Strawberries And Fresh Salsa? YES!

Lisa’s Salsa Blog looks forward to strawberry season in coastal SE Virginia every year. It is normally in May, yet with our mild winter, it started earlier this year in mid April. Fresh local strawberries can give an incredible opportunity to make all types of strawberry salsa and strawberry pico de Gallo. It has been in the past few years that people are realizing adding fruit to their salsas and pico de Gallo adds an amazing sweet and savory flavor to the taste buds. I will only use local strawberries from strawberry farms or farmers markets “in season” as it is the way to guarantee the freshest and sweetest strawberries. Last week I was able to get scrumptious strawberries from our local Lilley Farm in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake, Virginia.

There are all types of ways to get creative in combining different fruits and textures with the strawberries and the other ingredients of the salsa or pico de Gallo. One thing to consider is that strawberries have a softer juicier texture so you might want to offset with a firmer fruit. However, I do love combining the strawberries with the sweet champagne mango (which has a texture like a peach).

My friend, Liz, gave me the first idea on using strawberry salsa over a melted hot Brie as an amazing appetizer. I recommend a higher quality Brie to be used. Serving it over a sea salt cracker or pita chips or any kind of cracker with a firmer texture is best. I have also used cinnamon pita chips which is a dynamic combination of flavors. I also serve directly over a cracker, pita chip or tortilla chip. In addition taking a sea salt cracker topped with cream cheese then add the strawberry salsa or pico de Gallo to the top can a a rich flavor along with the salsa or pico de Gallo. I recently had the strawberry mango pico de Gallo over a fresh greens salad drizzled lightly with olive oil for a delicious light lunch option. Another friend suggested serving it over grilled/baked salmon or tilapia for a perfect dinner entree.

One of the most important things to remember with fresh fruit salsa and pico de Gallo, it is best used same day or within a day or two. After that the fruit will start to break down and change color and flavor being in the natural juices of the salsa or pico de Gallo ingredients.

Strawberry season creates the perfect opportunity to #GetCreativeInTheKitchenWithSalsa !