Papaya Salsa

This fruit salsa is a natural with fish and seafood, and you can make any fruit the star here: mango, melon, and nectarine are some of my favorites. Just be sure to taste while you’re assembling, balancing the sweetness (which, of course, varies with every fruit) with the acidity of the citrus juice and the heat of the chiles.

MAKES: About 2 cups

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups firm but ripe papaya, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced red, yellow, or green bell pepper or a combination
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chile (like jalapeño or Thai), to taste, or hot red pepper flakes or cayenne, to taste
• 1/4 cup or more chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, or more to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put all the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine.
2. Let the salsa sit for about 5 minutes.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more chile, lime, or salt as needed.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a couple of hours. Bring back to room temperature before serving.

VARIATION:

1. Citrus Salsa: Substitute a combination of orange, grapefruit, and lemon segments for the papaya. Omit the olive oil.
2. Peach-Melon-Tomato Salsa: Use 1 medium ripe tomato, 2 medium peaches, and 1/4 small cantaloupe. Use basil or mint instead of cilantro if desired. Serve within 30 minutes.
3. Chipotle-Cherry Salsa: Replace the papaya with pitted cherries (fresh or frozen). Omit the peppers and chile and instead add 1 tablespoon chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 2 days.

USES:

Papaya salsa is a versatile condiment that pairs well with various dishes. Here are some uses for papaya salsa:

• Fish and Seafood: Papaya salsa is a natural complement to fish and seafood dishes. Serve it alongside grilled fish, seared scallops, shrimp tacos, or fish tacos for a refreshing and tropical flavor.
• Grilled Meats: Use papaya salsa as a topping or garnish for grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or steak. It adds a vibrant and fruity element to the savory flavors of the meat.
• Salads: Add a scoop of papaya salsa to green salads or fruit salads to enhance their taste and provide a contrasting texture. It works particularly well with tropical-themed salads containing ingredients like avocado, mango, or coconut.
• Tacos and Wraps: Include papaya salsa as a filling or topping for tacos, burritos, or wraps. Its sweet and tangy flavors complement the savory fillings and add a burst of freshness.
• Appetizer Dips: Serve papaya salsa as a dip with tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetable sticks. It makes for a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional salsa or dips.
• Rice and Grain Bowls: Use papaya salsa as a topping or side dish for rice bowls or grain bowls. It adds a pop of color and taste to the dish, balancing the flavors and textures.
• Bruschetta and Crostini: Spread papaya salsa over toasted bread slices for a unique twist on bruschetta or crostini. The combination of the fruity salsa and the crisp bread creates a delightful appetizer or snack.
• Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle papaya salsa over grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. It adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the smoky grilled veggies.

NOTE:

• Adjust the seasoning and ingredients according to taste and the sweetness/acidity of the fruit used.