I’ll start off this post by saying that I just love, love, LOVE fresh salsa! Not only is it so easy to make that even the most unculinary (is that a word?) person can execute it flawlessly every time, but it also happens to be one of the healthiest snack-type foods I can think of.
All you need to make the perfect fresh salsa is a sharp knife, a bowl and some fresh, ideally in-season ingredients. These are: one or two fresh vegetables and/or fruits to serve as the base, a handful of chopped fresh herbs, some freshly squeezed citrus juice, a couple of chile peppers and a little salt and pepper. Then you just chop it all up, throw everything in the bowl together, stir to combine and you’re done! It’s not even cooking, really. More like assembly.
The classic pico de gallo combination of tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro and lime juice is great, but it’s also fun to experiment with some different flavours to keep things interesting.
Sweet fruits like mango, pineapple and peaches work really well in salsas, as do more savoury ingredients like cucumber, corn, black beans and avocado. Even slightly crunchy produce such as apples and radishes can shine as the main ingredient in a salsa recipe.
As for herbs, the standard cilantro (one of my absolute favourite herbs, hands down!) goes with almost any salsa combination, but it’s also worth experimenting with parsley, basil, mint or even celery leaves or fennel fronds for some fresh flavour.
I should also point out that homemade fresh salsa doesn’t need a single drop of oil or hot sauce or any other ingredient other than those mentioned earlier.
Store-bought salsas have this red tomato sauce-like substance that bathes the chunks of vegetables, but ever since I tried authentic fresh salsa on a family trip to Puerto Rico, I’ve found the texture and flavour of this off-putting. Once you’ve made fresh salsa at home, you won’t want to go back to the bland/one-note jarred salsas again.
Here are a few ingredient combinations to try:
- Tomato + cucumber + onion + cilantro + jalapeño + lime juice
- Pineapple + green onion + cilantro + red chile + lemon juice
- Corn + tomato + green onion + cilantro + jalapeño + lime juice
- Peach + red onion + basil + lemon juice
- Radish + cucumber + green onion + mint + lemon juice
- Watermelon + onion + jalapeño + cilantro + lime juice
- Avocado + tomato + red onion + cilantro + red chile + lime juice
Just be mindful of the dippers when it comes to enjoying salsa. Store-bought tortilla chips, corn chips and crackers can pack a caloric punch while offering little nutritional value. Instead I like to scoop up salsa with whole wheat pita wedges or Belgian endive “spoons.” Or, if I’m alone, I’ll inhale my freshly made salsa by the spoonful while standing in the kitchen. So. Much. Flavour!
- 2 ripe mangoes, diced
- 2 Persian cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 red chiles (or more, to taste), finely chopped
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Combine the mango, cucumber, onion, chiles and cilantro in a medium-sized bowl. Add the lime juice and toss; season with salt and pepper. Cover the salsa and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavours meld.
- Serve as an appetizer with tortilla chips, or spoon over fish or chicken for a bright hit of tropical flavour.
{ 16 comments… add one }
This looks so pretty and delicious! Cucumbers are a great crunchy contrast the the mangoes. I love the suggestion to use radishes in a salsa- I am definitely going to be experimenting with that..I can see the little radish tops peeking out in the garden :)
Thanks so much Sherri :) Let me know how the radish salsa turns out!
Watermelon, red onion, mint and a little feta cheese . . .
Love the vibrant colors, looks healthy.
Thanks Helene! That’s my favourite part about this salsa – it IS healthy! No guilt, just tons of fresh flavour.
The mango cucumber salsa sounds interesting! Love the idea of adding radish. Will be trying it out soon ☺
What a delicious colourful looking salsa Jennifer, pinning this one!
What great ideas! I find radishes to be a bit strong generally, but they would be great in a fresh salsa!
Agreed! Kind of like with onion, any sharpness of the radishes would be mellowed by the citrus juice and smattering of fresh herbs. Thanks for the comment :)
This looks great! Awesome photos. I’m always looking for new salsa ideas :-)
Thanks :) Me too, can’t get enough when it comes to homemade salsa!
Wow! it looks so good and colorful.. I love to try it soon.
I love adding mango to any and all salsas (even guacamole) it’s so refreshing. And the crunch of cucumber is a great idea here. Sounds like the perfect after school or work snack.
Cucumber! I always forget about cucumber. I usually rely on avocado. This recipe is even Paleo! I’m sharing it! Hehe
(FBC)
Thanks for the comment, Raj. Avocado would also be absolutely amazing with the mango! Nice and tropical :)
Just love this Salsa. A must at BBQs and to serve anytime with pan fried Panga or even Seabass.
Dave, I love your idea of watermelon and feta…will be trying that one