Does your fruit dish ever end up looking like this? I’ve been working hard at having less waste-even working towards zero waste. We have a ways to go yet but this fresh Use It Up Fruit Salsa recipe is a great start towards a zero waste kitchen.
Sometimes the week gets away from you and I don’t get around to cutting up and using up all the fruit I bought with good intentions at the beginning of the week. Some fruits are easier to use up than others like that mushy banana at the bottom of the pile which will make our smoothie extra sweet tomorrow or go in the freezer for future muffins but other fruits can be a bit harder to use up short of eating fruit for all three meals one day.
I arrived home from work the other day knowing I needed to get to cutting up and using this fruit but I was tired and it was hard to get moving. I reminded myself I didn’t have time to sit down so I cranked up the REM (who doesn’t love some good tunes?!) got up and pretty quickly realized what I craved for dinner. (I know that music, wearing my runners in the house and having a coffee all help me break the lazy cycle and get moving!)
Simple grilled chicken and fruit salsa-easy, healthy and family friendly, this is a dinner that you can totally customize to what needs using up. Spoon it over any type of plain grilled or baked fish, chicken or sliced flank steak, scoop it up with tortilla chips or roll it up in a tortilla with your grilled meat or even use it as your side salad!
The fruit is easily interchangeable-use oranges, melons, peaches or even strawberries, kiwis and grapes, whatever needs using up. (Looking for a more classic salsa? This one is my favourite and if you want a really unique salsa, try my Rhubarb Salsa, great with tortilla chips or grilled pork chops) As for herbs, I strongly favor cilantro for a Mexican flavored salsa but again, use what you have- mint and parsley are especially good as is fennel or basil for a different flavor profile.
Fruit Salsa
A super simple and super versatile fruit salsa recipe designed to use up what fruit you have on hand. Lime juice is classic but depending what you have you could use lemon or even a light wine vinegar and instead of cilantro, you can use mint, parsley, basil, fennel or any other soft herb you have handy.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c Red Onion, Small Dice
- 1 1/2 c Mango Or Other Firm Fruit, Small Dice Use multiple kinds of fruit if you like
- 1/2-1 Jalapeno, Very Fine Dice
- 1/4 c Cilantro, Finely Sliced (1/4 c packed)
- 1/2-1 Lime, Juiced
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl and let sit about 1/2 hr. Season to taste with salt and lime juice and serve.
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Delicious served over fish or chicken, in fish tacos, over tuna poke or with tortilla chips.
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*Get creative with the fruit-any combination of mango, melons, oranges, strawberries, grapes, or switch 1/2 fruit for avocado. Use up what needs using in your kitchen.
That is a great idea! Who doesn’t have fruit that needs to be used up before it’s too late? It makes for a delicious salsa, I’m sure! Even on fish , or just simply with corn tortillas as in your picture. Yum! P.s. Love the kitty in your picture! 😉
Thanks for your kind comments Nicoletta! Had to let Theodore have his moment lol.
I absolutely love how bright your fruit salsa makes this dish! Beautiful! I can only imagine how wonderful it tastes.
Thank you so much Jo! I hope you get a chance to try it, such an easy way to dress up a plain dinner 🙂
Mmm fruit makes a delicious salsa, and I bet this would be amazing on salmon, too!
Yes, that’s a great idea Colleen! Thank you for your kind comments, bob appetit!
You’ve just reminded me of a mango that needs to be eaten!! Mango salsa–next on my list. Thanks!
You’re welcome Elaine! Thanks for you kind word! Enjoy 🙂
Sabrina, I’m a HUGE fan of fruit in savoury dishes, and I love using up odds and ends (we always call them ‘kitchen sink meals’), so I’m doubly-pleased with this amazing salsa. Limes juice is definitely the perfect addition too – it rounds out mango and plays against the jalapeno so nicely. Great stuff!
Thanks Sean! Totally a kitchen sink recipe but dressed up 🙂
I always have over ripe fruit in my kitchen and this would be the perfect way to use it up! This would be a light and refreshing addition to so many meals, but I’m especially thinking about summer grilling season – chicken, fish and even burgers!
Thanks Leanne, I agree, a perfect companion for grilling season! Thanks for the comment and enjoy 😊
This looks amazing! Beautiful colours and flavours.
Thank you Meg! I hope you enjoy 😊
After reading your post for Easy and Healthy Fruit Salsa, I am craving a chicken burger or chicken salad with some of this fresh salsa on the side. I love the idea of using fennel – I had not thought of that! It would be so good on fish! Thank you for the inspiration, Sabrina! 🙂
Thank you for your kind comments 🙂 on a chicken burger is a great idea, I love it!
I find we can all be a little too comfortable with wasting food, especially when it looks spoiled. Recipes like this really help for inspiration in using what’s left in the fridge, or what’s about to go bad. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Phil! I totally agree and that’s for sure one of the points of this recipe. Thanks for the kind comment, enjoy 🥭
This salsa looks amazing and simple to make. I never think about having anything but tomato based salsa but that bowl of chips with this fruit salsa looks amazing!
Thanks Alisa! Once you start adding fruit to your salsa, the sky’s the limit on flavours. I hope you enjoy it!
This is fantastic Sabrina – I’m a huge fan of fruit salsas. They are great on so many dishes and as an accompaniment to so many more. Such a great way to use up some of that fruit!
Thanks Kristen! And yes, a great way to use the ripe fruit, enjoy!
I love it when something simple like using up some forgotten fruit or veggies turns into something delicious. This is so versatile and easily adapts to whatever you are cooking!
Right?! I totally agree and have been making a bigger effort this year to reduce food waste which is what inspired this recipe. Thanks for your kind words Kim, have a great day 🙂