Sweet & Spicy Mango Pico de Gallo Recipe: The Ultimate Fresh Mexican Salsa for Summer

Experience a burst of tropical flavor with this vibrant Mango Pico de Gallo. Sweet, spicy, and incredibly refreshing, this easy Mexican salsa is a perfect choice for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or as a delightful topping for your favorite tacos. Made with just a handful of fresh ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a naturally gluten-free, vegan, and Whole30-friendly dish that will become your go-to salsa all season long.

If you’re a fan of the zesty kick in a classic Salsa Bandera or the tantalizing sweet-heat combination found in Shrimp Aguachile with Mango, then prepare to fall in love with today’s recipe. Our Mango Pico de Gallo takes the beloved Mexican staple and infuses it with a sensational tropical twist, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.

This recipe is a vibrant homage to the traditional pico de gallo that graced my family table growing up in a Mexican household. We’ve elevated it by adding crisp, cool cucumber and succulent, juicy mango, transforming it into a salsa that’s not just sweet and spicy, but also incredibly refreshing. It’s the ideal accompaniment for light summer meals, and truly shines when served alongside shrimp or fish tacos. Beyond its incredible flavor, this salsa boasts convenience, coming together in a mere 10 minutes, and caters to various dietary needs as it’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and Whole30 compliant. Seriously, it’s impossible to have just one bite!

Why You’ll Love This Mango Pico de Gallo

There are countless reasons to adore this tropical salsa, but here are just a few that make it an absolute must-try:

• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: It perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe mango with the heat of jalapeños and serranos, complemented by the fresh zest of lime and the crispness of cucumber.
• Quick and Easy: With only 7 main ingredients and a preparation time of just 10 minutes, it’s an incredibly simple recipe perfect for busy days or impromptu gatherings.
• Versatile Pairing: Excellent as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for grilled meats or seafood, or a refreshing side dish.
• Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with fresh fruits and vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice that’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and Whole30 friendly.
• Beautifully Vibrant: Its colorful presentation makes it an attractive centerpiece on any table, adding a festive touch to your culinary creations.
• Summer Essential: Light, refreshing, and full of seasonal flavors, it’s the quintessential salsa for warm weather entertaining.

Looking for another fantastic variation? Don’t miss our savory Roasted Corn Pico de Gallo.

Ingredients You’ll Need & Smart Substitutions

Crafting the perfect Mango Pico de Gallo starts with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

For the best possible flavor and texture, I highly recommend using ripe Ataulfo (honey) mangos. Their smooth, buttery texture and intensely sweet, tropical aroma are truly unparalleled. However, if Ataulfo mangos are not available, any ripe mango variety will work. Just ensure it’s soft to the touch and smells fragrant near the stem.

When it comes to cucumbers, English cucumbers are my preference due to their thinner skin and fewer seeds, which means less prep work. However, feel free to use any type of cucumber you have on hand; just be sure to peel and deseed if necessary for a smoother texture. For an exciting textural variation and a slightly different flavor profile, you can also substitute the cucumber with crisp jicama.

The heat in this salsa comes from a combination of jalapeños and serrano peppers. Adjust the quantity and type of pepper to suit your spice preference. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños, or use fewer peppers overall. For an extra kick, leave some seeds in, or use only serranos. Rounding out the ingredients are fresh white onion for a sharp bite, ripe Roma tomatoes for their juicy sweetness, fragrant cilantro for herbaceous notes, fresh lime juice for acidity, and salt to enhance all the flavors.

See the full recipe card below for a detailed list of all ingredients and precise quantities to make this amazing salsa.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this Mango Pico de Gallo is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping salsa:

Pro Tips for the Best Mango Pico de Gallo

• Choose Ripe Mangos: A ripe mango will be slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant, sweet aroma at the stem end. Avoid hard, unripe mangos as they lack sweetness and can be fibrous.
• Uniform Dicing: Aim for uniformly sized small to medium dice for all your ingredients. This ensures every spoonful has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
• Adjust Spice Level: For less heat, remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños and serranos. For more heat, leave them in or add an extra serrano pepper. Always use gloves when handling hot peppers to avoid skin irritation.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to combine. Overmixing can bruise the delicate mango and tomato pieces, leading to a mushy salsa.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your pico de gallo before serving. Add more lime juice for tanginess, salt for overall flavor enhancement, or a pinch of sugar if your mangos aren’t as sweet as you’d like.
• Let it Mingle: While delicious immediately, allowing the salsa to sit for 15-30 minutes at room temperature can significantly improve its flavor as the ingredients have time to marinate and meld.

How to Serve Your Mango Pico de Gallo

This versatile Mango Pico de Gallo can be served at room temperature or chilled, offering a delightful counterpoint to a variety of dishes. Its sweet, spicy, and tangy notes make it an excellent accompaniment for both savory and rich flavors. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• As a Dip: Simply serve with your favorite tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer.
• With Tacos: It’s absolutely phenomenal on Shrimp Tacos or fish tacos, adding a bright, zesty contrast to the seafood.
• Grilled Meats: Spoon it generously over Chuck Roast Carne Asada, grilled chicken, or pork for an instant flavor upgrade.
• Poultry Dishes: Pair it with Pan Seared Cilantro Lime Chicken for a light and flavorful meal.
• Seafood Specialties: A fantastic addition to Ceviche de Camaron, or any grilled or baked fish.
• Appetizers: Serve alongside Croquetas de Atún (Mexican Tuna Patties) for a fresh side.
• Salads & Bowls: Incorporate it into grain bowls, green salads, or even as a topping for scrambled eggs for a unique breakfast twist.

Storing Your Fresh Salsa

To keep your Mango Pico de Gallo fresh and flavorful, store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its best quality for up to 2 days. While the flavors can continue to meld and deepen over time, the freshness and crispness of the ingredients, particularly the cucumber and mango, are best enjoyed within the first two days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Mango Pico de Gallo ahead of time?

Yes, you can! While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare Mango Pico de Gallo up to 24 hours in advance. For optimal freshness, consider dicing all the solid ingredients and storing them separately. Then, combine them and add the lime juice and salt just an hour or two before serving. This helps prevent the mango and cucumber from becoming too soft.

2. How do I choose a ripe mango?

To select a ripe mango, gently squeeze it. It should yield slightly, like a ripe avocado. A ripe mango will also have a fragrant, sweet aroma near the stem. Don’t rely solely on color, as some ripe varieties can still be green or have red blush. Ataulfo (honey) mangos, recommended for this recipe, turn a deep golden yellow when ripe.

3. What if I don’t like cilantro?

Cilantro adds a distinctive fresh, herbaceous flavor to pico de gallo. If you’re not a fan, you can omit it entirely or substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder, slightly different green note. Alternatively, a small amount of finely chopped mint could add a refreshing twist.

4. Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this salsa?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Diced red bell pepper can add extra sweetness and crunch, while finely diced red onion can be used in place of white onion for a slightly stronger flavor. For a more adventurous twist, consider adding finely diced avocado just before serving (to prevent browning) or even a touch of finely minced ginger for an unexpected zing.

5. Is Mango Pico de Gallo spicy?

The spice level is completely customizable. This recipe uses both jalapeños and serrano peppers. Jalapeños provide a moderate heat, while serranos are significantly spicier. You can control the heat by removing the seeds and membranes from the peppers (where most of the capsaicin is concentrated) or by adjusting the quantity of peppers used. For a very mild version, you can even use just a tiny amount of jalapeño or omit the serranos entirely.

We hope you absolutely love this fresh and flavorful Mango Pico de Gallo! If you give this recipe a try, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to stay connected and discover more delicious recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and culinary inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

Full Recipe Card

Originally published June 17, 2023. This post was comprehensively updated and re-optimized in June 2025 to provide more detailed information, improved readability, and enhanced SEO.