Ask the Experts Blog

Juicy, sweet strawberries are the star of this versatile recipe created by Lakeland Registered Dietitian, Katelyn Dinkgrave.

Strawberry Salsa Base

Ingredients:

• 1 small lime
• 12 ounces fresh strawberries, rinsed, drained, stems removed, sliced vertically
• 2 kiwi, peeled and chopped small
• 1 apple, skin on, chopped small
• 2 Tablespoons fresh mint, chopped coarsely
• 1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted or raw (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 avocado, diced (optional for either variation)
• Pinch of salt

After making the Strawberry Salsa Base recipe, take it a step further with either a sweet or savory variation. Use the serving ideas listed below to show off your fruity and flavorful creation.

Sweet Strawberry Salsa
For a sweet salsa, add up to 1/2 teaspoon of a sweetener to the recipe (honey, agave nectar, or sugar). Depending on the strawberries, this may not even be necessary. When they're in season, they're probably sweet and flavorful enough to skip this step.

Serve with:

• Low-fat plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• Mixed greens
• Sweetened pita chips
• Low-fat vanilla wafers
• Angel food cake

Spicy Strawberry Salsa
For spicy salsa, skip the sweetener and add 1/4 cup minced red onion and 1 or 2 finely chopped jalapeño peppers. For an added kick, try adding 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha).

Serve with:

• Grilled or baked chicken
• Mixed greens
• Turkey wrap
• Baked or grilled tilapia or shrimp
• Fat-free tortilla chips 

Instructions:

• First, zest the lime, then cut it in half and juice it.
• Next, add all ingredients in a small bowl and mix gently. If using avocado, add it right before serving so that it doesn't get mushy or turn brown.
• Whether you're making sweet or spicy strawberry salsa, it's best to use it immediately or within 1-2 hours of preparation. Allowing it to sit any longer will cause it to become watery.

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