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Red, White and Blue Salsa - it's bright, fresh, delicious; and oh so patriotic!
It was one of those pristine Carolina days, with clear blue skies and delightful temperatures climbing only into the mid 70's. Scott and I had Emmy, our two-year-old granddaughter, hanging out with us for a few days, while mommy and daddy went off on a little getaway for their anniversary. We decided it would be fun to visit one of the local pick-your-own strawberry patches with our little friend. It was perfect timing as I had been dreaming up a Red, White and Blue salsa to celebrate all the patriotic summer holidays and I needed fresh strawberries.
She took her job very seriously.
Emmy loved the idea, and we found her the perfect-size strawberry bucket.
She took her job very seriously.
Until a little friend of her own showed up...
We had to leave the little doggy friend at the strawberry patch, but we had lots of fun on our little adventure, and came home with a delicious loot!
I wanted to use local strawberries, because they're so much prettier and tastier than the berries that are picked early and shipped clear across the country. My beautiful stash from the strawberry patch inspired me to get started.
I picked up a carton of sweet, plump blueberries, a jalapeño, a bunch of cilantro, a white onion and a jicama. Jicama is a type of root vegetable that is common in Mexican cuisine. It looks a bit like a turnip and is mostly eaten raw. Jicama is crunchy, slightly sweet and wonderful in salads, salsas or as crudités (veggies for dipping). It was perfect for my Red, White and Blue Salsa, since the interior is a snowy white color. You can find jicama at most larger grocery stores in the produce section.
I used a splash of lime juice, a drizzle of honey and a bit of finely minced garlic for a light dressing that ties the flavors together with a bright vibrancy. You can make the dressing and prepare the fruit and veggies in advance, but I recommend storing everything separately until just before serving.
This Red, White and Blue Salsa is fabulous with chips, as a healthy, fun appetizer. It's also delicious spooned over grilled chicken or fish. Another option is to serve it as a side for a potluck, picnic or summer party.
If you're American, be sure to pull out your flag and whip up a batch of this patriotic salsa. If you live elsewhere; no worries, it's also just a wonderful way to celebrate the bounties of the warm weather season.
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- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2-3 teaspoons honey start with 2 and add more if needed
- 1 medium jalapeno finely chopped
- 1 small clove garlic finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cups diced jicama
- ½ cup finely diced white onion*
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
-
Combine all ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl. Stir well till combined. Set aside.
-
Set aside 1 tablespoon of the chopped cilantro.
-
Just before serving, combine all salsa ingredients (except reserved cilantro) in a medium size bowl. Pour dressing over and mix gently to combine. Sprinkle with a bit of the reserved cilantro and serve.
* I love to use my veggie chopper for salsas like this. It chops veggies into uniform pieces in minutes. It's great for jicama, carrots, potatoes, onion, celery, etc.
Sandy says
Wow! What a wonderful recipe! Absolutely delicious combination of flavors, textures and colors. I wouldn’t change a thing and can hardly wait to make it again. Thank you Cafe Sucre Farine for another fabulous dish. ❤️🥰
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Sandy, for sharing your results! I'm so happy you enjoyed it 💕
Pam Payne says
Can't wait to try this one!
Enjoyed the pictures of you and your granddaughter ! One God's greatest gifts!
Happy memorial day!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Pam! They are some of God's greatest gifts. We've had some of ours here this weekend and it's been so sweet!
Gerri says
Do you need to cook the Jicama?
Chris Scheuer says
No, you want it nice and crunchy! Enjoy!
Nancy says
None of the reviews actually say how they liked the salsa. All about the photos of the little girl.
Anybody actually made this and liked it??
Adina says
Hi Chris,
Love the look of this salad and I would love to try it soon. I will have to use regular turnips though as jicama is definitely not something one could buy in Germany. I even had to google that to find out it was some kind of turnip. 🙂
I included your salad in a small list of fruit/berry salads I would like to try on my blog. I hope that is ok with you.
Sandra says
I haven't had jicama in years! Beautiful dish and your Emmy is adorable.
Susan says
Adorable photos of your granddaughter and her little tag-along pal 🙂 What a delightful idea for a patriotic salsa that also sounds delicious!
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
My daughter was peeping over my shoulder at your post commenting on your cute granddaughter, the cute dog and I on the sunshine we have not seen for almost a month. Ironically I just bought some jicama last night at the store. Now all we need are some strawberries (have blueberries) and we are all set. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through your picking. With all our rain I'm not sure how our picking berries will be affected.
Linda @ 2CookinMamas says
Beautiful and delicious looking dish as always! And your pictures bring back memories of going strawberry picking with my kids. It was such fun! How lucky to have your granddaughter with you this week. Jealous!
Cuisinedeprovence says
Beautiful salsa! I just got one of those veggie choppers and love it, too. Here it is called "The nicer dicer" - quite a catchy name, don't you think?
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
What a beautiful and colurful salsa! Emmy and her little friend are so adorable.
Ginny Hartzler says
You've outdone yourself! This is gorgeous!! Isn't it fun to take the little ones to pick fruit? She is just beautiful! And good things that dog was so tiny! Maybe he loved finding someone more his own size!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
You could have shown only photos of Emmy, the dog and the strawberries and I'd be a happy woman. Those pictures are just fantastic!
The salsa is beautiful too but second to Emmy and the dog. 🙂
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
How beautiful! Perfect for the holiday 🙂 We are a few weeks away from local strawberries here yet, but I'm counting the days!!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Oh this is a lovely post! How sweet you had an adorable little helper. I picked this morning but all by myself. I will be busy today and can't wait to try your freezer jam. But now I want to make this too! Thanks for the lovely salsa recipe. Happy Memorial Day.
Charlotte Moore says
What sweet pics of little Emma.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Charlotte! She has a super sweet disposition to match her adorable looks. As you can tell, we're quite smitten with the little gal.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
This looks amazing Chris, you really got the colors perfect!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Sue! That's my crazy cook''s mind working overtime!
Wendy says
What a pretty, refreshing salsa to usher in the summer! Amongst many other wonderful recipes, your salsa recipes are always creative and delicious, Chris! I love that Emmy found a little buddy just her size!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Wendy! We thought we might have to take the little guy home, they bonded so quickly!