Step 1: Prepare the Mangoes

• The first and most crucial step is properly dicing the mangoes. To do this easily, slice the “cheeks” off the mango by cutting down along the sides of the large, flat pit in the center.

• Take one mango cheek and, without cutting through the skin, carefully score the flesh in a crosshatch pattern, creating small 1/4-inch squares.

• Once scored, you can either gently push the skin from underneath to invert it (the “hedgehog” method) and slice the cubes off, or use a large spoon to scoop the diced flesh away from the skin and into a large mixing bowl. Repeat with all mango pieces.

Step 2: Dice the Vegetables and Herbs

• Prepare the rest of your core ingredients. Finely dice the red onion and the red bell pepper into pieces of a similar size to your mango cubes. This consistency in size is key to getting a perfect bite every time. Add them to the bowl with the mango.

• Prepare the jalapeño. For a milder salsa, be sure to remove all the white membranes and seeds, as this is where most of the heat resides. Mince the green flesh finely and add it to the bowl. If you love heat, you can leave some seeds in or even use a spicier pepper like a serrano.

• Finely chop the fresh cilantro leaves and add them to the bowl.

Step 3: Combine and Season

• Pour the fresh lime juice over all the ingredients in the bowl. The lime juice not only adds essential tangy flavor but also helps to prevent the mango from browning and melds all the other flavors together.

• Sprinkle the kosher salt over the mixture.

• Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to mash or over-mix, as you want to maintain the distinct texture of the diced ingredients.

Step 4: Let it Rest (The Secret Step!)

• This is the most important step for flavor development. Cover the bowl and let the salsa rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

• During this time, the salt will draw out some of the juices from the mango and vegetables, and the flavors of the onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime will meld and marinate, creating a much more cohesive and delicious final product.

Step 5: Final Taste and Serve

• After the salsa has rested, give it one last gentle stir. Taste a spoonful and adjust the seasonings if necessary. It might need another pinch of salt or a squeeze more of lime juice to brighten it up.

• Serve chilled with a large bowl of your favorite tortilla chips.