Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe – Tajin & Jalapeño Fiesta

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Mango Avocado Salsa Recipe – Tajin & Jalapeño Fiesta

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a vibrant, fresh salsa that’s a little bit different. This Mango Avocado Salsa is exactly that. It’s a fiesta in your mouth – sweet mango, creamy avocado, a kick from jalapeño, and that amazing zing from Tajin. I first made this for a summer BBQ and it disappeared in minutes! It’s seriously addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salsa isn’t just delicious, it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, you can whip it up in under 10 minutes! It’s perfect for parties, a quick snack with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. Plus, the combination of flavors is just…wow. It’s sweet, spicy, tangy, and totally refreshing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this little slice of sunshine:

• 1 whole ripe mango
• 0.5 whole avocado
• 1 whole jalapeño
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 tablespoons cilantro
• 1 teaspoon Tajin spice mix

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because getting these right makes all the difference!

Mango Selection & Ripeness

You want a mango that’s just ripe. It should give slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe peach. Avoid mangoes that are rock hard or overly soft and mushy. My personal favorite is Alphonso mango if you can find them, but any sweet mango will work beautifully.

Avocado Varieties for Salsa

For salsa, I prefer Hass avocados. They have a creamy texture and a rich flavor that holds up well. But honestly, any ripe avocado will do in a pinch!

Understanding Tajin Spice Mix: Origin & Flavor Profile

Tajin is a chili-lime seasoning that originated in Mexico. It’s a blend of chili peppers, lime, and sea salt, and it adds a fantastic tangy, spicy kick. It’s become a staple in my pantry! You can usually find it in the spice aisle of most supermarkets.

Jalapeño Heat Level & Seed Removal

Jalapeños can vary in heat. To control the spice level, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping. If you like things really spicy, leave some seeds in! Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling jalapeños – trust me on this one!

Cilantro: Freshness & Alternatives

Fresh cilantro is best for this recipe. It adds a bright, herbaceous flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan (it’s genetic, don’t feel bad!), you can substitute with parsley, though the flavor will be different.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, dice your mango into small, bite-sized pieces. About ¼ inch is perfect.
2. Next, scoop out the avocado and dice it similarly to the mango.
3. Finely chop the jalapeño. Remember those seeds if you’re feeling brave!
4. Roughly chop the cilantro.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, avocado, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and Tajin spice mix.
6. Gently toss everything together until it’s nicely combined.
7. Give it a taste! This is where you can adjust the seasoning. Need more spice? Add a pinch more Tajin. Too spicy? A tiny bit of honey or sugar can help balance it out.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years…

Achieving the Perfect Salsa Consistency

Don’t overmix! You want the salsa to have some texture. Gently tossing is key.

Balancing Sweetness, Spice & Acidity

Taste as you go! The sweetness of the mango can vary, so adjust the lime juice accordingly.

Preventing Avocado Browning

Avocados brown quickly once exposed to air. Adding the lime juice helps slow this down, but if you’re making it ahead of time, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa to minimize air contact.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! No changes needed.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Hot)

• Mild: Remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño.
• Medium: Leave some seeds in the jalapeño.
• Hot: Use a hotter chili pepper, like a serrano, instead of a jalapeño.

Fruit Variations (Pineapple, Peach)

My friend Sarah loves adding diced pineapple to this salsa – it’s amazing! Diced peaches are also a delicious addition, especially when they’re in season.

Festival Adaptations (Diwali Snacks, Summer Parties)

This salsa is a huge hit at Diwali parties! It’s a nice change from traditional snacks. It’s also perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, or any gathering where you want a fresh, flavorful dip.

Serving Suggestions

This salsa is incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• With tortilla chips (obviously!)
• As a topping for tacos or quesadillas
• On grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp
• Mixed into scrambled eggs for a breakfast with a kick
• As a vibrant topping for nachos

Storage Instructions

Leftover salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly over time, even with the lime juice.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is the best way to dice a mango for salsa?

There are a few ways! You can score the mango flesh in a grid pattern and then scoop it out with a spoon. Or, you can peel the mango and carefully dice it with a knife.

Can I make this salsa ahead of time? If so, how do I prevent browning?

Yes, you can! Make it up to a few hours ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa to minimize air contact.

What can I substitute for Tajin spice mix?

You can make your own by combining chili powder, lime zest, and sea salt.

Is it possible to make this salsa without jalapeño?

Absolutely! It will be a milder salsa, but still delicious.

What other dishes can this mango avocado salsa be served with?

So many! Try it with grilled halloumi, black bean burgers, or even as a topping for sweet potato fries.

How do I adjust the lime juice amount based on mango sweetness?

Taste as you go! If the mango is very sweet, you might need a little more lime juice to balance it out. If it’s not very sweet, use less.