If you love vibrant, fresh flavors that dance on your palate, then you are in for a real treat with this Mango Shrimp Salsa Recipe. This dish is a beautiful harmony of juicy mangoes, tender shrimp, and creamy avocado, all brought together with a zesty lime kick and a touch of heat from jalapeños. It’s bright, refreshing, and amazingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a sunny afternoon snack or a standout appetizer at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mango Shrimp Salsa Recipe is simple but crucial in creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the sweet mangoes to the fresh cilantro, each component plays its part beautifully.
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (medium), peeled & deveined: The star protein, offering a tender, slightly sweet base that soaks up lime juice wonderfully.
- 2 mangos: Bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color, essential for a tropical flair.
- 2 avocados: Add creaminess and a buttery texture that mellows the spice and brightens every bite.
- 1/2 red onion (finely diced): Provides a mild crunch and sharpness that balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 bunch cilantro: Delivers a fresh, herbal note that elevates the salsa’s freshness.
- 3 limes (juiced, about 2/3 to 3/4 cup juice): Adds zing and acidity that marinates the shrimp and ties everything together.
- 2 jalapeños (finely diced): Gives the salsa a gentle kick of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Mango Shrimp Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Shrimp
Start by making sure your cooked shrimp are fully thawed — rinse them under cold water and then pat dry carefully with several paper towels. This step is key because excess moisture can water down your salsa. Coarsely chop the shrimp into bite-sized chunks and toss them into a large mixing bowl. Next, squeeze the fresh lime juice over the shrimp, giving it a gentle stir. Letting the shrimp marinate in lime juice adds a bright citrus note and helps blend the flavors as you prepare the rest of your salsa ingredients.
Step 2: Add Mango and Avocado
Peel, pit, and dice the ripe mangos into bite-sized pieces and add them right into the bowl with the shrimp. Then, do the same with ripe avocados. The creamy texture of avocado combined with juicy mango makes every bite luxurious and refreshing. This step is where texture comes alive — the softness of the avocado against the firmness of the shrimp creates an irresistible combination.
Step 3: Incorporate Onion, Jalapeño, and Cilantro
Finally, finely dice the red onion and jalapeños, and chop the cilantro before adding them to your bowl. These finishing touches offer sharpness, freshness, and a lively heat that make the salsa exciting and well-rounded. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Mango Shrimp Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the presentation and add even more flavor, try garnishing your mango shrimp salsa with a few fresh cilantro leaves or a thin slice of lime on the side. A sprinkle of finely diced red onion or a dash of chili powder can add a pop of color and complement the zingy flavors.
Side Dishes
This salsa pairs beautifully with crunchy tortilla chips for a casual appetizer or snack. You can also serve it atop grilled fish tacos or alongside a bed of fluffy quinoa for a light, healthy meal. Its versatility means it shines equally as a side or a standalone dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get playful with your presentation? Serve the Mango Shrimp Salsa Recipe in mini mason jars for party-ready servings or scoop it over crispy cucumber rounds or sliced jicama for a fresh, low-carb bite. It’s colorful and eye-catching no matter how you dish it out.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover mango shrimp salsa, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh to savor the vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
Freezing
Freezing this salsa is not recommended because the avocado and fresh ingredients will lose their texture and become mushy after thawing. To keep it tasting fresh, enjoy it within a couple of days of making.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature to maintain the bright, fresh quality of the ingredients. Avoid reheating as it can alter the texture of the shrimp and avocado.
FAQs
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh shrimp, simply cook and chill them before chopping and mixing with the rest of the ingredients to keep the salsa fresh and safe to eat.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I skip the jalapeños?
Definitely. You can either omit the jalapeños or seed them for less heat. You can also substitute with a mild pepper or add just a small amount to taste.
Is this Mango Shrimp Salsa Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those avoiding gluten or anyone looking for a fresh, healthy snack.
Can I prepare this salsa in advance for a party?
You can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant, especially the avocado which can brown if left too long after dicing.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try fresh parsley or basil instead. Each will give a slightly different flavor but still add a lovely fresh herbaceous note.
Final Thoughts
This Mango Shrimp Salsa Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that brings sunshine to your table no matter the season. With its bright, fresh ingredients and effortless preparation, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser or simply a fantastic treat for yourself. I encourage you to try it—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp and tropical flavors together.
Print
Mango Shrimp Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings as an appetizer
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mango Shrimp Salsa that’s perfect as a light appetizer or party snack. This no-cook recipe combines juicy mangoes, creamy avocados, and tender shrimp tossed with fresh lime juice, jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro for a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (medium, peeled & deveined)
Fruits & Vegetables
- 2 mangos, peeled, pitted and diced
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced
Others
- 3 limes, juiced (about 2/3 to 3/4 cup juice)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Once shrimp are fully thawed, rinse them gently and pat dry thoroughly using several paper towels. Coarsely chop the shrimp and place into a large mixing bowl. Squeeze the juice of 3 limes directly over the shrimp, stir to coat evenly, and allow the shrimp to marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Add fruits: Pit, peel, and dice 2 mangos and add them to the bowl with the shrimp. Next, peel, pit, and dice 2 avocados and add these to the bowl as well.
- Incorporate vegetables and herbs: Finely dice 2 jalapeños and 1/2 red onion and chop 1/2 bunch of cilantro. Add all to the shrimp, mango, and avocado mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly without mashing the avocado.
- Serve: Serve the mango shrimp salsa immediately with tortilla chips or chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld further.
Notes
- This recipe requires no additional cooking—the shrimp must be pre-cooked and thawed.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your preferred level of spiciness.
- For the freshest taste, consume the salsa within 1 day as avocado and shrimp are best fresh.
- Lime juice not only adds flavor but also helps prevent avocado from browning.
- Great served chilled or at room temperature.
