frozen mango in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing. Frozen mango may not have the same texture as fresh mango, but it will still add sweetness and flavor to the salsa.
- How can I make this salsa spicier?
- If you like your salsa with a kick, you can add more jalapeño or use a hotter variety of pepper, such as serrano or habanero. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the salsa.
- What are some other variations of this salsa?
- The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this salsa. You can add black beans, corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, pineapple, or jicama for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as mint or basil.
- What is the best way to serve this salsa?
- This salsa is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It’s delicious as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for grilled meats, fish, or tacos, or a flavorful addition to salads or grain bowls. You can also serve it with grilled shrimp or scallops, add it to scrambled eggs or omelets, or use it as a condiment for burgers or sandwiches.
