Fresh Pineapple Mango Salsa: The Ultimate Summer Salsa

I first made this pineapple mango salsa for an impromptu beach cookout with friends. I’d brought some freshly caught fish to grill but realized we needed something bright and vibrant to balance the smoky flavor. With just a few tropical fruits and ingredients from the local market, this salsa came together in minutes by the shore.

Conversations momentarily paused as everyone took their first bite of grilled fish topped with this colorful creation. The sweet juiciness of pineapple and mango mingled perfectly with the gentle heat from jalapeño and the aromatic touch of cilantro and spices. What began as a last-minute accompaniment quickly became the star of our oceanside feast, with friends using empty shells to scoop up every last bit.

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Why This Recipe Works

This pineapple mango salsa achieves the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors while maintaining vibrant textures. The natural sweetness from ripe mangoes and pineapple is complemented by the subtle heat from jalapeño and the aromatic qualities of fresh cilantro, garlic, and spices. By combining soft tropical fruits with crisp onion and using both fresh herbs and dried spices, the salsa delivers layers of flavor with every bite. The small amount of olive oil helps marry the ingredients together while preserving the bright, fresh character of the fruits. A brief chilling time allows the flavors to meld without compromising the salsa’s distinct textures, resulting in a versatile condiment that enhances everything from chips to grilled proteins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Salt – Enhances and balances all flavors
• Fresh pineapple – Provides sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture
• Fresh mango – Adds tropical sweetness and soft, buttery texture
• Sweet onion – Contributes crisp texture and mild onion flavor
• Jalapeño pepper – Delivers adjustable heat and bright color contrast
• Garlic – Offers aromatic depth that balances the sweetness
• Fresh cilantro – Brings distinctive herbal notes and freshness
• Olive oil – Meld flavors and adds subtle richness
• Ground coriander – Provides citrusy, slightly sweet spice notes
• Ground cumin – Adds earthy warmth that complements tropical fruits

How to Make Pineapple Mango Salsa

1. In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, onion, and jalapeno.
   

   

2. In a small bowl, combine cilantro, olive oil, ground coriander, cumin, salt, and garlic.
   

   

3. Add the herb and spice mixture to the pineapple and mango mixture. Stir to combine.
   

   

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving.
5. Serve with tortilla chips, on seafood, in tacos, or on grilled meat.
6. Store salsa in the refrigerator, covered, for up to four days.

Different ways you can use this salsa

This mango pineapple salsa recipe can be used in so many different ways.

• Main dishes: Grilled fish, shrimp tacos, jerk chicken, pork tenderloin
• Sides: Black bean salad, coconut rice, grilled vegetables
• Beverages: Margaritas, cold Mexican beer with lime, tropical iced tea
• Appetizers: Serve alongside guacamole and traditional salsa for a trio of dips

Ingredient Substitutions and Modifications

• Fruit options: Substitute papaya or peaches for mango
• Herb alternatives: Use fresh mint or basil instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile
• Heat adjustments: Substitute serrano pepper for more heat or bell pepper for no heat
• Acid variation: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice for extra brightness
• Onion substitutes: Red onion or scallions can replace sweet onion
• Add-ins: Consider adding 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper for color or 1/2 cup black beans for protein

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Make ahead: Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for best flavor and texture
• Draining: If made ahead, drain excess liquid before serving if desired
• Not suitable for freezing: The texture of the fruit deteriorates when frozen
• Reviving: If salsa becomes watery after storage, drain excess liquid and add fresh cilantro

Love Mexican dips, salsa, and sauces? Try these recipes!

• Chipotle Corn Salsa
• Homemade Taco Sauce
• Mexican Green Sauce
• Mexican Hot Sauce
• Quesadilla Sauce
• Rotel Dip with Ground Beef
• Skillet Queso
• White Queso Dip

Favorite Mexican Recipes

• Cheese Enchilada
• Chipotle Mexican Grill Carnitas
• Easy Taco Soup
• Mexican Barbacoa
• Taco Ring

Check out more of my easy sauce recipes and the best Mexican food recipes here on CopyKat!