Celebrate Summer With Mango Salsa

by Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC

(NAPS)-Get your summer off to a healthy and delicious start with the ultimate summer snack-Mango Salsa! Mango's bright flavor and natural sweetness make it the perfect foundation for a versatile fruit salsa that can be paired with other summertime favorites or enjoyed solo as a refreshing snack.

Evolution Of Salsa

Originating from the Spanish word for "sauce," salsa first exploded on the American food scene in the 1980s. Available raw or cooked, mild or hot, and in a rainbow of colors, there is something for every palate.

With trends and seasonality in mind, chefs and home cooks began experimenting with creative ingredients. In recent years, exotic chili peppers and smoky flavors like chipotle found their way into the mix as Americans' love for spicy foods continues to heat up.

Today, salsa is one of America's favorite condiments. Salsa frequently tops must-have lists for picnics and game-watching parties.

The best thing about salsa is that the possibilities are endless! Enjoy thousands of flavor combinations using fruits, vegetables, chili peppers, citrus, beans and herbs. They're also supereasy to throw together. Just toss all the ingredients in a bowl to create a sensory explosion.

The Sweet Taste Of Summer

Add sunshine to every day by introducing notes of sweet and tangy mango to your family's favorite meals. Mango Salsa is a great summer staple because it's a nutritious, creative way to bring more flavor to your life and an added serving of fruits and vegetables.

Mango Nutrition

At 100 calories per cup, mangos pack a nutritional punch, making them a perfect snack anytime of day. This superfruit contains over 20 essential vitamins and nutrients, and each serving of mango is also fat free, sodium free and cholesterol free.

Tomato, Chive And Mango Salsa

Mango and tomato may sound like an unlikely combination, but you will not believe how well these fruits complement each other.

This quick and easy recipe combines fresh chives and spicy oregano with the brightness of mango and lemon to create a scrumptious and colorful salsa. Pile it high on burgers, tacos, chicken sausage or grilled fish, too-each ½-cup serving has only 31 calories!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Tomato, Chive And Mango Salsa Ingredients:

1 cup fresh mango, diced

1-1/2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced

2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves, minced

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir. Serve or cover and refrigerate until needed.

Nutritional analysis per serving (1?2 cup salsa): Calories: 31; Protein: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 7 g; Fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 121 mg; Potassium: 191 mg; Fiber: 1 g

Five Fabulous Mango Salsa Ideas

Can't get enough? Try these other quick and easy mango salsa recipes. Serve up your favorite flavor combo with chips, whole grain crackers, burgers, chicken, seafood, grilled vegetables or pulled pork.

1.Combine finely chopped mango and cucumber with freshly squeezed lemon juice and lots of chopped fresh cilantro.

2. Roast diced mango, serrano chili and white onion in a 400-degree oven until tender. Cool, then pulse in a food processor until well combined but still chunky.

3. Toss diced mango with gently mashed avocado, freshly squeezed lime juice and a dash of hot sauce.

4. Cook down chopped mango with cider vinegar, jalapeño pepper, water and a pinch of salt for a tangy and naturally sweetened condiment.

5. Mix thinly cut strips of mango and jicama with chopped scallion, a splash of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Discover more tips and recipes at www.mango.org.

Mangos and tomatoes mingle marvelously in a succulent salsa.