Fresh Fruit Salsa + Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
Last night I had a fun dinner with some great friends at BLT Burger. Let's just say that while the company was tops, the whole burger-fries-shake thing didn't exactly fit into my 'get in shape for summer' plans that I've been working pretty hard on. But it was delicious. Let's not discount that.
Luckily, fresh fruit is in abundance. It's everywhere nowadays, and I wonder how I ever made it through those cold winter months without berries and mangos and all that good stuff. When I loaded up most of my shopping cart with fruit and vegetables this past week, it didn't occur to me how I would actually use all of these gorgeous goodies before they went bad. And then an idea hit me.
Why not combine them into a gorgeous, refreshing, light and healthy summer salsa? One that would utilize these beauties and be on my 'get fit' plan to boot. So I picked up some whole wheat pitas too to whip up some baked chips. You know, so I'd have a vehicle for the fruit. I think we found a winner here.
The best part about this salsa is that you can literally use any fruits that you want and it couldn't be easier. There's no cooking, only chopping and gently mixing. If I can do it, so can you. Trust me. Have I ever steered you wrong? I have a feeling I just found my new favorite summer dish. So anyone who invites me over for a party, beware. This will probably be making an appearance.
Fresh Fruit Salsa + Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips
1 C strawberries, diced
1 mango, diced
1 kiwi, diced
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
juice of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lime
2 whole wheat pitas
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp granulated sugar
cooking spray
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
Get your chop on! Chop up that mango...
...the kiwi (have you ever seen a more beautiful color??)
...the strawberries
And gently mix together with the chopped basil.
Squeeze the lemon and lime juice over the fruit mixture.
Gently toss together once more and set aside.
Meanwhile, prepare the 'chips'. Cut up the pita bread into triangles. Lay on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (I used a very light hand here, since the fruit does most of the flavoring!). Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Serve the salsa in a sweet dip bowl or ramekin.
It's even better if you let it chill for a few hours so the flavors can meld and it gets all yummy together. The fruit flavors are so perfect together while the basil and citrus brings the perfect brightness and freshness to the dish.
Eat up!
So what do you think? What summer fruits are you most excited for this season? What are you planning to make with them?
10 Comments | June 2, 2011 | Share Article | Email Article | tagged Salsa, fruit | in Recipes Print Article | Permalink
Reader Comments (10)
How refreshing! I'll have to try this once the weather gets really hot.
Love the cinnamon chips. I've made "pita" chips out of tortillas sprinkled with cinnamon and I love the taste they give :)
Such a perfect summer snack! I got a huge watermelon the other day so I've been loading up on that all week!
I love the addition of basil! It is a SUPER herb! Can't wait for more local fresh fruit in Utah!
I love mangoes and cherries in the summer! My dad knows I love them, so whenever I go home for a visit, he stocks up! I eat everything he buys w/in 24 hours, which annoys the rest of the household! But yeah, summertime fruits are the BEST!
Beautiful. Fresh. Healthy.
What more could I ask for?
I love fruit salsas and I've made something very similar to yours, only subbing mint for the basil (which probably gives it such a great flavor)! I also love mango-pineapple salsa. So refreshing for summer!
ummmmmm yes please. that's all.
I'd never think of trying basil with fruit. Great idea.
wowwww, that's one amazing, fresh, natural and juicy fruit salad with in combination of those crunchy chips..beautiful color and very, very delicious :D