Summer Salsas!!
Chef Peter Klein and Regional Wellness Manager Dorfman, MS, RDN created a delicious video showing off some of CulinArt’s great summer salsa recipes (CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO). Let’s dive a bit deeper into the nutritional benefits of these seasonal salsas!
There are so many simple and tasteful ways to incorporate these fresh salsas into your daily meals! They are a great topping or side dish that can incorporate vitamins, minerals, and high-water content foods.
Each of these summer salsa variations use the same basic ingredients: simply adding salt, pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, onion, and lime juice can add so much flavor. What makes these salsas stand out, are the fruity base ingredients!
- Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a good source of therapeutic compounds such as antioxidant flavonoids, phytonutrients, and phenols. There are important daily vitamins and minerals found in cilantro including vitamin A, C, K, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and folate. Not only are these vitamins and minerals present, but it also aids in the detoxification of the body, antioxidant ability, reduces stress and anxiety, controls blood sugar levels, digestion, reducing urinary tract infections, brain health, and heart health.
- Lime juice has many similar benefits to lemon juice. Limes are a great source of vitamins A, B, C, D, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This citrus fruit contains antioxidants which protect the body. The juice is also able to hydrate and rejuvenate skin, improve digestion, fight infections, and prevents diseases.
- Strawberries are a fruit packed with nutrients – including vitamin C, K, folate, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. This sweet fruit is also rich in fiber and antioxidants.
- Blueberries are also nutrient dense and high in fiber. In this summer berry, vitamins C, K, B6, folate, potassium, copper, and manganese are present. The deep blue color comes from the high levels of anthocyanins which also contribute to the many health benefits.
These simple and healthy salsa recipes are so simple to create and make great additions to any meal. Some ideas to incorporate them into lunch or dinner could be to use it to top a grilled protein such as chicken, steak, fish, or tofu. Or, switch out your jarred salsa for some of these summer varieties in your tacos! Even a sandwich or wrap could use these great salsas to as bright colors and light tastes!
Share with us, which summer salsa is your favorite?