A vibrant avocado and mango salsa recipe for Cinco de Mayo, or anytime you need a really delicious appetizer. Jump to recipe.
This past week has been a series of minor inconveniences building on one another to form one massive nest of problems. I’m trying to step back and remind myself that, on a global scale, I’m pretty lucky to have a car or a dishwasher (even if they do suddenly have a dent and broken hinges, respectively). And if my littlest one is sick, at least I’m in a position to get her back on her feet soon. Dealing with all these little troubles is just what life is. By taking troubles as they come and seeking out the small pleasures that balance them, we can build a pretty happy little life in spite of everything.
In the spirit of creating small, enjoyable moments, I made this avocado and mango salsa. By their nature, daily staples can be repetitive, but a few small additions enliven staid dishes like eggs or bean tacos, drawing us back into the moment. The creamy sweetness of ripe mangoes blends beautifully with rich bits of avocado, spicy poblano pepper, and lots of fresh lime. It’s brimming with bright flavors and aromas, and, when paired with a really good tortilla chip, makes for the perfect bite.
I’m not usually one to go for hype around a holiday, but one where tequila and chips and salsa are encouraged is totally cool with me. Get into the Cinco de Mayo thing with this mango salsa, or make it anytime you want to enjoy something simple, bright, and delicious.
P.S. Head below for a list of delicious Cinco de Mayo food links from some of our faves.
Finally, a rant of sorts. This recipe is best made with ripe – possibly overripe – mangoes, finely diced. A Google search on the subject of mango salsa turns up all kinds of weirdness, things I’d be far more comfortable calling salad, made with enormous cubes of mango against which no chip would stand a chance. Let’s stop this madness, K?
And if you need an even simpler mango salsa recipe, check out this pantry-driven recipe from the archives.
A vibrant avocado and mango salsa recipe for Cinco de Mayo, or anytime you need a really delicious appetizer.
- 2 Ataúlfo mangoes , peeled, pit removed, and finely diced (about 1 cup diced)
- 1/4 cup minced red onion
- 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
- 2 - 3 tablespoons minced poblano pepper , seeds removed
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (use the good stuff)
- 1 avocado , finely diced
- sea salt to taste
- 2 - 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
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Note that Ataúlfo mangoes are smaller than the more common Tommy Atkins mango. If using the Tommy Atkins, you may only need one, depending on the size of the pit.
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In a medium bowl, combine the mango, onion, cilantro, poblano, and spices. Fold in the avocado, sea salt to taste, and lime juice. Serve right away.
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To make ahead, combine all ingredients but the avocado, cover, and refrigerate. Just before serving, fold in avocado, and add sea salt or lime juice as needed.
For more Cinco de Mayo food and drink goodness, check out these festive recipes:
Baked Chilaquiles with Black Beans and Kale // The Bojon Gourmet
Beans and Greens Tacos // With Food + Love
Black Bean Enchiladas // Turntable Kitchen
Braised Short Rib Tacos // Dash and Bella for Food52
Breakfast Tacos with Avocado Radish Salsa // The Year in Food
Cauliflower Tacos with Cumin and Za’tar // A Brown Table
Chipotle Black Bean Lettuce Wraps // A Couple Cooks
Cilantro Lime Salad // The Fauxmartha
Cornmeal-Crusted Fish Tacos // Brooklyn Supper
Green Rice Salad with Nectarines and Corn // Not Without Salt
Green Tofu Tacos // Earthy Feast
Margaritas on the Rocks // Flourishing Foodie
One-Pan Vegan Enchilada Bake with Cauliflower Nacho Sauce // Edible Perspective
Quinoa Jalapeno Poppers // Vegan Yak Attack
Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa // Brooklyn Supper
Tempeh Tacos // 80twenty
Tortilla Casserole // Savory Simple
Vegan Enchiladas with Lime Cream // The First Mess
Okay yes, this IS a salsa and I’m loving it. Also, I said it before and I’ll say it again — that towel, I dying over it. Where can one find that lovely thing? xo!!
Going to use my ripening avocado for this recipe. Also, really like your tea towel!
I love ataulfo mangoes! They’re so buttery and much sweeter than regular ones. Also: obsessed with your pictures! They are so colorful.
This salsa sounds just what I’m craving – so bright and fresh. I hope you’re having a better week this week and the family is on the mend 🙂
This salsa sounds phenomenal. And the photos…beauts! Thanks for the link love, too! Hope your little one is feeling better this week. <3
This is gorgeous, and heck yes to any excuse to make salsa and dunk a chip in it! Sorry for those annoying little inconveniences (and their tendency to come at the same time). Hopefully this week has less of them, and I love your perspective on being thankful for the little things we DO have. Happy Tuesday Elizabeth!
This salsa sounds way more exciting than regular salsa! Unfortunately we’ve just finished mango season where I live… I hope I remember to make this in summer!
This salsa looks delicious, Elizabeth. I absolutely love it!
I am with you on the bad mango salsa recipes! Sometimes they just look like spicy fruit salad. Your version looks much fresher and lighter! Love that towel in the photos too. I hope next week is easier for you all!
Never thought of mixing avocados and mangos, but this is very tempting, specially now that mangoes are in season. Thanks for sharing.
I made this for a very small Superbowl party and it was incredible! Glad it was a small party – more for me. I like to try all kinds of salsa and this ranks high on the best ever list. And I realize now as I look at the recipe again, that I totally forgot to put the spices in…and it was still great. My mangoes were a different variety and could have been a little more ripe – still great.