Fresh Tomato Salsa With Mango And Pineapple Options

When I think of summer foods, a fresh homemade salsa is one of the first things that comes to mind. Fresh tomatoes and loads of cilantro with lime; it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Did you know this Tomato Salsa With Mango And Pineapple  is actually really healthy?  It’s perfect for meeting health goals, especially those concerning the heart and even blood sugar. This salsa, sometimes called pico de gallo, is not only delicious but is also full of antioxidants that support many of our body systems and nutrients that keep our blood sugar in check. 

Why should you make this salsa now? Well, it’s the perfect season for fresh tomatoes, and there's something incredibly satisfying about making a dish with ripe, juicy produce at its peak. Plus, the added benefits of optional mango and pineapple bring a tropical twist that’s hard to resist. 

If you’re hosting a barbecue, looking for a fresh snack, or wanting to add a zesty topping to your dishes, this salsa is perfect. Make some to go with dinner tonight! It's light, cooling, and full of flavors that scream summer.

What Is Salsa Made Of?

This salsa is a delicious blend of tomatoes, fresh cilantro, green onions, lime, garlic, and a hint of jalapeño pepper for that perfect kick. If you want to mix things up, throw in some diced pineapple or mango for a sweet and tangy twist. It's a party in your mouth. 

It' s full of fresh ingredients that are naturally gluten free and very high in vitamins. It's a great recipe for cooling off and having fun in the summer time. That cilantro lime combination is so bright and refreshing. You can't go wrong.

Don't get hung up on the specific ingredients. You can use any tomatoes, even cherry tomatoes will work. And, if I'm out of green onions, I use a little red onion (Just remember that it is a bit more pungent, so you may want to use a little less). And, as always, look for ways to add even more color. You can add bell pepper in all of the colors for more nutrients and still have a tasty recipe.

Try this salsa with these Come-Hither Collard Wraps or on top of these Veggie Nut Burgers.

How Do You Make Fresh Salsa?

This Salsa recipe is super quick and easy and always such a hit! 

Start by dicing up those fresh, ripe tomatoes and throwing them into a large bowl. The juicier, the better! Mince some cilantro and green onion to give your salsa that aromatic lift. Squeeze in a generous amount of lime juice for that perfect tangy zing. Crush a clove of garlic and finely mince a bit of jalapeño—unless you’re a fan of a more daring, spicy kick, then go ahead and add a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder. Don't forget a pinch of sea salt to bring all those flavors together.

For a tropical variation, toss in some diced pineapple or mango. These sweet additions not only add a burst of color but also balance the salsa's heat and acidity with a delightful sweetness. You may need to adjust how much of these tropical fruits you add to keep your blood sugar balanced. Adding a healthy fat, like some chopped avocado or pine nuts can help with your blood sugar response.

I’m ready to dip these Sea Delight Crackers into my bowl of salsa as I write! There's no need for inflammatory corn chips when you can enjoy these with my homemade chips or crackers or on top or wraps, salads, and even soups.

Customize Your Fresh Tomato Salsa

One of the best things about making salsa is how versatile it can be. You can easily change it up to suit your taste or dietary needs. 

Spice It Up:If you love a bit more heat, add extra jalapeño or swap it for spicier peppers like serrano or habanero. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for an extra kick.

Tropical Twist: Besides the optional mango and pineapple, try adding other tropical fruits like diced papaya or kiwi. These add a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.

Herbaceous Flair: Experiment with different herbs. While cilantro is a classic, you can add fresh basil, mint, or parsley for a unique twist. Each herb brings its own distinct flavor and health benefits.

Citrusy Zest: Mix up the citrus flavors by using lemon or orange. You can also add a bit of grated citrus zest to enhance the flavor.

Crunch Factor: Add some crunch with diced cucumber, bell pepper, or radishes. These veggies add texture and a refreshing bite to your salsa.

Creamy Dream: For a creamy variation, stir in some diced avocado. It not only makes the salsa richer but also boosts its healthy fat content and helps keep blood sugar stable.

Smoky Depth: Add a smoky element by including a bit of chipotle powder or smoked paprika. This adds a depth of flavor that’s both complex and delicious.

Flavored Liquids: Replace some of the lime juice with coconut water or a splash of apple cider vinegar for an interesting flavor twist.

Experiment with these ideas and create a salsa that's uniquely yours. This recipe is all about enjoying fresh, nutrient-dense foods that support your health in a delicious way. So, grab those fresh ingredients and get creative! This will quickly become your favorite salsa recipe. Enjoy it with some chopped avocado on top, a side of Nacho Un-Cheese, or a side of guacamole to keep blood sugar under control.

How Do These Ingredients Help With Blood Sugar Balancing And Other Hormones?

This Fresh Tomato Salsa is loaded with nutrition.  Juicy tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and beta carotene which are fantastic for your immune system and heart. The cilantro isn't just a garnish; it helps with detoxification and can even lower blood sugar levels. Green onions add a nice crunch and a dose of fiber which is great for digestion, while their antioxidants keep your body running smoothly. Lime boosts your vitamin C and helps your body absorb iron, a key for hormone balancing. Garlic brings its anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. If you like a bit of heat, jalapeño or cayenne can rev up your metabolism and help regulate blood sugar. And if you opt for the pineapple or mango, you’re adding a sweet twist that’s loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories. 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes have a low glycemic index and are full of phytonutrients, especially beta-carotene, vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate. Vitamin C and beta-carotene are powerful antioxidants that aid in inflammation and reduce oxidative stress which benefit the heart. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A which supports immune function, reproductive health, and even the intestinal lining.

Vitamin C is essential for energy production, detoxification, and enhancing iron absorption, all necessary for hormone synthesis. Potassium is needed in regulating blood pressure and helps to lower cardiovascular risk. Tomatoes also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that reduces bad cholesterol levels and promotes blood vessel health.

Cilantro

Cilantro is very high in antioxidants and has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels. It contains phytonutrients like quercetin and apigenin, antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. Cilantro is also rich in carotenoids and glucosinolates which support detoxification. 

The carotenoids, beta-carotene, and lutein, are antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative damage and support the health of the eyes and the heart. Beta-carotene, in particular, is a precursor to vitamin A which is essential for immune function, skin health, and proper vision. 

Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing compounds that enhance the liver's ability to detoxify and also has cancer-preventive properties. These compounds are broken down into bioactive metabolites that help regulate enzymes involved in detoxification and protect against some cancers by aiding in eliminating carcinogens.

Cilantro also has natural chelation properties, which means it can bind to heavy metals and help expel them, aiding in reducing toxicity and promoting overall health.

Green Onions

Green onions are a great source of vitamins C and K and contain sulfur compounds that support liver detoxification. The antioxidants protect against cellular damage and promote metabolic health and hormone regulation. They also contain allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties, and quercetin which helps reduce inflammation and supports the cardiovascular system.

Lime Juice

Lime juice is loaded with vitamin C needed for collagen synthesis and maintaining healthy skin and blood vessels. The citric acid improves digestive health, iron absorption, and insulin sensitivity.

Limes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, niacin, and magnesium, which also support our health. Riboflavin, Vitamin B2, is essential for energy production. It helps convert carbohydrates into ATP. It also supports the metabolism of fats and proteins and plays a role in maintaining healthy skin and eyes.

Niacin, vitamin B3, is important for digestive health and the functioning of the nervous system. It aids in the conversion of food into energy, supports cellular metabolism, and some forms have been shown to improve cholesterol levels by increasing good HDL cholesterol and lowering bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It supports muscle and nerve function, helps regulate blood sugar, and is essential for a healthy immune system. Magnesium is also needed in bone health and helps maintain normal heart rhythm.

Garlic

Garlic is rich in sulfur-containing compounds like allicin, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds support the cardiovascular system by reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Garlic also helps regulate blood sugar levels by maintaining energy balance and preventing insulin resistance.

Garlic contains flavonoids like quercetin. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation, support immune function, and protect cells from oxidative damage. It has been shown to improve heart health by enhancing blood vessel function and reducing blood pressure. Quercetin is also an antihistamine which can alleviate allergy symptoms.

Garlic's antibacterial and antiviral properties make it a natural remedy for boosting the immune system and fighting off infections. Its ability to promote the production of hydrogen sulfide helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow supporting the heart and entire cardiovascular system.

Jalapeño/Cayenne

Capsaicin, the active compound in jalapeños and cayenne pepper, boosts metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity helping with blood sugar regulation and weight management. Capsaicin also has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Jalapeños are another ingredient high in vitamin C, and it is also high in potassium which supports immune function and heart health. 

Potassium is essential for maintaining proper heart function and regulating blood pressure. It helps balance fluids and electrolytes, supports muscle contractions, and ensures proper nerve function. Adequate potassium intake can help reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke by counteracting the effects of sodium.

In addition to these benefits, capsaicin has been shown to reduce appetite and increase fat oxidation. It can also enhance the body's ability to burn calories and fat, contributing to overall metabolic health.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce blood clot formation, improve circulation, and aids digestion. It is a good source of vitamin C and manganese, both of which support immune function and antioxidant defenses. For some, the natural sugars in pineapple provide a quick energy boost without causing significant blood sugar spikes, but it’s wise to test your own tolerance before overindulging. Adding a healthy fat and limiting your serving sizes can help keep blood sugar stable.

Mango

Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and various antioxidants like quercetin and mangiferin. These nutrients help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and improve digestive health.

Mangiferin is a unique antioxidant found in mangoes that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cardioprotective properties. Mangiferin has been studied for its ability to improve brain function and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

The antioxidants in mangoes, including vitamin C, quercetin, and mangiferin, protect against cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. These antioxidants also support skin health by combating free radical damage and promoting collagen synthesis, essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.

As you can see, each ingredient in this Fresh Tomato Salsa adds a burst of flavor and also brings a host of health benefits. From the antioxidants in tomatoes and cilantro to the digestive and anti-inflammatory properties of lime juice and garlic, this salsa is nutrient dense. The metabolism-boosting capsaicin in jalapeños and the additional fiber and antioxidants in mango and pineapple further boost its health-promoting qualities. 

This Fresh Tomato Salsa with optional mango and pineapple is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors that taste like summer. Whether you're using it as a dip for your favorite crackers, a topping for veggie burgers, or a fresh and crunchy addition to wraps, this salsa is versatile and easy to make. With its vibrant colors and nutrient-dense ingredients, it’s a fabulous way to enjoy the season’s freshest ingredients while nourishing your body. So grab your ingredients, get chopping, and enjoy this delicious, health-boosting salsa!

Where Can You Find This And Other Nutritious And Delicious Recipes Like It?

Check out Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo’s “Deliciously Quick Lunch & Dinner Ideas: Energizing Whole Foods Meals for Busy People on the Run.” It is packed with more ideas to keep you healthy and energized. This ebook and more is found in the Unstoppable Health Community.