Balmy summer days are the perfect excuse not to cook. When you need to beat the heat but still want a nutritious snack, simple dishes with fresh ingredients are the perfect solution.
Here's a cooling salsa recipe that is high in flavor and low in calories. With no oils to weigh it down, cilantro's zesty flavor can really shine. Although it has few main ingredients, don't let its simplicity fool you. Cilantro, rich in folate, iron and Vitamin A, also packs other potent health benefits. Here are just a few we'll bet you never knew:
Cilantro:
• Soothes the digestive tract
• Acts as a natural blood cleansing agent
• Promotes cardiovascular health
• Helps eliminate toxins from the body
• Has antibacterial properties that eliminate bad breath
• Helps regulate blood sugar
• Oil is a natural antifungal
• Promotes better sleep
Cool & Zesty Summer Salsa
Nothing says refreshing better than crisp juicy tomato, savory cilantro and sharp onion.
Ingredients
1 medium red onion
3 large vine ripened tomatoes
1 ½ cups chopped cilantro
4 cloves garlic
1 tsp. lime juice
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
pinch of chili powder
pink or grey sea salt
Directions
Finely chop the onion, dice the tomatoes and mince the garlic. To finely chop the cilantro, tightly roll the bunch and rotate the roll as you cut. Add all ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the apple cider vinegar, lime juice and chili powder and add to the salsa. Toss to coat thoroughly.