20-Minute Fresh Mango Shrimp Salsa

Prep: 20 min6 servingsmediumAmerican
Fresh Mango Shrimp Salsa with Avocado and Lime

This vibrant tropical salsa combines sweet diced mangos, tender cooked shrimp, and creamy avocados with zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro. The jalapeños add a gentle heat while red onion provides a subtle bite. Perfect as an appetizer for summer gatherings, parties, or casual dinners, this colorful dish brings together the best of fresh ingredients in every bite. Serve with crispy tortilla chips for scooping, or use as a topping for grilled fish or tacos. The lime juice not only adds bright flavor but also helps keep the avocados fresh and green.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 lb cooked shrimp, medium, peeled & deveined
    cooked crab meat1:1pescatarian

    similar texture and flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 mangos
    diced pineapple1:1none

    tropical sweetness maintained

    Full guide →
  • 2 avocados
    diced cucumber1:1none

    adds crunch, reduces creaminess

    Full guide →
  • ½ red onion, finely diced
  • ½ bunch cilantro
  • 3 limes, juiced (about 2/3 to 3/4 cup juice)
  • 2 jalapeño, finely diced
    serrano pepper1:1none

    increases heat level

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse thawed shrimp and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels

  2. 2

    Coarsely chop shrimp and place in large mixing bowl

  3. 3

    Squeeze lime juice directly over shrimp and let marinate while prepping other ingredients

  4. 4

    Pit, peel and dice mangos and add to bowl with shrimp

  5. 5

    Peel, pit and dice avocados and add to bowl

  6. 6

    Add finely diced jalapeños, red onion and cilantro

  7. 7

    Stir all ingredients to combine

  8. 8

    Serve with tortilla chips

Tips

Tip 1

Pat shrimp completely dry before chopping to prevent watery salsa and ensure better texture

Tip 2

Add avocados just before serving to maintain their color and prevent browning

Tip 3

Adjust jalapeño amount based on heat preference - remove seeds for milder flavor

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 24 hours, though avocado may brown slightly

Make Ahead

Prepare shrimp and other ingredients separately up to 4 hours ahead, combine just before serving

Serve With

Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or use as topping for fish tacos or grilled proteins

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip patting shrimp dry to avoid watery salsa

Watch

Add avocado last to prevent browning and mushiness

Substitutions

shrimp
cooked crab meat1:1pescatarian

similar texture and flavor

Full guide →
mango
diced pineapple1:1none

tropical sweetness maintained

Full guide →
jalapeño
serrano pepper1:1none

increases heat level

avocado
diced cucumber1:1none

adds crunch, reduces creaminess

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure they're fully thawed, rinsed, and patted completely dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture in the salsa.

How long will this salsa keep in the refrigerator?

Best consumed within 24 hours due to the avocado, though it will keep up to 2 days with some browning of the avocado.

Can I make this less spicy for kids?

Absolutely - remove the seeds from jalapeños or omit them entirely. You can also substitute with mild bell peppers for crunch without heat.