Last Updated: October 13, 2025
Spice up your next gathering with this easy mango salsa recipe! We love mango salsa because of its tropical flair. It’s perfect for Costa Rica’s warm weather, but is also a great way to bring some pura vida into your house even if you can’t be in Costa Rica.
Our mango salsa recipe adds a little tomato for balance plus jalapeno for some heat. It’s delicious on its own with tortilla chips or you could add it to fish tacos or Costa Rican patacones.
The fresh salsa is wonderful alongside refreshing cocktails like Caipirinhas or margaritas. We like our salsa hot so use a lot of jalapeno, but feel free to use less or none at all. Here’s our easy Costa Rican-style mango salsa recipe.
About Mangos in Costa Rica
Mangos are one of the easiest to find fruits in Costa Rica, especially from March through July when they’re in peak season. You’ll see mango trees loaded with fruit in backyards, for sale at roadside stands, and at local farmers markets.
At our house on the central Pacific coast, we have three different varieties of mango. We have Tommy Atkins (most common type in Costa Rica) but also some lesser-known varieties. One is a lot different than the mangos you usually find at the grocery store. It’s much more fibrous and has a more intense, slightly bitter flavor.
Fresh mangos are very affordable in Costa Rica. They usually cost less than 1,000 colones ($2) each at grocery stores and are even cheaper at the feria (farmers market). This makes mango salsa a budget-friendly appetizer that takes advantage of Costa Rica’s plentiful tropical fruit.
Mango Salsa Recipe
Ingredients
1 ripe mango, chopped into small cubes
1/2 cup fresh tomato, chopped
1/4 cup onions, minced
1 whole jalapeno, minced (substitute habanero for real heat)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped*
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
A hearty pinch of salt
*See Notes below re: cilantro.
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Chill covered for an hour to allow the flavors to meld (if you don’t have the time, don’t worry, it will still be delicious).
Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or even patacones (Costa Rica’s savory fried plantains).
Serves 4.
Notes and Variations
Choosing Your Mango: Look for mangos that give slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma near the stem. If your mango is too firm, let it ripen on the counter for a day or two.
Cilantro: If you’re in Costa Rica, look for coyote cilantro to make it super authentic. This type of cilantro grows in long strips. It’s almost like a weed in our yard! If you can’t find this, regular cilantro will do just fine.
Make It Your Own: Try adding diced pineapple or papaya for extra tropical flavor.
Storage: This salsa is best enjoyed fresh but will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The lime juice helps preserve the ingredients.
Have you tried this recipe? Leave us a comment below.
Looking for more recipes or to learn about Costa Rica’s culture? Check out these posts:
Cooking Homemade Costa Rican-Style Beans: Our recipe for making red or black beans from scratch.
Arroz con Pollo: A traditional dish of rice and chicken that is served in almost all Costa Rican homes and restaurants.
Life in Costa Rica: Our Life in Costa Rica section covers lots of topics related to moving and living here, including packing, buying a car, getting residency, house sitting, having a baby, and more.
Food and Restaurant Guides: Learn more about food in Costa Rica and get restaurant recommendations for top destinations.
A Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Foods to Try – Costa Rica’s most popular dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Practical Travel: Planning a trip to Costa Rica? These articles on packing, weather, using credit cards, and safety will help with the basics.