Mango Black Bean Salsa

Fresh mango salsa with black beans should be the first thing you make for your next party. It's slightly sweet, slightly spicy, and super versatile. This Mango Black Bean Salsa can be used in so many different ways. We love it with Blackened Shrimp, Grilled Chicken Tacos, and served on Fish Tacos. 

To say that I am obsessed with this simple fruit salsa is an understatement. Ask my family and they will let you know that I have been trying to serve mango salsa on everything. It's just the perfect salsa  - sweet from the mango, spicy from the jalapenos, and with plenty of punch from the red onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

It's also the most popular thing at any party. Recently I brought some on a girl's weekend to serve with some simple roasted salmon and it was devoured. I am telling you, this mango black bean salsa can take any simple dish and immediately make it feel like something you would get in a restaurant. 

It's also super versatile. You can add all kinds of extras to switch up the flavors - corn, avocado, red peppers, serrano peppers, shrimp, you name it. This stuff is delicious and you need to make it as soon as possible.

Ways to Use Mango Black Bean Salsa

If it were up to me, I could literally list over 100 different ways to use this black bean and mango salsa. It tastes amazing with chips, tacos, tostadas, grilled proteins, over rice, salad greens, you get the idea. Here are some favorites:

• Salmon: Blackened Salmon with all its spice and smoke is so good with the sweetness of this mango salsa. Serve it right on top of the salmon or break it up and serve it as tacos, lettuce wraps, or as a rice bowl. 
• Shrimp: Shrimp and mango are a natural pairing, so throw this salsa on top of your favorite shrimp tacos. 
• Fish Tacos: Another option is to use this as the salsa on your favorite fish tacos. It adds freshness and tons of flavor to fish and is so good during the summer.
• Grain bowls: We eat a ton of grain bowls for lunch and one way to jazz it up is with some mango salsa. Start with a bed of cooked quinoa and add some roasted veggies, rotisserie chicken, and a big serving of this salsa for a delicious meal.
• Grilled proteins: It should go without saying that this tastes good on pretty much anything coming off the grill - chicken, pork, steak, tofu, and even sausages.  We also love it on this slow cooker tri tip.
• Quesadillas: Kick up a basic chicken or cheese quesadilla by throwing some of this sweet salsa on top. 
• Salads: One other option is to turn this into a salad. Add some greens, avocado, and corn and it transforms into a filling meal.

Recipe Variations for Black Bean and Mango Salsa

• Add corn: During corn season, I add fresh grilled corn to this recipe. It is so good. You can also use drained canned corn or defrosted frozen corn, but fresh with some char from the grill is the best option.
• Add avocado: Creamy avocado is a natural addition to this salsa. Add some extra lime juice to keep the avocado from browning.
• Add red bell pepper: For another crunchy element, add a diced red bell pepper. It also adds some more color.
• No beans: Consider the beans completely optional in this mango salsa. I love the earthy element it adds, but it is completely delicious without them as well.
• Use basil: If you are someone who hates cilantro, you can use basil instead. I have even used mint and it's pretty delicious.
• Add strawberries: For a fun summer twist, consider tossing in some chopped fresh summer strawberries.
• Add cooked shrimp: For special occasions, I like to add some cooked chopped shrimp to this salsa. It makes it feel really special and is always the first thing to disappear at a party. 
• Make it spicier: Swap out the jalapeno for 1-2 serrano peppers, which are spicier than jalapeno peppers. You can also just add a few extra jalapenos.

How long does mango salsa last in the fridge?

Unfortunately, mango can get kind of slimy after a couple of days once it is cut. Therefore it is best to enjoy this within 1-2 days of preparing it.