If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’re likely familiar with pico de gallo, a classic salsa fresca that’s a staple in many dishes. This delightful variation adds a tropical twist to the traditional recipe, creating a unique tropical blend of flavors that’s pure fun to eat. Our mango pico de gallo does kick. We use habanero pepper, so it’s truly fruity, flavorful, and fiery.
The star of the show, of course, is the mango. This tropical fruit is known for its sweet, slightly tangy flavor and juicy, succulent texture. When added to pico de gallo, it brings a delightful sweetness that beautifully balances the savory notes of the other ingredients. It also adds a vibrant orange color that makes the dish visually appealing.
So how spicy are we talking? We use one whole habanero here. Habaneros are extra-hot chilies, ranging from 100,000 to 350,000 on the Scoville scale. Habs are, on average, 43 times hotter than a jalapeño, so there’s most certainly a kick here. Plus, habaneros are a perfect pairing with mango, as this chili brings a tasty fruity sweetness to the pico de gallo as well.
Of course, you could opt for less habanero to lower the spiciness. Or choose a milder chili pepper. You could opt for any milder red chili, like a red jalapeño, Fresno, or serrano. Why red? They have a layer of sweetness in them (not tropical, but still lightly fruity) that’ll work well with the mango.
See it being made (video slideshow):
Like this recipe? You’ll love these too:
- Pickle de Gallo: Another twist on the classic salsa fresca. This time dill pickles bring a tasty tang to the table.
- Peach Habanero Salsa: Peaches and habs may not immediately come to mind, but this pairing totally works.
- Spicy Coconut Salsa: One of our favorite salsas to pair with BBQ and red meats.
Mango Pico de Gallo
Ingredients
- 1 cup mango diced
- 1/2 cup avocado diced
- 1/2 onion diced
- 5 cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 habanero pepper finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mango, avocado, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and habanero pepper.
- Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze lime juice and gently toss to combine. Add sugar as you’d prefer to even out the tang. Toss well.
- Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 25-30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy.