Despite these heat waves and sweating, we all enjoy summer due to the variety of yummy and juicy fruits available in this season. Mangoes, watermelons, pineapples, and muskmelons are some of the popular fruits that keep us healthy and hydrated in this scorching heat. They are not only delicious in taste but are also packed with various essential nutrients that are beneficial for the overall health of the body.
Apart from being enjoyed directly, these fruits are also relished in a variety of ways, like smoothies, salads, raita, chutney, and phirni. Salsa is another refreshing condiment that is popular across the world. It is a traditional Mexican dish that is widely used as a sauce or condiment for a variety of foods like tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.
Apart from that, they pair beautifully with grilled meats (steaks, chicken, and pork) and seafood (both baked and grilled), like prawns, fish, and crab meat. Fruit salsas are also great accompaniments for sandwiches and toppings for crosstinis. Their fresh burst of flavours enhances the taste and texture of the appetisers. It can also be paired with salads or grain bowls for a nourishing meal.
Made with a variety of chopped ingredients like tomatoes, onions, fruits, green chillies, and vegetables, this healthy and tasty dish is seasoned with herbs and spices like cilantro, lime juice, garlic, pepper, and salt. Salsa creates a symphony of flavours that can elevate the taste of any meal that is served during the summer. As it is prepared with lots of fruits and vegetables, the dish is loaded with antioxidants that many berries offer, along with vital vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium, and is low in calories, which helps in the smooth functioning of the body.
So, if you are also craving some delicious salsa this summer, here are five recipes prepared with seasonal fruits:
Mango Salsa
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3
Ingredients
- 3 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, de-seeded and minced
- 1 large lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
Method
- In a serving bowl, combine mangoes, bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos. Drizzle with the juice of one lime.
- Using a large spoon, stir the ingredients together. Season to taste with salt and stir again. For the best flavour, let the salsa rest for 10 minutes or longer. Enjoy.
- Mango salsa is best paired with fish taco bowls, summer salads, toasted chicken, grilled prawns, and tacos.
Strawberry Salsa
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings-4
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon jalapeno, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 lime juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced strawberries, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve strawberry salsa with tortilla chips, salads, chicken bowls, shrimp, and steak dishes as an appetiser.
Watermelon Salsa
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings-5
Ingredients
- 200 g of watermelon
- 2 small shallots
- 1 small bunch of coriander
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Method
- Finely chop watermelon, shallots, and coriander.
- Mix together lime juice and olive oil.
- Season and serve as a dip or pile on top of cheesy nachos. It also goes well with grilled chicken, fish, tacos, and BBQ vegetables.
Blueberry-Peach Salsa
Total Time: 8 hours, 15 minutes
Servings-3
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 large peach, peeled and finely diced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons of hot pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Method
- Coarsely chop half of the blueberries. Toss chopped blueberries with whole blueberries and the remaining ingredients.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and chill for up to 1 hour. Serve.
- This salsa can go well with corn chips, carrot sticks, pork chops, celery sticks, and pita chips.
Pineapple Salsa
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings-4
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced, fresh pineapple
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ½ jalapeno, diced
- Juice and zest of lime
- ½ cup cilantro
- 1 clove of minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice and zest, cilantro, garlic, and sea salt.
- Season to taste and chill until ready to use.
- Serve immediately.
- It is best served with grilled chicken, fish tacos, coconut shrimp, tortilla chips, rice, and beans.