Fresh Mango Corn Salsa
Say hello to your new summer favorite: Mango Corn Salsa. It’s all about the sweet mango, crunchy corn, and a punchy lime twist, with just the right amount of jalapeño heat and fresh herbs to tie it all together for that A+ blend of sweet, smoky, and zesty. Perfect for scooping, topping, or just digging in with a spoon!
Flavorful Summer Salsa
Hello, sunshine! When summer’s in full swing, I’m all about recipes that are fresh, vibrant, and easy to whip up—just like this Mango Corn Salsa. It captures summer’s bright, fresh flavors in every bite. The natural sweetness of mango pairs beautifully with smoky grilled corn, while lime juice adds a tangy zest.
A touch of jalapeño gives it a gentle heat, and fresh cilantro and mint bring a unique, refreshing twist. Perfect as a dip with chips, a topping for tacos, or an accompaniment to grilled meats, this salsa is a versatile addition to your summer table. Give it a try at your next backyard BBQ!
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Looking for more seasonal summer appetizers? Be sure to try our goat cheese crostini with Rainier cherries, prosciutto-wrapped apricots with honey and Brie, tomato and peach burrata bruschetta, easy seafood charcuterie board, and our creamy whipped ricotta dip with garlic and herbs.
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Key Ingredients
Corn: Fresh grilled corn is where the magic happens. A little char adds that smoky, caramelized flavor that takes this salsa to the next level. If you’re in a pinch, Trader Joe’s frozen charred corn is a solid backup, but trust me—grilling your own is a game changer.
Mango: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with summery vibes. Make sure your mango is ripe for the best flavor. It adds the perfect contrast to the smoky corn and zesty lime.
Red Bell Pepper: Crunchy and vibrant, red bell pepper brings a mild sweetness and a pop of color. It balances out the richness of the mango and corn with its crisp texture.
Red Onion: Sharp and slightly sweet, red onion gives the salsa a bit of bite and a lovely color contrast. Dice it finely to keep the flavors well-balanced.
Jalapeño (optional): If you like a little heat, jalapeño is your friend. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance—or leave it out if you’re into keeping things mild.
Fresh Cilantro: Bright and herbaceous, cilantro is a must for that classic salsa vibe. It adds a fresh, almost citrusy note that ties all the ingredients together.
Fresh Mint: The secret ingredient! Mint brings a cool, refreshing twist that sets this salsa apart from the usual suspects. Don’t skip it—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Lime Juice: The zingy acidity from fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. It lifts the flavors and adds that tangy freshness that makes the salsa sing.
Fresh Garlic: A small but mighty addition. Fresh garlic adds depth and a bit of warmth, giving the salsa a subtle, savory edge.
Honey or Agave Syrup: Just a touch to balance the acidity and enhance the natural sweetness of the mango and corn. Honey gives a rich sweetness, while agave keeps it vegan-friendly.
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight:
🌽 Corn 🌽
Corn is a summer superstar, bringing it’s sweet, juicy kernels to your table. Did you know Washington State ranks first in the nation for sweet corn production?
Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Look for ears with bright green husks and plump kernels, and store them in the fridge with husks on.
To prepare, shuck the corn and cut the kernels off the cob. Check out The Kitchn’s guide for tips. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Washington-grown corn in your summer dishes! For more on the benefits of corn, visit Eating Well.
How To Grill Perfectly “Charred” Corn
Grilling perfectly charred corn is all about getting that smoky, caramelized flavor without overcooking the kernels. Here’s how you do it:
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. You want it hot enough to char the corn but not so hot that it burns before cooking through.
- Prep the Corn: Remove the husks and silk from the corn cobs. If you like a bit of a steamed effect, you can leave a few layers of husk on, but completely husked corn will get a more even char.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Rotate the cobs every couple of minutes to ensure even charring on all sides. The total grilling time should be about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as grilling times can vary depending on the heat of your grill.
- Check for Doneness: You’re looking for golden-brown, slightly blackened spots all over the corn. The kernels should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Cool Down: Once you’ve reached your desired level of char, remove the corn from the grill and let it cool down before serving or using in recipes.
And there you have it—perfectly charred corn that’s sweet, smoky, and ready to devour!
Party Tip: Prepare Ahead!
Mix all the salsa ingredients together the day before and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This lets the flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when you’re ready to serve. Just give it a quick stir before setting it out!
Serving Suggestions
Presentation Perfection: Serve the Mango Corn Salsa in a wide bowl with a side of lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and mint for a pop of color and flavor.
Pair with Drinks: This salsa pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine, a refreshing mojito, or even a light, citrusy beer. Set up a drink station with these options to complement the bright flavors.
Appetizer Trio: Include this salsa as part of a trio with other summery favorites like guacamole and a zesty black bean dip. Add a selection of crispy tortilla chips for easy scooping.
Taco Topping: Use the salsa as a vibrant topping for grilled fish or shrimp tacos. The sweet and smoky flavors will elevate your taco game to the next level.
Salad Upgrade: Transform the salsa into a vibrant salad by mixing it with fresh green lettuce or mixed greens, adding some sliced avocado, and an extra squeeze of lime. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy the salsa in a heartier form.
BBQ Companion: This salsa is a star at any BBQ. Serve it as a side with grilled meats and seafood, or spoon it over grilled chicken or scallops for a fresh, summery twist.
Holiday Feasts: Perfect for summer gatherings like the 4th of July or a Labor Day cookout. Pair it with lemony green beans, a summer berry salad, and a platter of grilled veggies for a seasonal, crowd-pleasing menu.
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Mango Corn Salsa
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (from about 3 ears of corn)
- 1 ½ cup ripe mango, finely diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional, for a bit of heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- ¼ cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn: If using fresh corn, cook the corn by boiling for 3-5 minutes until tender – or – grilling until lightly charred (set grill to medium-high heat and grill corn turning every couple of minutes for about 10 minutes or until reaching desired level of char). Allow the corn to cool and then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw and drain well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the corn kernels, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Mix in Herbs: Add the cilantro and mint to the corn and mango mixture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, garlic, honey, avocado oil, and salt until well combined.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salsa mixture. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Marinate: Let the salsa sit for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before serving for a more intense flavor.
- Serve: Serve the mango corn salsa with tortilla chips, as a topping for grilled meats or fish, or as a vibrant side dish.
- *Recipe makes about 4 cups of salsa.
Recipe Notes
Top Tips
- Grill the Corn: Freshly grilled corn with a bit of char adds unbeatable flavor. Don’t skip this step if you can help it!
- Use Ripe Mangoes: Make sure your mangoes are perfectly ripe for the best sweetness and juiciness.
- Dice Uniformly: Chop all ingredients into similar-sized pieces for an even mix and the best texture in every bite.
- Taste and Adjust: After mixing, taste the salsa and adjust the lime, salt, or jalapeño to your liking.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salsa chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the yummy flavors to meld.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
- Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more, making it extra tasty the next day. Just give it a quick stir before serving. If the salsa gets a bit watery, simply drain off the excess liquid and freshen it up with a squeeze of lime.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
