Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salsa brings together the best of both worlds – the earthiness of black beans paired with the sweetness of ripe mangoes. The crunchy vegetables and zesty lime add a fresh, tangy kick, while the cilantro and seasonings elevate the taste to a whole new level. Whether served with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos, this salsa is versatile, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients while satisfying your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the black beans, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
- If desired, add the diced jalapeño for a spicy kick and toss again.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or cumin to your preference.
- Refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings. It takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, with an additional 30 minutes of chilling time.
Variations
- Spicy Black Bean Mango Salsa: Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
- Avocado: Dice one avocado and fold it into the salsa for added creaminess.
- Cucumber: Add some diced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
- Sweetener: If you prefer a sweeter salsa, add a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: This salsa is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating. The flavors continue to develop as it sits in the fridge, but it may become slightly watery over time. If needed, drain excess liquid before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen mango works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the salsa.
2. How spicy is this salsa?
The salsa has a mild to moderate heat, depending on how much jalapeño you add. You can skip the jalapeño altogether for a non-spicy version.
3. Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or more allows the flavors to meld together.
4. Can I use canned mango in this recipe?
While fresh mango is ideal, canned mango can be used if fresh is not available. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid.
5. How can I make this salsa more savory?
If you prefer a more savory flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the savory elements.
6. Can I use other beans instead of black beans?
Yes, you can substitute black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas if you prefer a different variety.
7. What can I serve this salsa with?
This salsa pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, fish, tacos, or as a topping for salads and bowls.
8. How long does this salsa last?
This salsa lasts about 2-3 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best eaten within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
9. Can I freeze Black Bean Mango Salsa?
It is not recommended to freeze this salsa as the texture of the vegetables and fruit may become mushy upon thawing.
10. Is this salsa gluten-free?
Yes, this Black Bean Mango Salsa is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
This Black Bean Mango Salsa is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or looking for a healthy snack, this salsa is a versatile, crowd-pleasing choice. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
PrintBlack Bean Mango Salsa
This Black Bean Mango Salsa combines the sweetness of ripe mango with earthy black beans, zesty lime, and crunchy vegetables, making it a refreshing and flavorful addition to any dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1–2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the black beans, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the bean mixture and toss gently to combine.
- If desired, add the diced jalapeño for a spicy kick and toss again.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lime juice, or cumin to your preference.
- Refrigerate the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- For a spicier salsa, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Incorporate diced avocado for added creaminess.
- For extra crunch and freshness, add some diced cucumber.
- If you like it sweeter, add a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg