Homemade Peach Mango Salsa: The Ultimate Costco Copycat Recipe for Canning & Fresh Enjoyment
Imagine the vibrant flavors of summer, bottled up for year-round enjoyment. This homemade Peach Mango Salsa recipe does exactly that, capturing the essence of the beloved Costco Santa Barbara Mango Peach Salsa. It’s an incredibly versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with a wide array of dishes, from delicate baked fish to robust grilled chicken, or simply as a refreshing dip for your favorite tortilla chips. Ditching the store-bought versions for a homemade batch offers numerous advantages, allowing you to control the ingredients, customize the flavor profile, and enjoy the freshest possible taste.
There’s a unique satisfaction in crafting your own salsa, especially when you bring home baskets of sun-ripened peaches from local farms and perfectly ripe mangoes. This recipe transforms those fresh ingredients into a salsa that rivals, if not surpasses, its commercial counterpart. The true beauty of making your own Peach Mango Salsa lies not just in the superior taste but also in the ability to prepare a large batch and preserve it. This eliminates the common problem of opening a huge container of store-bought salsa only to have the rest go to waste if not used quickly.
Why Choose Homemade Peach Mango Salsa? Freshness, Flavor, and Freedom
Opting for a homemade version of this delightful salsa offers unparalleled benefits. Firstly, you get to select the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Imagine sweet, juicy peaches and perfectly ripe, aromatic mangoes, all at their peak flavor. This level of freshness is hard to match with most commercially produced salsas, which often contain preservatives and artificial flavors to extend shelf life.
Secondly, making your own salsa means complete control over the flavor. Do you prefer it sweeter, tangier, or with an extra kick of spice? You can easily adjust the proportions of sugar, vinegar, and chili sauce (or fresh peppers!) to suit your personal preference. This customization is key to creating a salsa that truly speaks to your palate. Furthermore, our recipe is designed to replicate the distinctive sweet and savory balance found in Costco’s popular version, providing that familiar taste but with the added depth and vibrancy that only homemade can offer.
Finally, homemade salsa helps reduce food waste and can be incredibly cost-effective in the long run. Buying ingredients in bulk, especially during peak season, often costs less than purchasing multiple small containers of pre-made salsa. Plus, the ability to preserve large batches through canning means you’ll have this delicious condiment on hand for months, saving you trips to the store and ensuring you always have a healthy, flavorful option for meals and snacks.
The Art of Preserving: Canning Your Peach Mango Salsa
While enjoying fresh salsa is a delight, the true genius of this recipe lies in its canning potential. Canning is a straightforward process that allows you to seal in the vibrant flavors of summer, making them accessible even in the colder months. This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly and foolproof, guiding you through each step to ensure a safe and successful preservation.
A single batch of this Peach Mango Salsa yields approximately 15 (12 oz) jelly jars, which amounts to a generous 22 1/2 cups of fresh salsa. This substantial quantity is perfect for gifting, stocking your pantry, or simply ensuring you have a steady supply of this incredible condiment. Imagine surprising friends and family with adorable little jars of homemade salsa – they make charming and thoughtful gifts for any occasion. Even if you’re not ready to delve into full-scale canning, freezing smaller portions can also work beautifully, offering a convenient way to extend its shelf life, though canning provides superior long-term storage and pantry stability.
Fresh vs. Canned: Making the Right Choice for Your Salsa
You might be wondering if canning is truly necessary. While this salsa is absolutely delicious served fresh, a large batch, as this recipe produces, would only last for about a week in the refrigerator. This means a significant portion could go to waste if not consumed promptly. For smaller households or those planning to use it all within a few days, halving the recipe might be a good option for fresh consumption.
However, given the chopping and time investment required, taking the extra step to can your salsa provides immense value. Canning ensures that your hard work translates into a long-lasting pantry staple, providing you with flavorful salsa throughout the winter months. It also makes those aforementioned cute little gifts feasible without worrying about immediate consumption. The investment of a little extra time for canning pays off in convenience, cost savings, and the joy of enjoying summer’s bounty long after the season ends.
Selecting Your Ingredients for the Best Peach Mango Salsa
The secret to an outstanding salsa begins with premium ingredients. For peaches, look for fruit that is fragrant and yields slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid any with green spots, as they won’t ripen further. For mangoes, a good indicator of ripeness is their aroma near the stem; they should smell sweet and fruity. Color alone isn’t always the best guide, as different varieties can be various shades when ripe.
Beyond the star fruits, the supporting cast of vegetables and seasonings plays a crucial role. Fresh, firm tomatoes provide a juicy base, while vibrant red bell peppers add a subtle sweetness and crunch. Onions and garlic contribute savory depth, balancing the sweetness of the fruit. The distilled white vinegar acts as a critical preservative in canning, but also brightens the flavors with its acidity. Sugar enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness, and a touch of salt brings all the flavors into harmony. For a kick, Chile Habanero Sauce delivers a fantastic warmth, but you can easily substitute with fresh jalapeños or habanero peppers for a more robust heat profile.
Serving Suggestions: Unlock the Versatility of Your Salsa
While this Peach Mango Salsa is a dream come true when paired with baked fish recipes or grilled chicken, its versatility extends far beyond. Imagine spooning it over savory pork chops, mixing it into a vibrant grain bowl, or using it as a fresh topping for tacos or burritos. It makes an excellent accompaniment to grilled shrimp or salmon, enhancing the natural flavors of seafood with its bright and zesty notes.
For a unique breakfast or brunch idea, try a dollop over scrambled eggs or as a side to a savory omelet. It also makes a fantastic appetizer when served simply with crispy tortilla chips. Don’t be afraid to get creative – a spoonful can elevate a simple green salad, add a tropical twist to a burger, or even be used as a fresh relish for hot dogs. Its sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy profile makes it a true culinary chameleon.
Helpful Resources for Your Salsa Journey:
- Master the art of cutting a mango with this guide
- A comprehensive mango shopping guide to pick the best fruit
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Peach Mango Salsa (Costco Copycat)
Equipment
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15 (12 oz jelly jars)
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Large stock pot
Ingredients
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10 lbs tomatoes
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8 peaches
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3 mangos
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3 red bell peppers
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1 TBSP Chile Habanero Sauce
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3 onions
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1 cup distilled white vinegar
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1 TBSP dried cilantro
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2 cups sugar
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2 TBSP salt
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7 cloves garlic
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15 oz canned tomato sauce
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6 oz canned tomato paste
Instructions
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Prepare all your fresh produce: Pit, chop, and dice the tomatoes, peaches, mangoes, red bell peppers, and onions. Mince the garlic cloves.
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Combine all the prepared ingredients into a large stockpot. Add the Chile Habanero Sauce, distilled white vinegar, dried cilantro, sugar, salt, canned tomato sauce, and canned tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
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While the salsa simmers, prepare your canning jars. Ensure your 12 oz jelly jars are clean and sterilized. Once the salsa is done simmering, carefully ladle the hot salsa into the clean, hot jelly jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids, and screw on the bands until finger-tight. Process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 25 minutes (see notes for detailed water bath instructions).
Notes
To process in a water bath: Place filled and sealed jars onto a rack in a large stockpot (or canning pot). Add warm tap water, ensuring the jars are covered by at least 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a full, rolling boil. Once the water is actively boiling, begin timing for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, carefully remove jars and let them cool undisturbed on a towel on your countertop for 12-24 hours. Check seals: lids should be concave and not flex when pressed. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed within a week.
Nutrition per serving
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Homemade Salsa
This Peach Mango Salsa is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the flavors of fresh, vibrant produce and the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Whether you’re aiming for a fresh side dish or looking to stock your pantry with delicious, gift-worthy preserves, this Costco copycat recipe delivers on all fronts. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes, it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to enjoy a salsa that truly tastes like summer, all year long.