| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 183 | 1g | 0g | 47g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 36g | 7g | 3g | 0.1g |
One of the recipes that I am most drawn to is my Hala Fruit and Pineapple Salsa. The flavors balance each other brilliantly; the sweetness of the pineapple pairs well with the intriguing taste of the hala fruit – a delight well known in Hawaii and other Pacific Islands, and the chilli of the jalapeno counters that sweetness, producing a salsa that is fresh, tasty and very healthy. Drawing inspiration from both my Montana roots and my natural affinity for blending traditional and novel flavors, this exotic twist on traditional salsa has quickly become a favorite of mine.
Inspiration and Health Benefits
My Hala Fruit and Pineapple Salsa carries the vibrancy of Pacific Island flavors to the heart of the Montana wilderness. The hala fruit, essentially unfamiliar to many, boasts a subtle sweetness and refreshing crunch, making it a perfect ingredient to work with. Not only are hala fruits a delightful taste addition, but they are also rich with health benefits! They are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, and Fiber. And when combined with the Vitamin C powerhouse that is pineapple, and the antioxidants in red bell pepper, this salsa transforms into a nutrient-packed powerhouse.
Pairing Suggestions
This salsa pairs wonderfully with a vast range of dishes. It’s brilliantly tropical and sweet touch makes it an excellent complement to grilled fish or chicken. Or, for a vegetarian twist, try it with grilled halloumi! The salsa will add some freshness and zing. Given my ranching roots, I’ve also found this salsa to be a surprisingly lovely match with bison burgers, the sweet and spicy tropical taste contrasting nicely with the robust flavors of bison. Whenever I feel like reminiscing about the days I spent in the open fields of Montana, nothing quite does it like this unexpected, yet delightful combination.
In summary, my Hala Fruit and Pineapple Salsa is a health-conscious, flavor-packed delight unique in its taste profile, yet versatile in its pairings. I would highly recommend giving it a go next time you are planning a barbecue or looking to brighten up your dinner menu. Let this salsa whisk you away on a tantalizing flavor journey from your kitchen to the lush landscapes of the Pacific Islands!
What You’ll Need
- 2 hala fruits, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1 large pineapple, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Remove the seeds and finely chop the hala fruits. Peel your large pineapple and also chop it finely. Do the same for your red onion, jalapeno pepper, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro. Ensure you remove the seeds from the peppers before chopping.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the chopped hala fruits, pineapple, red onion, jalapeno pepper, and red bell pepper. Mix them together until they’re well combined.
Step Three
Add your finely chopped cilantro to the bowl, and stir it through the mix. The cilantro will give the salsa a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Step Four
Pour in the fresh lime juice, and add the honey. These will act as your salsa’s dressing, giving it a sweet and tangy twist.
Step Five
Season your salsa with salt and ground black pepper, adjusting to your liking. Remember to add these gradually, tasting as you go along so as not to overpower the fruits’ natural sweetness.
Step Six
Give your salsa a final stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed. You can serve it immediately, or refrigerate it for an hour beforehand to allow the flavors to meld together more.
Step Seven
Enjoy your Hala Fruit and Pineapple Salsa as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite dishes or as a vibrant stand-alone snack!
