It is an undisputed fact that salsa is the snack for a hot day lounging by the pool with friends. It is refreshing, moreish and guilt-free. While suffering from the (relatively) cold North Carolina winter, the only thought carrying me through my midterms and the snow is a warm spring break. If you are jetting off to Cancún or Miami Beach, take note of these four salsa recipes. These fruity and spicy dips are the perfect fix to a hot day.

Mango Salsa

salsa

Photo by Sydney Segal

This may not be your average salsa, but the sweetness of the mango compliments the slight spice of the peppers and the hint of lime. It leaves you feeling light and refreshed. Feel free to enjoy this dish right away, but you can also prepare ahead of time and leave it overnight to allow the flavors to fully combine.

Easy

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 big bowl

Ingredients:

1 cup ripe mango
½ red onion
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeño
½ cup cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Chop the garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, mango and onion. You can either leave them in large chunks or finely chop them, depending on how chunky you want your salsa.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Top with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.

Strawberry Salsa

salsa

Photo by Sydney Segal

Like the mango salsa, this recipe tastes light and summery. It is delicious, simple and a great dish to share with friends. Again, this salsa can be eaten right away, but you can also prepare ahead of time to allow the flavors to marry.

Easy

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 big bowl

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberries
½ chopped red onion
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeño
½ cup cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Chop the garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, strawberries and onion. You can either leave them in large chunks or finely chop them depending on personal preference.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Top with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.

Avocado Pepper Salsa

salsa

Photo by Sydney Segal

Yes, this is just glorified guacamole, but it is worth searching for those extra ingredients. The cumin and red pepper add a kick that takes this guacamole to a whole new level. Believe me, you will never be satisfied with plain guac again.

Easy

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1 big bowl

Ingredients:

2 avocados
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
½ red onion
1 serrano chili
1 jalapeño
¼ cup fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Juice of 2 limes

Directions:

1. De-seed the jalapeño and the serrano chili.
2. Roughly chop the cilantro, onion, garlic and peppers.
3. Place all ingredients in a blender, and purée until desired consistency.

Classic Tomato Salsa

salsa

Photo by Sydney Segal

If you are a stickler for classics, here is a perfect tomato salsa to complete your ultimate Tostito snack. You can never go wrong here.

Easy

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 1 big bowl

Ingredients:

6 ripe tomatoes
¼ cup fresh cilantro
2 jalapeño peppers
Juice of 1 lime
1 small white onion
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Chop the cilantro, onion, peppers and tomatoes to desired size.
2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
3. Top with lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.

 

Not enough? Check out these fun salsa recipes, and get ready for a wild spring break.