Sweet & Savory Mango Bacon Avocado Salsa

I love fresh salsa to the point that I can’t have a meal without it. I think chile is in my blood and runs through my veins, the spicier the better! I think I inherited my mother’s and grandmother’s cast-iron stomach, because I never can get enough salsa or spicy chile. 

This salsa is sweet and savory, thanks to the addition of mango, avocado and seasoned bacon that brings up the smoky, spicy level. It's a perfect salsa for a game day buffet, paired with your favorite chips, but is equally delicious atop grilled chicken, pork or seafood. If you like spice like I do, keep this salsa recipe as-is, but if you want just a hint of heat, feel free to decrease the jalapeño in this recipe. Here’s how to make it.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Arrange bacon slices on the foil and sprinkle chili powder and cayenne pepper on both sides. Place the baking sheet on the center rack and bake for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.

While the bacon cools, chop the mango and avocado.

Dice the red onion and jalapeño, if using.

Chop the bacon once into small cubes.

Combine the chopped bacon, mango, avocado, red onion and jalapeño in a bowl. Add the lime juice and toss gently. Set aside, and let the flavors come together at room temperature. Dig in!