Name: Fresh Strawberry Salsa
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
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

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When strawberries are in abundance, or even if they’re not, this fresh strawberry salsa is bound to become a favorite. Bursting with flavor, this fruit salsa is made with just a few ingredients and is perfect for dipping, topping, or simply enjoying it by itself. However, you choose to serve it, you won’t be disappointed.

diced strawberries as a salsa in black bowl

What ingredients are needed and tips for making

Strawberries – These are the star of the show! Fresh, ripe strawberries serve up a sweet and rich flavor that blends well with the rest of the ingredients. Dice them small, about 1/4 inch, for best results.
Balsamic vinegar – Top the diced strawberries with a good balsamic vinegar while you prep the rest of the ingredients. This allows the strawberries to soak in some of the rich balsamic flavor.
Red onion – Some might wonder about adding red onion to a strawberry dish, but finely diced red onion adds a nice crunch and a little bit of spice to the dish. It’s a wonderful complement to the sweeter strawberries.
Mango – I think of mango as that friend that keeps everyone grounded. Its sweet, mellow flavor brings together the sharp red onion and acidic strawberries.
Fresh ground black pepper – Fresh ground black pepper adds depth and a bit of earthiness to the salsa.
Red pepper (cayenne) – This ingredient is optional. I like a bit of spice to my salsa, so adding cayenne pepper is a natural thing to do. I don’t use a lot, just enough to give a little bite to the dish. But if you don’t care for spice, simply leave it out. The strawberry salsa will be just as good.
Fresh basil – You really do need fresh basil for this. It adds a bright green color and is another one of those ingredients that helps marry the other ingredients all together.

Strawberries in a white bowl on a gray backbround

Are strawberries good for you?

I like to avoid using good and bad to describe food. After all, food has no morals. It isn’t good or bad. And eating a certain food doesn’t make you good or bad. But some foods are filled with more nutrients than others and can be considered “nutrient dense.” Strawberries are one of those foods.

Strawberries are naturally low in calories, sodium, fat, and cholesterol. In fact, one cup of halved strawberries contains just under 50 calories. But it also packs in 3 grams of fiber, all the Vitamin C you need in a day (and more), and a good amount of manganese. Strawberries are also a good source of polyphenols, like anthocyanins and flavonoids.

In case you’re wondering what polyphenols are, they are basically compounds naturally found in plants that offer a variety of health benefits. The anthocyanins and flavonoids in strawberries are thought to help to support heart health.

Diced strawberries as a salsa in a black bowl on a greenish background

What do I serve strawberry salsa with?

Strawberry salsa is versatile. It’s wonderful served with homemade whole wheat cinnamon pita chips. But there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it. Try it as a topping for salads, angel food cake, or frozen yogurt; or serve it alongside grilled fish or chicken. It’s delicious on top of pork carnitas too. However you serve it, you’re sure to enjoy it.