Fresh Pineapple Mango Salsa Recipe for Tacos

A Burst of Sunshine in a Bowl

This salsa is like a little party in your mouth. Sweet mango, tangy pineapple, a little kick from the pepper. It makes everything taste happier. I first made it for a summer picnic. My grandson ate it straight from the bowl with a spoon!

That’s the best part about cooking. You can create joy with just a few chopped things. It doesn’t have to be complicated. What’s your favorite food to bring to a party? I love hearing new ideas.

Why This Simple Salsa Matters

Eating colorful food is good for you. All those bright colors mean good things for your body. It’s an easy way to feel great.

Making food from scratch also connects you to it. You appreciate a meal more when you make it yourself. It just tastes better, don’t you think?

Let’s Talk About the Lime

Always use fresh lime juice. The stuff in a bottle tastes sad. Fresh lime makes the flavors pop and keeps the fruit bright.

*Fun fact*: The acid in the lime juice stops the fruit from turning brown. So your salsa stays pretty for hours. Isn’t that clever?

A Little Story About Heat

My friend Tom once added a whole jalapeño with the seeds. His mouth was on fire! We still laugh at that. So remember to remove the seeds and ribs.

You can always add more heat later. Start with a little. You can taste as you go. Do you like your salsa mild or spicy?

More Than Just Tacos

This salsa is wonderful on fish or grilled chicken. I even spoon it over a block of cream cheese. Serve it with crackers for a quick snack.

It’s so versatile. What will you try it on first? Tell me your plan. I might just have to try it myself.

Making Memories in the Kitchen

This recipe is perfect for cooking with a young helper. They can do the stirring. Kids love to eat what they help make.

Those are the best kitchen moments. The simple ones. The ones that don’t need fancy tools. Just a bowl, a spoon, and good company.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Fresh pineapple	2 cups	Diced
Fresh mango	2 cups	Diced
Red bell pepper	1 cup	Diced (1 large)
Red onion	1 cup	Diced (½ large)
Jalapeno	1	Finely diced, stem/ribs/seeds removed
Fresh cilantro	⅓ cup	Chopped
Fresh lime juice	¼ cup	From approx. 3 limes
Kosher salt	¼ teaspoon

Let’s Make Some Sunshine Salsa

First, grab a big bowl. Chop up your pineapple and mango into little bites. I like them small. That way you get a bit of everything on your chip. My grandson calls this confetti fruit. I still laugh at that. Next, add the red bell pepper and red onion. They add such a nice crunch. The red onion is a bit strong, I know. But the lime juice will calm it right down. (Hard-learned tip: rub your hands on a stainless steel sink after onions. It takes the smell away!). Now, for a little kick. Be careful with that jalapeño. Always remove the seeds first. I learned that the hard way once! Just a little bit makes the fruit taste even sweeter. Toss in that fresh cilantro, too. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Finally, squeeze those limes. Use your hands to really get all the juice out. Sprinkle the salt over everything. Give it all a good, gentle stir. Now, the hardest part: let it sit in the fridge. Waiting for 30 minutes makes all the flavors friends. What’s your favorite thing to eat with salsa? Share below! Cook Time: 15min Total Time: 45mins Yield: 5 servings Category: Condiment, Appetizer

Three Tasty Twists

Let’s play with our food, shall we? You can change this salsa so easily. It’s fun to make it your own. Here are a few ideas I love. Make it a salad. Add a whole cup of black beans and some corn. It becomes a meal all by itself. Perfect for a hot summer day. Make it spicy. Leave the seeds in your jalapeño. Or add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. It will really wake up your taste buds. Make it herby. Try using fresh mint instead of cilantro. It tastes so bright and different. My sister taught me that trick. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Serve Your Salsa

This salsa is like a happy helper in the kitchen. It makes so many things better. I love it on simple grilled chicken tacos. The sweet and spicy is just right. It’s also wonderful on a piece of white fish. Or just with some salty tortilla chips for dipping. For a drink, I think a cold glass of iced tea is perfect. The sweetness balances the spice. A light, fizzy lemon-lime soda would be lovely too. For the grown-ups, a cold Mexican beer is a classic choice. It just goes together. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Salsa Bright and Fresh

This salsa loves the cold. Keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. It will stay good for about three days. The lime juice helps everything stay fresh. I once made a huge batch for a family party. We stored the extra in little jars. It was just as good two days later! Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below! Batch cooking saves you time later. It means a tasty snack is always ready. This makes busy days so much easier.

Simple Fixes for Salsa Problems

Is your salsa too spicy? You added too much jalapeño. Next time, use just a little bit. You can always add more. I remember when my salsa was too watery. I had not drained the pineapple well. Always pat fruit dry with a towel. This keeps your salsa perfect for chips. Which of these problems have you run into before? Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes your food taste so much better.

Your Salsa Questions Answered

Q: Is this salsa gluten-free? A: Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely! Make it a few hours before you need it. Q: What if I don’t like cilantro? A: Just leave it out. Fresh mint is a nice swap. Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You sure can. Use a very big bowl for mixing. Q: What’s an optional add-in? A: A pinch of chili powder adds a fun kick. Which tip will you try first? *Fun fact: Pineapples are not a single fruit. They are made of many tiny berries that fuse together!*

Sharing Your Kitchen Creations

I hope you love making this colorful salsa. It always makes me think of summer parties. I would love to see your beautiful creations. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Your photos inspire me and other readers. Cooking is about sharing joy. Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.