Mango Fiesta Black Bean Salsa

$- 1 ripe mango, diced - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 small red onion, finely diced - 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and minced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - Juice of 2 limes - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Gathering fresh ingredients is key to making Mango Black Bean Salsa. Start with a ripe mango. The mango should be firm but slightly soft when you press it. This ripeness gives you the sweetest flavor. Next, grab a red bell pepper. Its crunch and sweetness balance the dish. A small red onion adds a nice bite. For a bit of heat, choose a jalapeño. Removing the seeds cuts down on spice. I love to add fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. The black beans bring in protein and texture. Rinsing them well helps remove extra sodium. Lime juice keeps everything bright and fresh. Extra-virgin olive oil adds richness. Lastly, season with salt and pepper. This mix of ingredients creates a tasty and colorful salsa that everyone will enjoy. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. In a big mixing bowl, add the diced mango, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. This mix brings bright colors and flavors. 2. Gently fold in the chopped cilantro. This step keeps the cilantro intact while spreading its fresh taste. 3. Carefully drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the mixture. This adds a tangy kick and rich flavor. 4. Using a spatula, toss everything together gently. Be careful not to mash the mango; you want it to stay chunky. 5. Season the salsa with salt and cracked black pepper. Adjust the lime and oil if needed to enhance the taste. 6. Let the salsa rest for 15 minutes. This wait helps the flavors blend and become more vibrant. To pick a great mango, look for one that is ripe. A ripe mango feels slightly soft when you press it. The skin should have a nice mix of green and yellow or red tones. If it’s too hard, it isn't ripe yet. If it’s too soft, it may be overripe. You can also smell the stem. A sweet scent shows ripeness. Remember, the right mango makes your salsa shine. If you want a milder salsa, skip the seeds from the jalapeño. This part holds most of the heat. You can also use less jalapeño overall. For more heat, leave some seeds in or add a second jalapeño. Always taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. A little heat can add excitement without overwhelming the other flavors. To keep the mango cubes intact, handle them with care. When adding them to the bowl, gently place them instead of dropping them in. When mixing, use a spatula and fold the ingredients. Avoid stirring too hard, as this can mash the mango. The goal is to have fresh, beautiful pieces of mango in your salsa. This gives the dish a lovely look and texture. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Mango: Select a mango that gives slightly to pressure and has a sweet aroma to ensure optimal sweetness in your salsa. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeño; alternatively, add more for an extra kick. Mix Ahead of Time: Prepare the salsa ahead of time and refrigerate for up to an hour to let the flavors develop further. Serve with Variety: Pair the salsa not just with tortilla chips, but also as a topping for grilled chicken or fish for a delightful twist. {{image_4}} You can make your mango black bean salsa even better. Adding pineapple or avocado brings a fun twist. Pineapple adds sweetness and a juicy crunch. Avocado gives a creamy texture that balances the salsa. Just chop them up and mix them in with the other ingredients. You'll love the extra flavor and freshness! If you want to switch things up, consider using kidney beans or chickpeas. Kidney beans add a rich color and a hearty bite. Chickpeas offer a nutty taste and a firm texture. Both options work great in this salsa. Just rinse and drain them like you do with black beans. You can create a unique dish that still tastes amazing! Spices can take your salsa to the next level. Adding cumin gives a warm note that complements the mango. A pinch of chili powder adds heat and depth. Use these spices sparingly, and taste as you go. You can find the perfect balance that suits your taste. These flavor boosts make your salsa stand out at any gathering! To keep your mango black bean salsa fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to press out as much air as possible. This helps slow down spoilage. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 days. If you notice any liquid gathering at the bottom, just drain it before serving. Always give it a quick stir before enjoying it again. This helps mix the flavors back together. You can freeze mango black bean salsa, but it may change texture. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container. Fill it, but leave some space for expansion. Seal it tightly and label it with the date. This salsa can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Stir well before serving, but expect some change in texture. For gatherings, serving fresh salsa is best. Place the salsa in a colorful bowl to show off the vibrant colors. Keep it cool with an ice bowl underneath. This helps maintain freshness. If you have leftovers, cover them tightly and refrigerate. For a fun twist, serve it with crunchy tortilla chips. This adds texture and balances the flavors. Enjoy the bright taste! You can enjoy this salsa with many dishes. It pairs well with: - Grilled chicken or fish - Tacos or burritos - Chips for dipping - A fresh salad - As a topping on quesadillas Each option enhances the tasty flavors of the salsa. You can also use it as a refreshing side dish. It adds color and health to your meal. Mango Black Bean Salsa lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Check for signs of spoilage: - Sour smell - Change in color - Mushy texture If you notice these signs, it's best to toss it out. Fresh salsa tastes the best! Yes, you can make the salsa a few hours early. Just keep it in the fridge. To maintain the fresh taste: - Mix all ingredients except mango and cilantro first. - Add them right before serving. This way, the mango stays firm and bright. Your salsa will taste great and look fresh! In this post, we explored how to make Mango Black Bean Salsa. We gathered fresh produce, canned goods, and flavor enhancers for great taste. You learned step-by-step how to prepare and dress the salsa to get the best flavor. We also shared tips for choosing ripe ingredients and adjusting spice levels. Lastly, you found helpful storage tips to enjoy this dish longer. Now, it's your turn to bring this vibrant recipe to life. Get creative and enjoy!$

Mango Fiesta Black Bean Salsa

A vibrant and refreshing salsa made with ripe mango, black beans, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a party appetizer.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 whole ripe mango, diced into small cubes
1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
1 whole red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 whole jalapeño, seeds removed and minced
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

In a spacious mixing bowl, begin by adding the diced mango, black beans, finely chopped red bell pepper, diced red onion, and minced jalapeño.
Gently fold in the chopped cilantro, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
Carefully drizzle the fresh lime juice and olive oil over the salad ingredients to enhance their flavor.
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined, taking care not to mash the mango.
Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; feel free to adjust the lime juice and olive oil to suit your flavor preferences.
Allow the salsa to rest for about 15 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

Serve in a colorful bowl and garnish with whole cilantro leaves. Pair with crispy tortilla chips.

Keyword appetizer, black beans, fresh, mango, salsa