3 Heart Healthy Salsas To Try Instead Of Cheese Sauces And Dips

Posted on: 7 December 2015

If you are concerned about your heart, then skip the cheese and choose a salsa. Salsas are made with raw or cooked vegetables, spices, and even sometimes nuts. They are flavorful, and good for you. Unlike heavy cheese dips, salsas are light and not packed with fat.

Salsa is not just for dipping chips in, though it is great for that as well. It is also used to flavor rice, meats, and vegetables. Here are 3 great salsas you should try.

Pico De Gallo

This is a raw salsa that is made with tomatoes, onions, lime juice, peppers, and cilantro. The name translates to "beak of the rooster." Unlike classic red salsa, pico de gallo is chunky. While it can be used as a dipping salsa and eaten with chips, it can also be used as a main ingredient in dishes because it is so substantial. You might find it as a filling for a taco or used as an accompaniment to fresh fish. It is super healthy because it is made only with fresh raw vegetables.  So, instead of choosing a quesadilla stuffed with cheese, opt for one that is made with black beans and pico de gallo.

Salsa Verde

This is a cooked salsa made with tomatillos. These are green tomatoes that come with a husk, like corn. The husk is removed, the tomatillos are cooked so that they soften, and then they are pureed in a blender with a few peppers, salt, onions and water. The resulting salsa is very liquid in consistency, much like classic red salsa.

Salsa verde has a very tangy flavor. It is perfect for those people who don't want a rich, heavy sauce that is made with cheese, sour cream, or beans, and are tired of red tomato based sauces.  It is a delicious topping for fish or chicken.

Sikil P'ak

This is a rich and creamy salsa that originates in the Yucatan. The unique ingredient in this salsa is pumpkin seeds. The pumpkin seeds are toasted. They are then blended with tomatoes, onions, peppers and herbs to create a delicious, thick salsa that is perfect for dips. So, if you are in the mood for something a bit thicker then salsa verde, or red salsa, then this is a great choice. The pumpkin seeds have a healthy fat (omega 3), so they are a great choice if you want a creamy dip with fat, but want to avoid unhealthy cheese dips. To find out more, contact a business like El Chico Cafe.

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