15-Minute Spicy Strawberry Mango Salsa
Vibrant, fruit-forward salsa balancing sweet strawberry and mango with heat from jalapeño and brightness from lime and cilantro. Fresh avocado adds richness. Serve as a dip with tortilla chips, alongside grilled fish or chicken, or tossed into greens for a summery salad. The unexpected fruit-and-spice combo makes this a conversation starter at casual gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cup strawberry, fresh, choppedraspberry1:1fruit
conf:4
- 1 whole mango, peeled, pitted, diced
- 1 whole avocado, peeled, pitted, sliced
- 1 whole jalapeño pepper, mincedserrano1:1spice
conf:3
- ¼ whole red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, fresh, chopped
- ½ whole lime, juiced
- salt, to taste
- tortilla chips, for serving(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine strawberries, mango, jalapeño, and red onion in a medium bowl.
- 2
Add lime juice and cilantro, then stir gently to combine.
- 3
Season with salt to taste.
- 4
Top with avocado just before serving.
- 5
Serve with tortilla chips or over greens.
Tips
Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. For meal prep, store separately and combine when ready to eat.
Balance spice by adjusting jalapeño: remove seeds for mild heat, keep seeds for more punch, or use half a pepper.
Taste and adjust lime juice and salt last; acid brightens fruit flavors dramatically.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours. Avocado will brown if stored long-term; add just before serving.
Prepare strawberries, mango, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro up to 4 hours ahead. Add avocado and lime juice within 30 minutes of serving.
Serve immediately with warm or room-temperature tortilla chips. Pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, or as a side salad topping.
Common Mistakes
Do not chop avocado early to avoid browning and mushy texture.
Do not over-stir after adding avocado to prevent it breaking down.
Do not skip tasting and adjusting salt and lime at the end to avoid bland or imbalanced flavors.
Substitutions
conf:4
conf:3
FAQ
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes, prep all ingredients except avocado and lime juice up to 4 hours ahead. Combine everything and add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain texture.
What if I don't have fresh cilantro?
Mint is a good substitute at the same ratio. Omit entirely if neither is available, though you'll lose the herb brightness. Basil works in a pinch but changes the flavor profile.
How long will this keep refrigerated?
Best eaten within 2 hours of assembly due to avocado. Without avocado, the base keeps 3-4 hours covered. Lime juice slows oxidation but doesn't prevent browning completely.