Sweet & Zesty Honey & Lime Pineapple and Mango Salsa
This vibrant honey lime pineapple mango salsa combines tropical sweetness with a kick of heat—perfect for elevating everything from fish tacos to high-protein chicken waffles!
There’s something magical about the combination of honey and lime that transforms an ordinary fruit salsa into something extraordinary. This honey lime infused pineapple and mango salsa strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. The natural sweetness of the fruits gets a boost from the honey lime dressing, while fresh herbs and jalapeño add complexity and a gentle kick.
Whether you’re spooning it over fish tacos, serving it alongside chicken, or enjoying it as a refreshing snack with tortilla chips, this versatile condiment brightens any meal. Today I’m sharing my go-to recipe for this tropical delight along with helpful substitutions and serving suggestions! And if fun salsas are your “thing”, don’t miss my Kiwano Salsa and Hatch Chili Salsa with Peaches.
Ingredients
For the Salsa:
- Honey mangoes – These smaller, golden-hued mangoes (also called Ataulfo or Champagne mangoes) are exceptionally sweet and creamy with minimal fibrous texture, making them perfect for salsa
- Fresh pineapple – The foundation of our pineapple jalapeño salsa, providing juicy sweetness and that distinctive tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey lime profile
- Plum tomato – Adds a lovely color contrast and subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of the fruits
- Red bell pepper – Brings a crisp texture and sweet pepper flavor that compliments the tropical fruits
- Red onion – Provides a sharp, pungent kick that cuts through the sweetness for balanced flavor
- Jalapeño – The heat source for our jalapeño pineapple salsa, adding that perfect mild-to-medium spice level
- Mixed herbs (cilantro, parsley, and basil) – This unique herb trio adds layers of freshness and complexity
- Limes – Essential for the honey lime dressing base, providing bright acidity and citrus notes (fresh limes are a must – no bottled juice, please)
- Honey – Works with lime juice to create our simple honey lime vinaigrette that ties all flavors together
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the honey lime combination
For the Honey Lime Dressing:
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed for the tangiest honey lime dressing
- Honey – The perfect natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with lime. I’m using The Honey Jar clover blossom honey. They raise bees that make the honey I use and are based out of Utah. Once I tried it, there was no turning back…yes, it is just that good!
- Salt – Just a pinch to enhance the lime honey combination
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes you need to switch things up based on what’s available or your personal preferences. Here are some excellent substitutions for this versatile salsa:
Fruit Alternatives
- Peaches – Ripe peaches make an excellent substitute for mangoes, creating a wonderful honey lime peach salsa with a slightly different sweetness profile
- Plums – These stone fruits bring a unique tartness that works beautifully with the honey lime dressing
- Papaya – Another tropical option that works well with the honey lime flavor combination
Heat Level Adjustments
- Habanero pepper – For those who love extra heat, substitute jalapeño with habanero to create a fiery pineapple habanero salsa (use about half the amount as they’re significantly spicier)
- Serrano pepper – A step up from jalapeño in heat but not as intense as habanero
- Bell pepper – For a completely mild version, skip the hot peppers altogether and add extra bell pepper (I’d throw in a yellow or orange pepper for great color and sweetness.)
Herb Variations
- All cilantro – For a more traditional Mexican-inspired salsa
- Mint – Adds a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the honey lime base
How to Make Honey & Lime Pineapple Mango Salsa
Creating this vibrant honey lime infused salsa is surprisingly simple! Follow these easy steps for the perfect balance of flavors:
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables
- Dice the pineapple into small, uniform 1/4-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- Cut the honey mangoes into similar-sized cubes (about 1 cup)
- Finely dice the plum tomato, removing excess seeds
- Mince the red onion and red bell pepper
- Carefully remove seeds and ribs from the jalapeño (unless you want extra heat) and finely mince
Step 2: Chop the Herbs
- Finely chop the cilantro, parsley, and basil (or any herb you have chosen)
- Mix the herbs together in a small bowl
Step 3: Make the Honey Lime Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice with 1 tablespoon of honey
- Whisk until the honey is completely dissolved in the lime juice
- Add a pinch of salt and stir to incorporate
This simple honey lime vinaigrette will tie all the flavors together and can be used as a salad dressing or marinade for fish and chicken too! Try my Exotic Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing for another way I use it.
Step 4: Combine and Marinate
- In a medium bowl, combine all the diced fruits and vegetables
- Pour the honey lime dressing over the mixture
- Add the chopped herb mixture
- Gently fold everything together until well combined
- Allow the salsa to marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving (though 30 minutes is ideal for the flavors to meld) You can serve this at room temperature or chilled – your choice!
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed:
- More lime juice for extra tanginess
- Additional honey for sweetness
- Extra pinch of salt to enhance flavors
What to Serve This Salsa With
This versatile honey lime pineapple mango salsa pairs beautifully with so many dishes! Here are some of my favorite combinations:
Seafood Pairings
- Crispy Fish tacos – The bright flavors of this salsa are the perfect complement to flaky white fish like mahi-mahi or cod
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Crispy Tilapia with Mango Salsa Just substitute this salsa for a twist.
- Crispy Baked salmon fillets would be delicious topped with this pineapple and mango salsa.
Poultry Options
- Grilled Chicken – Spoon this vibrant mixture over grilled or baked chicken breasts
- High Protein Waffles made with Chicken – My absolute favorite unexpected pairing! The sweet-savory combination of chicken waffles topped with this honey lime infused salsa creates an amazing breakfast-meets-dinner experience
- Turkey burgers
- Grilled chicken tacos
Other Delicious Pairings
- Tortilla chips for a refreshing appetizer
- Grilled pork chops
- Black bean bowls
- Avocado toast for a tropical twist
- Grain bowls with quinoa or rice
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this salsa last in the refrigerator?
This honey lime pineapple mango salsa will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The honey lime dressing actually helps preserve the freshness, though the herbs may darken slightly over time.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making this salsa 3-4 hours ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The honey lime combination will infuse throughout all ingredients, creating an even more flavorful result.
Is this salsa spicy?
With one jalapeño, this jalapeño pineapple salsa has a mild-to-medium heat level. For a spicier version, keep some of the jalapeño seeds or substitute with habanero to make pineapple habanero salsa. For a milder version, remove all seeds and membranes or omit the pepper entirely.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
While fresh pineapple provides the best texture and flavor for this honey lime salsa, you can substitute canned pineapple in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it very well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
What makes the honey lime dressing so special?
The honey lime vinaigrette creates magic through simple chemistry—the acidity of the lime brightens and enhances the tropical flavors while the honey provides a natural sweetness that balances everything. This honey lime dressing isn’t just for salsa; it’s also wonderful as a honey lime salad dressing for greens!
Can I freeze this salsa?
I don’t recommend freezing this salsa as the fresh fruits will lose their texture when thawed. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.
I hope you enjoy this vibrant honey and lime pineapple mango salsa! The combination of sweet tropical fruits with the zesty honey lime dressing creates a versatile condiment that elevates everything from fish tacos to unexpected pairings like chicken waffles.
If you made this salsa, let me know your favorite ways to enjoy this tropical treat in the comments below!
Don’t miss some of my other favorite toppings and sauces. These work in all kinds of dishes and having these recipes come in handy when I want to spruce up a meal.
Sugar-Free Pumpkin Maple Vinaigrette
Honey & Lime Pineapple and Mango Salsa
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 Small honey mangoes, diced
- 1 Cup Fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 Large plum tomato, diced
- 1/2 Red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 Red onion, finely minced
- 1/2 - 1 Small jalapeno, finely minced
- 2 Tbsp. Mixed herbs, chopped (cilantro, parsley, basil, chives)
- 2 Limes, juice of
- 1 Tbsp. Honey (The Honey Jar is a favorite)
- 1/2 Tsp. Kosher salt
Instructions
- Chop and mince your fruit and vegetables. Add to a large bowl.
- Chop your herbs of choice. All cilantro is traditional you may use two tablespoons of only that herb. I don't like it (soapy taste for me), so I use a mix of parsley and basil. You can chose you own favorites. Add to the bowl with the fruit and veggies.
- Add the salt and honey and squeeze your limes over the top. Combine. Taste and adjust seasoning and heat level as desired. For more heat, add more jalapeno. To make it sweeter, add more honey.
- You can serve at room temperature or chilled. Serve it with chips or on top of fish or poultry or any of your favorite Mexican recipes in lieu of regular salsa. Enjoy!
