BOUND TO GET RAVES: SUMMER VEGGIE SALSA

One of the best things about summer is the long list of fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables. And they’re all there waiting for us to make them up into some of the tastiest dishes on the planet. One such dish that you has to be on your plate this summer is salsa. Maybe you’re already something of a salsa maker, and, then, you’ll want to compare my recipe with yours. But, then again, you may have  been hesitant to make salsa, thinking that it’s something hard to do. Forget that! Nobody needs to go to Mexican cooking school to become a salsa expert.

grilled foods and salsa - summer weather winners

Salsa is the Spanish word for  "sauce". But this tasty side dish can be either uncooked (salsa cruda) or cooked (salsa cocida). Both kinds are served cold. The mix of taste is a real delight.  - fresh fruits and vegetables combined with lime juice, cilantro (also known as coriander), onions, and jalapeno peppers.

You can’t go wrong with fresh salsa making

It’s the incredibly delicious, acidic and spicy taste of the salsa that shouts out “summer.” Whatever varieties of tomatoes you have on hand, or combinations thereof, you can combine them all in salsa. Mixing colors is good, too, - yellow tomatoes, tiny cherry and grape tomatoes, put together in one bowl look great. You can also use your choice of other fresh garden treats, depending on your taste. I’ll mention a few of those later.

Salsas are among the most versatile condiments, adding color and flavor to your meals. They can be served with just about anything that you can grill – meats, fish, or thick slices of fleshy veggies such as eggplant or squash. Not planning to grill?  Well, they make great toppers for all kinds of foods - hot dogs and burgers, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, etc. And, you can’t overlook the all-time favorite snack food of tortilla chips and salsa. It’s equally good with baked pita chips. And these snack foods can be substituted for bread and butter at any meal.

You can't get it wrong with this recipe. Nutrition-wise, they’ve got you covered with antioxidants, fiber and vitamins. So, feel free to try out your own variations. Just be sure to use the freshest veggies you can find. 

Summer Veggie Salsa
Ingredients
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1 small, chopped jalapeno (or ½ tsp. of chili powder - for those who shy away from the really spicy stuff.)
Juice of 1 lime
1 or 2 Tbs. olive oil (or none at all, if you want to pare down the calories)
1/4 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Small  onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: clove of garlic, minced

Instructions
O.K.  Here’s where you can get creative. Depending on what you have on hand, you can add other chopped fruits or veggies, including mangos, hard apples, cucumbers, or sweet peppers. And when you add avocados to the mix, you've got guacamole. It's that simple.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour to blend the flavors.Want more acidic zing? Then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of mild vinegar or even tequila.

This recipe takes only minutes, and you’ll be out of the kitchen in a jiffy. So, enjoy summer salsa at the next meal. Or don’t even wait and start snacking as soon as it’s made. If you have any leftover salsa, cover it tightly and refrigerate. By far, salsa is best the first day but extras can usually make it for a second day.

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