Gretchen Scalpi, RDN

After going through what I thought was a most brutal winter here in the northeast, I am so ready for the start of summer!  Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures are just the beginning.  The beautiful variety of colorful fruits and vegetables are what I most look forward to.

Several years back I discovered the simplicity of putting together fruits and vegetables in a way that gave them a character all their own…namely a fruit salsa.  These combinations not only make a great accompaniment to a meal (as in a meat served with salsa), I think they are excellent enough to stand on their own and eat as a “salad.”

A salsa is defined as “A spicy sauce of chopped, uncooked vegetables or fruit.”  To make a fruit salsa really stand out, you need a combination of colorful fruits, a complimentary vegetable, and a bit of spice to add interest and a touch of hotness.  I also like to add beans for added nutrition, and what could be more appropriate than incorporating black beans? My recipe for Caribbean Kiwi Salsa has all of these qualities and if you decide to try it, I think you will agree that this is a perfect way to get in those fruits and vegetables!

Caribbean Kiwi Salsa – Serve 4-6       

1 cup kiwi peeled and chopped

1 cup pineapple, chopped

½ cup peach or mango, chopped

½ cup cucumber, chopped

1/3 cup red onion, chopped

1 cup red bell pepper, chopped

½ cup black beans, cooked (or canned, drained & rinsed)

3 Tb. fresh cilantro, chopped

2 Tb. lime juice

½ tsp. chili powder

Dash cayenne pepper

Enjoy!

 

 

Tags: fresh salsa, fruit, healthy foods, herbs, recipe, vegetables