Tropical Kiwi & Jalapeño Salsa
This vibrant Tropical Kiwi & Jalapeño Salsa offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making it a refreshing alternative to traditional tomato-based salsas. Perfect as a bright accompaniment to grilled dishes or as a lively dip for chips.
For 4 servings
Prepare the kiwis: Peel the kiwis using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, then dice them into small, uniform 1/4-inch pieces. Place the diced kiwi in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Add aromatics: To the bowl with the kiwi, add the finely diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and minced jalapeño pepper. If you prefer less heat, ensure all seeds and white membranes are removed from the jalapeño.
Dress the salsa: Squeeze the juice from the lime directly over the ingredients in the bowl. Add the sea salt.
Combine thoroughly: Gently fold all the ingredients together with a spoon or spatula until well combined. Be careful not to mash the kiwi.
Taste and adjust: Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt or lime juice depending on the sweetness of your kiwis.
Chill and serve: For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with tortilla chips, grilled fish, chicken, or pork.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose ripe kiwis: Select kiwis that are slightly soft to the touch, similar to a ripe peach. Overly firm kiwis will be tart, while mushy ones are overripe.
- 2Control the heat: The majority of the heat in a jalapeño comes from its seeds and white membranes. For a milder salsa, remove them completely. For more heat, leave some or all of them in.
- 3Prevent browning: The lime juice not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the kiwi from oxidizing and turning brown, keeping your salsa vibrant and fresh-looking.
- 4Uniform dicing: Ensure all ingredients, especially the kiwi and red onion, are diced to a similar small size. This creates a more pleasant texture and ensures an even distribution of flavors in every bite.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Tropical Fruits
Incorporate other diced tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or papaya for added sweetness and complexity. Reduce the amount of kiwi slightly if adding other fruits.
Creamy Avocado AdditionCreamy Avocado Addition
For a creamier texture and healthy fats, gently fold in one diced ripe avocado just before serving. This will add richness and a beautiful green hue.
Spice Level AdjustmentSpice Level Adjustment
For a milder version, substitute the jalapeño with a finely diced green bell pepper. For extra heat, use a serrano pepper instead of jalapeño, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Kiwis and limes are excellent sources of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, skin health, and collagen production.
Good Source of Fiber
Kiwi provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Ingredients like red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall well-being.
Frequently asked questions
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salsa is best enjoyed within 1-2 days. The kiwi may soften slightly over time, but the lime juice helps preserve its freshness.
