Description of this Recipe
This vibrant and refreshing Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. The sweetness of strawberries and mango perfectly complements the creamy avocado, while the jalapeño and red onion add a touch of spice and tang. This salsa is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips, a topping for grilled meats or fish, or even as a vibrant addition to salads. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both healthy and delicious.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa is a winner for so many reasons:
- Flavor explosion: The combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy is utterly irresistible.
- Easy to make: It requires minimal cooking and comes together in minutes.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a dip, topping, or salad addition.
- Healthy: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Visually appealing: The vibrant colors make it a beautiful dish to serve.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple weeknight snack.
- Fresh and vibrant: This salsa is the essence of summer, even on a cold day.
Introduction
Salsa, in its essence, is a celebration of freshness. It’s a culinary dance of vibrant ingredients, brought together to create a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. While the traditional tomato-based salsa holds a special place in our hearts, there’s a whole world of possibilities to explore beyond the classic. This Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa is an exciting departure from the norm, showcasing the incredible harmony that can be achieved when sweet fruits meet savory elements.
The creamy richness of avocado provides a luscious base, while the sweetness of ripe strawberries and mango adds a burst of sunshine. A touch of jalapeño brings a gentle warmth that awakens the palate, while the red onion and cilantro contribute layers of complexity. A squeeze of fresh lime juice ties everything together, creating a bright and refreshing salsa that’s simply irresistible.
This salsa is not just a dip; it’s an experience. It’s a reminder that healthy food can be incredibly delicious and that simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party or a flavorful topping for your grilled salmon, this Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced strawberries (a little more than ½ lb)
- 1 cup diced ripe mango (from 2 large mangoes)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 2–3 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 2–3 tablespoons diced fresh cilantro
- 1 small lime, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- Multigrain pita chips (for serving/dipping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables
Begin by washing all the fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Hull the strawberries and dice them into small, uniform pieces. Peel the mangoes, remove the pit, and dice the flesh into similar-sized pieces as the strawberries. Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and dice the flesh. Remember to work quickly with the avocado to prevent it from browning.
Step 2: Dice the Aromatics and Spice
Carefully seed the jalapeño (unless you prefer a spicier salsa) and finely dice it. Finely dice the red onion, ensuring the pieces are small enough to blend seamlessly into the salsa. Chop the fresh cilantro, removing any tough stems.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced strawberries, mango, avocado, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro. Be careful not to overmix, as the avocado can become mushy.
Step 4: Season and Brighten
Squeeze the juice of one small lime over the mixture. Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of salt, or more to taste. The lime juice not only adds brightness and acidity but also helps to prevent the avocado from browning.
Step 5: Gently Toss and Serve
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lime juice to your preference. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with multigrain pita chips or use as a topping for grilled meats, fish tacos, or shrimp.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dip with multigrain pita chips, tortilla chips, or vegetable sticks.
- Top grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp with the salsa for a burst of flavor.
- Add to fish tacos or shrimp tacos for a refreshing twist.
- Use as a topping for salads to add sweetness and vibrancy.
- Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob for a summery meal.
- Spoon over black beans and rice for a flavorful vegetarian option.
- Add to scrambled eggs or omelets for a breakfast with a kick.
- Serve with quesadillas or nachos for a zesty appetizer.
Tips:
- Use ripe but firm fruits: Look for strawberries and mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. The avocado should be ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape when diced.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before dicing. For a spicier salsa, leave some of the seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prevent browning: To prevent the avocado from browning, toss it with the lime juice immediately after dicing. You can also add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the salsa.
- Make ahead: This salsa is best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Get creative with the ingredients: Feel free to experiment with other fruits and vegetables, such as pineapple, cucumber, or bell peppers.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the salsa can make the avocado mushy. Gently toss the ingredients together until just combined.
- Chill before serving: Chilling the salsa for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimates will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Calories:
Approximately 150-200 per serving
Protein:
Approximately 2-3 grams per serving
Sodium:
Approximately 50-100mg per serving (depending on salt added)
Conclusion
This Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the joy of fresh, flavorful food. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this salsa is easy to make and sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this delicious salsa. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of sunshine to any meal.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the salsa a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the diced avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning. Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q2: I don’t like jalapeños. Can I substitute something else?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the jalapeño altogether or substitute it with a milder pepper, such as a poblano or bell pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Q3: Can I use frozen fruit in this recipe?
A: While fresh fruit is ideal for this salsa, you can use frozen fruit if necessary. Thaw the fruit completely and drain off any excess liquid before dicing. Keep in mind that frozen fruit may be softer than fresh fruit, so be gentle when tossing the salsa.
Q4: What are some other ways to serve this salsa?
A: This salsa is incredibly versatile! In addition to serving it as a dip or topping for grilled meats and fish, you can also add it to tacos, salads, scrambled eggs, or omelets. It’s also delicious spooned over black beans and rice or served alongside grilled corn on the cob.
Q5: How long will this salsa last in the refrigerator?
A: This salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for up to 2 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly over time.
