A Burst of Sunshine in a Bowl
My kitchen feels brighter when I make this salsa. The colors are so happy. It is like a little party in a bowl.
I learned to make this from my neighbor, Maria. She brought it over one hot summer day. We ate the whole bowl with chips on my porch. I still laugh at that. It was gone in five minutes!
Why This Simple Salsa Matters
This is more than just a snack. It is a way to make a simple meal feel special. That is the first reason this matters.
Chopping everything by hand is my favorite part. It feels good to make something real. This is my second reason. It connects you to your food. Do you have a favorite quick recipe that makes you feel this way?
Let’s Talk About the Magic Mix
The mango is sweet. The lime is tangy. The jalapeño gives a little kick. Doesn’t that sound like a perfect team?
You can control the heat. Take the seeds out of the jalapeño for a milder salsa. Or leave them in if you are brave! Fun fact: The heat in a pepper lives in its white ribs and seeds. What level of spice do you like in your food? Mild, medium, or super hot?
How to Chop It All Up
Just chop everything into small, similar-sized pieces. This way, you get a bit of everything on your chip. No big pieces to overpower a bite.
My trick is to use a sharp knife. It makes the work faster and safer. A dull knife can slip. Be careful with those fingers! The smell of lime and cilantro mixing together is just amazing.
More Than Just a Chip Dip
Of course, it is perfect with tortilla chips. But do not stop there. This salsa is a superstar helper.
Try it on a piece of simple grilled fish or chicken. It makes the meal taste fancy with no extra work. I love it on top of a simple taco, too. It adds a fresh, juicy crunch. What is the most creative way you have used a salsa like this? I would love to hear your ideas.

Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe Mangos | 3 | peeled, seeded, diced |
| Red Onion | 1/2 | diced |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1/2 | diced |
| Fresh Cilantro | 1/4 cup (4g) | chopped |
| Jalapeño | 1 small | diced, veins and seeds removed for milder salsa |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Lime | Juice of 1 | |
| Salt | to taste |

A Little Sunshine in a Bowl
My grandson calls this my happy food. I think he’s right. Just chopping these bright colors makes me smile. It reminds me of summer picnics and laughing with friends. The best part is how easy it is. You can whip it up before your favorite show starts.
Step 1
Let’s get all our chopping done first. Dice your ripe mangos into little cubes. Do the same with the red onion and bell pepper. Try to make them all about the same size. It makes every bite perfect.
Step 2
Now, for the jalapeño. Be careful with this one. I always wash my hands right after. (This is my hard-learned tip! The oils can sting if you touch your eyes). Remove the seeds to keep it mild. My friend Lucy learned that the hard way. I still laugh at that.
Step 3
Chop up your fresh cilantro. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It smells like a real fiesta. Toss everything into a big, pretty bowl. I like using a glass one to show off all the colors.
Step 4
Time for the magic! Pour in the cider vinegar and squeeze the lime juice. Sprinkle a little salt over the top. Now, give it all a gentle stir. Let it sit for five minutes so the flavors can dance together. What’s your favorite chip for dipping? Share below!
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Appetizer, Condiment
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a little black dress. You can dress it up any way you like. Feel free to play with it. Here are some of my favorite ways to change it.
The Sweet & Crunchy Twist
Add a handful of fresh corn kernels and some black beans. It makes it a full meal on its own.
The Tropical Vacation Twist
Mix in some tiny pieces of pineapple. It makes the mango taste even sweeter. Close your eyes and imagine the beach.
The Super Spicy Twist
Leave the seeds in your jalapeño. Or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This one is for the brave hearts.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
How to Serve Your Sunshine Salsa
Of course, it’s wonderful with crispy tortilla chips. But don’t stop there. I love it spooned over a simple grilled chicken breast. It turns a simple dinner into something special. You can also pile it high on fish tacos.
For a drink, a cold glass of lemonade is just perfect. The tartness loves the sweet mango. For the grown-ups, a light, crisp lager beer is a wonderful match. It cools everything down so nicely.
Which would you choose tonight?

Storing Your Sunshine Salsa
Keep your salsa fresh in a sealed container. It will last about three days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for one month.
I once made a huge batch for a summer party. I froze half for later. It was a lifesaver on a busy weeknight.
Batch cooking saves you time and money. It means a tasty, healthy snack is always ready for you. This makes busy days feel less rushed.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Easy Fixes for Salsa Troubles
Is your salsa too spicy? Take out the jalapeño seeds first. You can also add more diced mango to calm the heat.
I remember when my salsa was too watery. The secret is to use ripe but firm mangos. This makes a big difference.
If the flavors seem flat, add a pinch more salt. Salt wakes up all the other tastes. Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn what you like best.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Salsa Questions Answered
Q: Is this salsa gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Enjoy it without worry.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Make it a day before. The flavors get even better.
Q: What if I don’t have cilantro? A: You can use fresh parsley instead. It will still be delicious.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! Just use a bigger bowl to mix everything.
Q: Any fun additions? A: Try adding some black beans or corn. Fun fact: A mango is a member of the cashew family!
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this bright and cheerful salsa. It always makes me think of sunny days. I would love to see your creation.
Share a picture of your finished dish. It makes this old grandma’s heart so happy. Show me how yours turned out.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.

Easy Mango Salsa Recipe Ready in 10 Minutes
Description
Finely dice ripe mangos, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Mix in a large bowl with cider vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Serve with tortilla chips, over fish, chicken, on tacos, burritos, salads or quesadillas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely dice the ripe mangos, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro.
- Combine all the diced ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the cider vinegar, lime juice, and salt to the bowl.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, over fish, chicken, on tacos, burritos, salads, or quesadillas.
Notes
- For the best flavor, let the salsa sit for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.