Mango Pineapple Salsa

A bright, sweet-and-tangy salsa made with fresh mango and pineapple, crisp red pepper and onion, and a hint of chilli. Chill it before serving so the fruit takes on the lime-and-honey dressing.
Ingredients
- 30 ml (2 Tbsp)lime juice
- 22.5 ml (1 1/2 Tbsp)honey
- 0.3 ml (1/16 tsp)salt
- 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp), adjust to tastered pepper flakes
- 165 g (1 cup), cubedfresh pineapple
- 165 g (1 cup), cubedfresh mango
- 20 g (2 Tbsp), finely dicedred bell pepper
- 40 g (1/4 cup), finely dicedred onion
- 8 g (2 Tbsp), choppedfresh coriander
Instructions
- 1
Mix the dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey, salt and red pepper flakes.
- 2
Add the fruit
Add the diced pineapple, mango, red pepper, onion and coriander. Stir gently until combined and evenly coated in the dressing.
- 3
Chill before serving
Transfer the salsa to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2–4 hours before serving.
What is mango pineapple salsa?
Salsa is a broad family of sauces and fresh relishes, with roots in Mexican cooking and many regional forms. This American-style fruit version pairs tropical fruit with lime, herbs and a little chilli.
The sweet fruit, sharp dressing and crisp vegetables give each bite a balance of juicy, tangy and fresh.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 103 calories, 1g protein, 27g carbs, 0g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use less honey | 72 kcal | 1g | 19g | 0g |
| This serving | As written | 103 kcal | 1g | 27g | 0g |
| Hungry | Serve a larger portion | 155 kcal | 2g | 41g | 0g |
The fruit and honey provide most of this serving's carbohydrates, while the lime, vegetables and coriander add flavour with little fat. Pair a portion with a protein-rich main and extra vegetables for a more rounded plate.
Choose ripe fruit
Mango: Use a ripe but still-firm mango so it tastes sweet and is easy to cut into neat cubes.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple brings a lively tang and holds its shape well when stirred. Cut the fruit into pieces of a similar size to the mango.
Keep the dice small
Red pepper and onion: Finely dicing these gives the salsa a little crunch without letting either ingredient dominate the fruit.
Coriander: Chop it just before mixing for a fresh herbal note, and fold it in gently to avoid crushing the fruit.
Balance the dressing
Lime and honey: Whisk them with the salt and chilli flakes before adding the fruit, so the dressing is evenly mixed from the start.
Chilli: The stated amount gives a mild background warmth; adjust it to taste if you prefer more or less heat.
Why the chilling time matters
Chill: Refrigerating the salsa for 2–4 hours gives the fruit time to take on the dressing. Keep it covered in an airtight container.
Texture: Stir gently before serving. The fruit should remain distinct rather than becoming mashed.
Ways to serve it
As a topping: Spoon it over grilled fish, chicken or prawns, or serve alongside tacos.
As a dip: Offer it with tortilla chips or crisp vegetable sticks. Its fruity, sharp flavour also works well beside savoury grilled food.
Recipe notes & tips
- Use a large bowl so you can fold the ingredients together without crushing the fruit.
- Cut the mango and pineapple into similar-sized cubes for an even mix.
- Taste the dressing before adding the fruit and adjust the chilli to suit your preference.
- Fold the salsa gently once the fruit is in the bowl.
- Give it the full chilling time for the flavours to mingle.
Variations
- Add jalapeño: Finely dice a little fresh chilli for a sharper heat.
- Use mint: Replace some or all of the coriander with chopped fresh mint.
- Add cucumber: Fold in a small dice for extra crunch.
- Try orange: Replace some of the lime juice with fresh orange juice for a softer citrus note.
- Serve with avocado: Add diced avocado just before serving to keep it from breaking down during chilling.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overripe mango: It can turn mushy when stirred; choose fruit that is ripe but still firm.
- Large vegetable pieces: They can overpower the fruit; dice the pepper and onion finely.
- Rough mixing: It breaks up the cubes; fold the ingredients together gently.
- Skipping the chill: The dressing will taste less integrated; refrigerate for 2–4 hours before serving.
- Leaving it uncovered: The fruit can absorb other fridge aromas; use an airtight container.
How to store
Keep the salsa covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2–3 days. Stir gently before serving; this fresh salsa is best served cold rather than reheated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this salsa ahead?
Yes. Prepare it and refrigerate it for the stated 2–4 hours before serving. For the freshest texture, serve it within a couple of days.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit gives the best firm texture. If using frozen fruit, thaw it fully and drain away excess liquid before mixing.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or leave out the red pepper flakes. You can always add a little more after tasting.
What can I serve with mango pineapple salsa?
It works as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish, chicken, prawns or tacos.
Why has the salsa become watery?
Juicy fruit releases liquid as it sits, especially if it is very ripe. Drain off a little liquid before serving if needed, and use firm fruit next time.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from melissassouthernstylekitchen.com. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on melissassouthernstylekitchen.com