This easy mango basil salsa is a sweet-and-spicy crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties or for snacking at home. You only need 5 ingredients and a few minutes to make it!

Mango basil salsa in bowl with spoon. - 1

I grow my own basil—three different varieties, in fact!—so it goes without saying that I am always looking for new ways to use it. Somehow, I’ve never thought to combine basil with mango, but now that I’ve tried it, I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner. The two ingredients bring out the absolute best in each other, which you’ll see when you make this mango basil salsa recipe. This is a simple, chunky salsa, and like my strawberry salsa , it’s also tomato-free. (Tomato haters, rejoice!)

Why This Mango Salsa Will Spice Up Your Snacking Game

I love to whip this up right before a party or BBQ, whether I’m hosting or a guest. (Don’t you have snacks that travel well?!) As it sits, all those fabulous flavours really have time to mingle!

  • Not just for snacking . Chips and mango basil salsa are a recipe for success, but you can also use this salsa on top of your veggie burger, on bruschetta, tacos, burritos…anything your heart desires.
  • Just five simple ingredients . And the recipe comes together with no cooking, just chop and stir everything together. Easy!
  • Irresistible sweet heat . I think one of my favourite flavour combinations is sweet and spicy, and this mango basil salsa has that in spades. The lime juice, fresh basil, and sharp red onion give this salsa even more layers of flavour.
Ingredients for mango basil salsa with labels. - 2

Notes on Ingredients

Let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need for mango basil salsa. Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

  • Mangoes – Alfonso mangoes (also known as champagne mangoes) are best, as they tend to be sweeter and aren’t stringy. But any mango will do, so long as it’s ripe and sweet.
  • Red onion – Dice it as small as possible; big bites of red onion are unpleasant in salsa.
  • Jalapeño – Remove the seeds and scrape out the ribs for a milder salsa.
  • Lime – Fresh lime adds brightness, and it also helps mellow the sharp, pungent flavour of the red onion.
  • Basil – Cut the basil into thin strips so it can distribute evenly into the salsa.

How Do You Pick a Good Mango?

When selecting your mangoes, look for ones that are slightly soft when gently pressed and that have a sweet smell. An unripe mango will be hard to the touch, although it will ripen over time if you leave it out at room temperature. If you plan on making this mango salsa right away, choose a ripe mango at the store; if you’re making it in a few days, buy an unripe mango.

How to Make Mango Basil Salsa

This mango basil salsa recipe is practically effortless! Here’s what you’ll need to do.

Ingredients for mango basil salsa in bowl before stirring. - 3

Combine the ingredients.

  • Combine. Place all of the ingredients together in a large bowl and gently toss to combine.
  • Sit. Let the salsa sit for a few minutes to let all the flavours meld together.

Tips for Success

This mango basil salsa recipe is super easy, but here are a few additional tips to help you make sure it turns out perfect!

  • It’s all about the mango. Make it during mango season when fresh mangoes are easy to find, affordable, and perfectly sweet and tender. If it’s not mango season and you’re not sure about the quality of the fresh mangoes at your grocery store, use frozen—they’re always picked at the peak of ripeness.
  • Jalapenõs can be spicer than you think. If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, add a small amount of jalapeño to the recipe; taste and add more if needed. You can always add more, but it’s a lot harder to add less!
  • Use gloves for chopping the jalapeño. You don’t always feel the pepper oils on your hands when you’re chopping a jalapeño, but you will feel it if you rub your eyes! That’s why it’s always best to be safe and wear latex gloves.
Bowl of mango basil salsa with tortilla chips. - 4

Serving Suggestions

This salsa is perfect for serving with lunch, as a snack or as an appetizer for a party. Serve it on its own with some tortilla chips or pita chips , or serve it as a topping for:

  • Crispy Beer-Battered Vegan Fish Tacos
  • Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito Bowl
  • Easy Grillable Veggie Burgers
  • Loaded Vegan Nachos

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover mango basil salsa in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Don’t freeze this recipe; the flavours will dull and the textures will change.

Bowl of mango basil salsa with tortilla chips. - 5

More Mango Recipes

  • Mango Coconut Chia Seed Pudding
  • Summer Fruit Spring Rolls with Mango Dip
  • Mango Habanero Cauliflower Wings
  • Vegan Mango Ice Cream

Ingredients

  • 2 mangoes , peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 of a large red onion , diced
  • 1 jalapeño , de-seeded and diced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice , juice of a large lime, 30 mL
  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil , julienned, 6 – 8 g

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and toss lightly to combine.
  • Let sit for a few minutes (about 3-5 minutes minimum) for all the flavours to meld.
  • Serve with chips and enjoy!

Notes

Mango basil salsa in bowl with spoon. - 6

Mango Basil Salsa

Ingredients

  • 2 mangoes peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 of a large red onion diced
  • 1 jalapeño de-seeded and diced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice juice of a large lime, 30 mL
  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil julienned, 6 - 8 g

Instructions

  • Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and toss lightly to combine.
  • Let sit for a few minutes (about 3-5 minutes minimum) for all the flavours to meld.
  • Serve with chips and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition

Mango Basil Salsa https://jessicainthekitchen.com/easy-mango-basil-salsa-10-minutes-vegan/ February 12, 2026