Island Salsa (Trader Joe’s Copycat)

 

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced mango (ripe but firm)

• 1 ½ cups diced pineapple (cut small — about pea-sized)

• ½ cup green bell pepper, finely diced

• ½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced

• ½ cup onion, finely diced

• 2–3 red jalapeños, minced (seeds in or out depending on desired heat)

• ¼ cup cane sugar (start with less, adjust to taste)

• ¼ cup lime juice (if using fresh, use 2–3 limes for enough acidity)

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, since it was listed in the pepper prep in the original)

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Instructions

1. Prep ingredients small — dice mango, pineapple, peppers, and onion into small, scoopable pieces (¼" or smaller).

2. Cook down base: In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple, mango, onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños with sugar, lime juice, and salt. Stir well.

3. Simmer gently: Bring to a low simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften and the fruit releases its juices. (You want it to thicken slightly but not turn into jam.)

4. Taste & adjust: Add more lime juice or sugar as needed. It should be bright-tart, sweet, and a little spicy.

5. Cool & finish: Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro once cooled slightly. Chill before serving for best flavor.