Fruity Zesty Summer Salsa

This vibrant Avocado Strawberry Mango Salsa brings together the sweetness of fresh fruit with creamy avocado and a hint of spice. It's my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests with minimal effort or brighten up a simple weeknight meal with a burst of color and flavor.

I first created this salsa for a backyard gathering when tomatoes weren't in season, and it's become my signature dish. Friends now request I bring it to every summer potluck, and I've happily obliged for the past five years.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: they provide natural sweetness and bright color. Look for berries that are fully red without white shoulders for maximum flavor
• Ripe mango: adds tropical sweetness and juicy texture. Choose mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure
• Avocado: creates creamy richness that balances the fruit. Select slightly firm avocados that give just a little when pressed
• Jalapeño: brings gentle heat that complements the sweetness. Remove seeds and membrane for milder flavor
• Red onion: offers sharp contrast to sweet fruit. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you prefer a milder onion flavor
• Fresh cilantro: provides herbaceous notes that tie everything together. Use both leaves and tender stems for full flavor
• Lime juice: essential for brightness and preventing avocado browning. Roll lime on counter before juicing to extract maximum juice
• Sea salt: enhances all flavors without making the salsa taste salty. Flaky sea salt works wonderfully here

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fruit:

Dice strawberries into quarter-inch pieces after removing the stems. For mangoes, slice off sides around the pit, score the flesh in a grid pattern, then turn inside out and slice off cubes. Cut avocado in half, remove pit, score flesh while still in skin, then scoop out pieces with a spoon.

Prepare the Aromatics:

Remove seeds and white membranes from jalapeño before finely dicing for less heat. Dice red onion very small so it distributes evenly throughout the salsa without overwhelming bites. Chop cilantro leaves and tender stems together for maximum flavor.

Combine and Season:

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and fold together gently with a rubber spatula to avoid crushing the delicate fruits. Start with one small lime, taste, then add more juice if needed. Season with salt gradually, tasting as you go since the amount needed varies with fruit sweetness.

Final Touches:

Let the salsa rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Taste again and adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves for a fresh presentation.

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The jalapeño is truly the unsung hero of this recipe. I once made it without the pepper when serving to young children, and while still delicious, it lacked that perfect counterpoint to the sweet fruit. The gentle heat elevates all the flavors without overwhelming them, creating that mysterious something that makes people ask for the recipe.

Make-Ahead Tips

This salsa is best prepared within 2 hours of serving due to the avocado. If you need to make it further ahead, prepare all ingredients except avocado and store covered in the refrigerator. Add diced avocado and an extra squeeze of lime juice just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

While multigrain pita chips make an excellent vehicle for this colorful salsa, it truly shines as a topping for grilled foods. Spoon it over grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for an instant upgrade. I particularly love it with simply seasoned grilled salmon or as a vibrant topping for fish tacos. The cool, fresh flavors balance beautifully with charred proteins.

Customize Your Salsa

Feel free to adjust this recipe to your taste preferences or what you have available. Peaches work beautifully instead of mango, and blueberries can substitute for strawberries in a pinch. For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If cilantro tastes like soap to you or your guests, fresh mint or basil make excellent alternatives that still complement the fruit flavors.

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Bring this colorful and flavorful salsa to your next gathering and watch everyone rave about its perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this avocado strawberry mango salsa stay fresh?

This salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The avocado may begin to brown slightly after that, though the lime juice helps slow oxidation. For best results, prepare just before serving.

→ Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

You can prepare most components ahead of time by dicing the strawberries, mango, jalapeño, and onion up to a day in advance. Store these ingredients separately in the refrigerator. Add the avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and salt just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

→ What can I substitute for jalapeño if I don't like spicy food?

For a milder version, you can substitute the jalapeño with bell pepper for crunch without heat. Alternatively, use only a small portion of jalapeño with seeds removed, or omit it entirely. The salsa will still be flavorful with the other ingredients.

→ What other dishes pair well with this salsa besides pita chips?

This versatile salsa pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, shrimp tacos, or salmon as suggested in the instructions. It also complements grilled chicken, works as a topping for salads, or can be served alongside quesadillas. The sweet-savory flavor profile makes it adaptable to many dishes.

→ How can I adjust this salsa for different tastes?

This salsa is highly customizable. For more sweetness, increase the fruit ratio. For more tang, add extra lime juice. For additional heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate diced cucumber for extra crunch or swap cilantro with mint or basil if preferred.

→ Is this salsa gluten-free?

Yes, the salsa itself is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free chips or accompaniments if needed for dietary restrictions.