Summer is finally here; and with it come baskets of berries bursting with flavor. One of the first berries to arrive on the scene in our area is strawberries. I love fresh picked strawberries, don’t you? Picked right from the garden they overflow with a juicy, sweet flavor and strong strawberry aroma. They’re also good for you. Strawberries are low in calories, fat, and sodium. They’re filled with vitamins (especially vitamin C), fiber, and antioxidants; and are a good source of manganese and potassium – definitely a healthy choice.
Strawberries are delicious by themselves, but they’re wonderful in other dishes as well. Slice them on top of a green salad, add them to yogurt or smoothies, or make them into a dessert. Better yet, try this fresh strawberry salsa.
It’s fast becoming a favorite of mine. Strawberries are macerated in balsamic vinegar, and then mixed with diced mango, red onion, pepper and basil. The sweet strawberries play nicely with the earthy basil, and spicy red onion and pepper. The mango adds visual interest and its mellow taste brings the other flavors together for a wonderful mingling of sweet and spicy. For the best flavor let it sit awhile after all the ingredients are added, or even overnight if you can wait that long.
I served this strawberry salsa with homemade whole wheat cinnamon pita chips. But it would be delicious as a topping for salads, angel food cake, or frozen yogurt; or serve it alongside grilled fish or chicken. Do you like strawberries? What are some of your favorite strawberry dishes? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.
Fresh Strawberry Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 c. diced strawberries
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 c. finely diced red onion
- 1 mango diced
- 1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp. red pepper
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Place the diced strawberries in a medium bowl. Pour the balsamic vinegar over the strawberries and gently toss together.
- Add in the diced red onion, mango, black pepper, red pepper, and basil.
- Lightly fold all the ingredients together.
- It can be served immediately, but for best flavor let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
- Makes about 4 c.
Robyn says
Oh, this looks delicious, Marie! I made strawberry salsa for the first time last summer and added some mandarin oranges to it. I love the addition of mango! Thanks for the reminder – it’s time for some salsa ….and margaritas! lol.
Marie says
Thanks! Mandarin oranges would be good too – along with the margaritas!
Roxy's Kitchen (@roxys_kitchen) says
I love picking my own fresh berries and the strawberry season has just started around here (Canada)! Would love to try out this recipe, thanks for posting this… perfect timing :-P!
Marie says
Our berry season is just starting here too. Love them! Thanks for visiting!
pjkuhn says
I’m just drooling her in my chair. Strawberry anything is fine by me…and these strawberries look so vibrant and delicious. This is one recipe I want to try! ~Pamela
Marie says
Strawberries are a favorite of mine too. Enjoy the salsa!
jugglingrealfoodandreallife says
Hi Marie! I’m stopping over from Let’s Get Real today. You are my first stop. I just had to check out your strawberry salsa recipe. It just sounds like it has the taste of summer and I can’t wait to try it. Strawberry season is just kicking in here. I better get to the market early in the morning to make sure I don’t miss out.
Marie says
Thanks! I hope the market had strawberries for you. They’re really good right now. 🙂
Gaye @CalmHealthySexy says
This looks delicious, and your photography is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing with the Let’s Get Real party. Pinning to our group board.
Marie says
The Let’s Get Real party is one of my favorites. Thanks so much for visiting and pinning it!
Jennifer says
I love this recipe for stwawberry salsa and will be making it for Fourth of July. I would love if you would share a post on my meet up Monday Blog Party. I am doing a Fourth of July cupcake tutorial on Tuesday and I know your post will be an awesome addition! Here is where you can add your post on Monday! http://lifewithjennifer.wordpress.com/
Marie says
Jennifer, I will definitely stop by on for your blog party. Thank you for the invite! The cupcake tutorial sounds like fun too!
Pure Grace Farms says
Thanks for coming by Let’s Get Real. Love your post and appreciate you taking the time to share.
Blessings,
Shari
klienielsen says
This looks so yummy!! And unique. Definitely going to give it a try!
Marie says
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by!
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
What a beautiful and healthful salsa. I love the #strawberry, #balsamic, #pepper, #onion combo. Berries and balsamic really do go together. Saw you at “let’s get real” linky. Had to come say HI! 🙂
createwithjoy says
What an amazing recipe Marie – one I definitely want to try!
Thanks for sharing it with us at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!
I’m so pleased to tell you that you are one of our featured guests this week –
Congratulations! 🙂
Marie says
Thank you so much! I always enjoy visiting Create With Joy. 🙂