Street Cart Salsa
Dive into this vibrant street cart fruit salsa! Made with sweet mango, watermelon, and pineapple, plus a zesty kick from lime, Tajín, and jalapeño.
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced ripe mango
- 1 cup diced watermelon
- 1 cup diced jicama
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1 cup diced cucumber, optional, for a cooler, fresher taste
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely minced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon Tajín, or a similar chili-lime powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit:
- Dice all the fruits and vegetables into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch). A smaller dice is great for a finer salsa, while a larger dice works well for a chunkier, more textural salsa.
- Combine the diced mango, watermelon, jicama, pineapple, and cucumber (if using) in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, finely minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, Tajín seasoning, and salt.
- Taste the dressing and adjust as needed. You can add more lime for tang, more Tajín for chili-lime flavor, or more jalapeño for heat.
Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- With Chips: Serve with tortilla chips, plantain chips, or even cinnamon sugar chips for a sweet and savory experience.
- As a Topping: This salsa is amazing on grilled chicken, fish, or pork. It can also be a unique topping for tacos or a side for a burrito bowl.
- As a Side: Serve it as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or summer gathering.
- Creative Street Cart Spin: For an extra touch of authenticity, serve the salsa in small clear plastic cups with a spoon, just like a real fruit cart. You can also garnish it with a sprinkle of extra Tajín or a sprig of cilantro.
Recipe Notes and Variations:
- Fruit Choices: Feel free to substitute or add other street cart fruits like cantaloupe, papaya, or even a handful of berries for color.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your preference. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and veins entirely. For a spicier one, leave them in. You can also use serrano peppers for more heat.
- Sweetness: If your fruit isn't very ripe, you can add a tiny drizzle of agave nectar or a pinch of sugar to the dressing to balance the acidity and spice.
- Tajín Alternative: If you can't find Tajín, you can create a similar flavor with a mix of chili powder, a little bit of paprika (for color), a pinch of cayenne, and a little bit of citric acid powder or even just a little more salt and lime juice.
Nutrition
Calories: 99kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 475mg, Potassium: 346mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 1059IU, Vitamin C: 61mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 1mg
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