Mango Black Bean Salsa is what I would call Fusion cuisine. It is neither Latin American or Caribbean, however, it utilizes ingredients that are native to that cuisine. Mango Black Bean Salsa works well as an appetizer, as a side dish, or even a relish.
Health benefits of mangoes
Mangoes have the natural advantage of being extremely nutritious. They are rich in vitamins A, C, potassium and omega 3's. Because they are low in calories, they make a wonderful snack if you happen to be dieting: if my sources are correct, a mango has about 140 calories. Black beans are high in protein, which further adds to the nutritional value of this snack.
I was first introduced to this delicious snack by my friend Eimy, a real health nut. Being a vegetarian (she does eat fish) she is always looking for healthy snacks that are low in calories. The great thing about this mango salsa recipe is that it presents an interesting alternative to the salsa we are all more familiar with. The sweetness of the mangoes is offset by the jalapeno peppers and the the tartness of the red wine vinegar. All in all, this is an appetizer that successfully integrates different flavors and textures.
This is also versatile since you can eat it as a side dish with grilled fish. By the way it also goes really well with fish tacos. The first time I took this appetizer to an office pot luck party, everyone went wild. Needless to say, that is what I was asked to bring to every office party from then on. Since leaving that department ( I wasn't allowed to leave until sharing the recipe with those who asked for it) I now take it to parties in my current office. It's always a hit.
Tips for making salsa
- You want to finely chop the vegetables in this dish but not mince them. The jalapeños and cilantro can be around ⅛ inch and the onions and mango around ¼ inch. You want to have little crunch when you eat it.
- I would never freeze this dish as it would ruin the texture and become very soggy once thawed.
- This will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator but it is best right after it is made. It will get a bit softer after the first day but still really tasty.
- My favorite way to serve this is at parties with chips but it is also great on fish tacos or as a side with pork chops or chuletas.
If you love Latin food then you have to try some of my all time favorite dishes or bookmark them for later. Here are some of the most popular ethnic dishes, their history and ingredients to make at home.
Mexican Pork Carnitas: Make this in the slow cooker and then broil for crispy goodness.
Cuban Ropa Vieja: A true comfort food of slow cooked beef served over rice.
Recaito: This is the ingredient used in many Latin soups, stews and black beans.
Sofrito: You need to have this base ingredient for Latin style beans and shredded chicken.
Latin Style Black Beans: If you have never tried these you are missing out and they are so easy!
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📖 Recipe
Mango Black Bean Salsa Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 3 ripe mangoes diced into into ¼" cubes
- 15 oz black beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoon lime juice fresh squeeze, about 1 lime
- 1 jalapeno diced and cored (no seeds)
- 2 tablespoon red bell pepper diced - optional
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- 2 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
- In a large bowl place mangoes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and blend thoroughly.
- This salsa can be used as a side with grilled fish or fish tacos. Also very good on its own with tortilla chips. Tostitos Scoops work great! For a nice color contrast you can use blue corn tortilla chips.
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hi Analida! This salsa looks scrumptious! I can't wait to try it. I see that you're serving them with chips. What else can you serve this salsa with? Pinning! 😀
Analida says
Vashti, thanks for commenting. You can serve it as a relish over grilled fish or chicken. You can do pita bread also.
AnEssenceOfBalance says
Love this recipe! Looks so good.
Analida says
Thanks!!!
It is really good and so healthy!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake says
I love fruity salsas, this one looks awesome!
Analida says
Thanks Michelle!!! This one is so refreshing.
Joy @ Joy Love Food says
Mango and black beans is such a wonderful combination, this salsa sounds delicious!
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
What a delicious looking salsa! The smoked paprika is a nice touch.
Analida says
Thanks Rachel!
Analida says
Thanks, it's one of my favorites. I could eat a whole bowl.
Art from My Table says
I can see this disappearing quickly! I should probably just plan on making a double baatch. 🙂
Analida says
Hi there!
Yes, a double batch is not a bad idea. 🙂
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Looks like the perfect party side dish to me.
Tina says
I can almost eat it like a side:) This looks great!
Analida says
Hi Tina! You can certainly eat it as a side! I have done it in the past. 🙂
Deborah says
Yum, this salsa looks so good; I love anything with mango in it.
Analida says
Thanks Deborah! We love it at home, especially in the summertime. The combination of flavors is very refreshing.
Gwynn Galvin says
I love the addition of mango in this recipe. It gives a touch of sweetness to every bite!
Analida says
Hi Gwynn, I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Ann says
This is a great summer salsa recipe to make, especially to mix things up a bit! I love the color the mangos bring to this salsa.
Jamie says
Oh my, this salsa recipe is so delicious and very yummy! Plus this is such a healthy dish that everyone loved it! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Amy Liu Dong says
This was a perfect appetizer to prepare on my dad's birthday.
It is so easy and definitely delicious!