Tropical Fruit Salsa
A vibrant tropical fruit salsa combining sweet mango, papaya, pineapple, and ripe tomatoes, accented with jalapeno, cilantro, and citrus for a refreshing, versatile dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet onion ⓘ
- 2 tsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 ripe mango (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4 inch dice) ⓘ
- 1 ripe papaya (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4 inch dice) ⓘ
- 1/4 pineapple (peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch dice) ⓘ
- 3 plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and finely chopped) ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tbsp lime juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp fresh pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Halve the onion and brush the cut sides with olive oil.
- Place the onion cut side down in a roasting pan and roast until caramelized, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Turn the onions over and let cool.
- Peel the onions and cut into 1/4 inch dice.
- Combine the diced onions with the remaining ingredients and toss well.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding diced avocado or a splash of orange juice to the salsa. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can use a bell pepper instead of jalapeno. To save time, pre-chopped fruits can be used, but fresh ingredients will yield the best flavor. This salsa can also complement other dishes like Easy Low-Fat Chili.
Serving Suggestions
This Tropical Fruit Salsa is perfect as a refreshing topping for grilled fish or chicken, adding a burst of color and flavor. It can also be served with tortilla chips as a vibrant appetizer. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of Tortilla Soup Salad for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and intensify over time. To refresh the salsa, give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing as the texture of the fruits may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Fruit Salsa contains roughly 483 calories, with 8g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (213% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 788mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salsa a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated to allow the flavors to develop. However, for the best texture, it's ideal to add ingredients like diced avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
What can I substitute for papaya?
If you can't find papaya, you can substitute it with diced kiwi or a second mango for a similar sweetness and texture. Alternatively, consider using diced peaches or nectarines, which will also pair beautifully with the other flavors in the salsa.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This Tropical Fruit Salsa is naturally vegan, made entirely with fruits and vegetables. It's a great addition to any vegan meal and can be used in various dishes, enhancing the freshness and flavor without any animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).