CHAPTER 6

EASY EXTRAS

The best meals are all about balance. We balance flavors, ingredients, and portions on the plate, but we also must balance our time, looking at each element of the meal and deciding what is and isn’t deserving of it. When you purchase precooked meats and sides, you’re not just buying food; you’re buying time. Spend that extra time wisely on the aspects of a meal that make the most impact, like simple homemade sauces, salads, and dressings. Spinach is little more than leaves until you add Bacon Vinaigrette. Now that’s a payoff worth the investment.

 

BACON VINAIGRETTE

Lard have mercy, there’s bacon in my dressing! This tasty twist on pig candy, also known as candied bacon, is the perfect way to punch up a spinach salad.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 8 MIN.

2center-cut bacon slices

11/2 tablespoons cider vinegar

11/2 teaspoons brown sugar

11/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/8teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Dash of kosher salt

image Cook bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; crumble. Add vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pepper, and salt to drippings in pan, stirring with a whisk. Stir in bacon.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 20; FAT 0.7g (sat 0.25g, mono 0g, poly 0g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 2g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 2g (est. added sugars 2g); CHOL 3mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 119mg; CALC 2mg

CAESAR VINAIGRETTE

Don’t be fooled by those dramatic tableside presentations: Caesar dressing comes together fast. This lighter and lower-sodium version can also be used as a dip for crudités or a marinade for vegetables and chicken before roasting.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

2tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese

1tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2teaspoon anchovy paste

1/4teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1large pasteurized egg yolk

1garlic clove, minced

2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

image Place first 7 ingredients in a mini food processor; process 15 seconds. With processor on, gradually add oil, processing until combined.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 88; FAT 8.7g (sat 1.8g, mono 5.6g, poly 0.9g); PROTEIN 2g; CARB 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 0g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 51mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 83mg; CALC 36mg

 

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Grapefruit–Poppy Seed Vinaigrette; CilantroChile Vinaigrette; Caesar Vinaigrette; Tomato Vinaigrette; Bacon Vinaigrette; Herb Vinaigrette

 

GRAPEFRUIT–POPPY SEED VINAIGRETTE

Full of fruit, texture, and tangy sweetness, this dressing does all the work in a simple salad. Just add some spinach, and serve.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

3tablespoons fresh grapefruit juice

4teaspoons canola mayonnaise

2teaspoons white wine vinegar

1teaspoon honey

1/2teaspoon grated grapefruit rind

2tablespoons grapeseed oil

1/2teaspoon poppy seeds

1/8teaspoon kosher salt

1/8teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

image Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add oil, stirring constantly with a whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 85; FAT 8.3g (sat 0.7g, mono 1.9g, poly 5.2g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 3g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 1g (est. added sugars 1g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 96mg; CALC 7mg

HERB VINAIGRETTE

This vinaigrette requires no effort, makes a lot, and keeps beautifully. Pour it over a spring mix or tossed arugula, or use it to dress up a pizza.

SERVES 13 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

9tablespoons white wine vinegar

11/2 tablespoons wildflower honey

1/2teaspoon fine sea salt

1cup canola oil

3tablespoons chopped fresh basil

3tablespoons minced fresh chives

image Combine first 3 ingredients in a medium bowl; slowly add oil, stirring with a whisk until combined. Stir in basil and chives. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 160; FAT 17.2g; (sat 1.3g, mono 10.9g, poly 4.9g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 2g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 2g (est. added sugars 2g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 86mg; CALC 2mg

 

TOMATO VINAIGRETTE

Even out of season, tomatoes can be the star of the salad. Highlight their essence in this dressing, which uses grape tomatoes grown year-round.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

2tablespoons minced fresh basil

2tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1tablespoon minced shallots

1teaspoon Dijon mustard

10grape tomatoes

1garlic clove

2tablespoons olive oil

image Place first 6 ingredients in a mini food processor; process until smooth. Gradually add oil, processing until combined. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 73; FAT 6.8g (sat 0.9g, mono 4.9g, poly 0.7g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 3g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 2g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 33mg; CALC 8mg

CILANTRO-CHILE VINAIGRETTE

Flavors of the Far East and Southwest combine to create a sweet heat in this delicious dressing. Use it to make a taco slaw or as a marinade.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 8 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 8 MIN.

2tablespoons olive oil

4teaspoons fresh lime juice

1tablespoon minced Fresno red chile

2teaspoons fish sauce

1teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger

1/2teaspoon sugar

1garlic clove, mashed into a paste

1tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

image Combine first 7 ingredients; stir with a whisk. Stir in cilantro. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 67; FAT 6.8g (sat 0.9g, mono 4.9g, poly 0.7g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 2g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 1g (est. added sugars 1g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 191mg; CALC 3mg

 

AVOCADO DRESSING

Available year-round and full of nutrients, avocados provide creaminess. Serve this on salad or with your next Mexican meal.

SERVES 6 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

1/2cup diced peeled ripe avocado

1/4cup cilantro leaves

1tablespoon fresh lime juice

1tablespoon olive oil

1/4teaspoon salt

1/4teaspoon hot sauce

image Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 41; FAT 4.1g (sat 0.6g, mono 2.9g, poly 0.5g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 1g; FIBER 1g; SUGARS 0g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 105mg; CALC 2mg

AVOCADO-HERB DRESSING

Full of fresh herbs and a hint of heat, this dressing is also a cool upgrade to sour cream on a taco bar.

SERVES 20 • HANDS-ON TIME: 10 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 10 MIN.

1/2cup canola mayonnaise

1/4cup finely chopped green onions

1/4cup reduced-fat sour cream

1tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1tablespoon chopped fresh chives

1teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon

1teaspoon anchovy paste

1/8teaspoon salt

1/2ripe peeled avocado

1garlic clove, minced

2tablespoons water

1tablespoon white wine vinegar

3drops hot sauce

image Place first 10 ingredients in a food processor; process until smooth. With the processor on, add 2 tablespoons water, vinegar, and hot sauce through food chute, processing until blended. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1 tablespoon

CALORIES 54; FAT 5.6g (sat 0.8g, mono 2.9g, poly 1.3g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 0g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 4mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 73mg; CALC 7mg

 

BUTTERMILK RANCH

There is nothing better than homemade ranch dressing. The combination of chives, parsley, and dill with the brightness of lemon and bite of garlic makes this recipe a dream for salads, French fries, and pretty much everything edible.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

1/3cup whole buttermilk

1tablespoon canola mayonnaise

1teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/4teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1small garlic clove, grated

11/2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives

3/4teaspoon minced fresh parsley

1/2teaspoon minced fresh dill

image Combine buttermilk and next 4 ingredients (through garlic), stirring with a whisk. Stir in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 11/2 tablespoons

CALORIES 24; FAT 1.6g (sat 0.4g, mono 0.8g, poly 0.4g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 1g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 2mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 49mg; CALC 27mg

PEPPER-GARLIC SPICE RUB

This rub is complex in flavor yet simple in preparation. Use it to quickly season roasted or grilled beef and chicken.

SERVES 24 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

1tablespoon Hungarian sweet paprika

1tablespoon chili powder

1tablespoon garlic powder

1tablespoon dark brown sugar

2teaspoons ground cumin

2teaspoons chopped fresh sage

11/2 teaspoons dry mustard

1teaspoon ground coriander

1teaspoon ground red pepper

image Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container up to 1 month.

SERVING SIZE: 1 teaspoon

CALORIES 8; FAT 0.2g (sat 0g, mono 0g, poly 0.1g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 2g; FIBER 1g; SUGARS 1g (est. added sugars 1g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 4mg; CALC 7mg

 

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All-Purpose Rub; Jerk Spice Rub; Pepper-Garlic Spice Rub

 

image JERK SPICE RUB

This traditional jerk seasoning packs a punch that is mellowed by the sweetness of sugar. You can further tame the heat by cutting back on the ground red pepper. Use this rub on pork, chicken, or fish.

SERVES 16 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

1tablespoon dried parsley

1tablespoon dried onion flakes

2to 3 teaspoons ground red pepper

2teaspoons garlic powder

2teaspoons ground thyme

2teaspoons brown sugar

11/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg

1teaspoon crushed red pepper

1teaspoon ground allspice

1/4teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4teaspoon ground star anise

1/4teaspoon ground cinnamon

image Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container up to 1 month.

SERVING SIZE: about 1 tablespoon

CALORIES 5; FAT 0.1g (sat 0g, mono 0g, poly 0g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 1g (est. added sugars 1g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 118mg; CALC 5mg

image ALL-PURPOSE RUB

When guests ask for this recipe, just say it’s an old family secret. Kick it up a few notches with freshly ground red pepper or chipotle powder.

SERVES 36 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

3tablespoons paprika

2tablespoons dried oregano

2tablespoons dried thyme

2tablespoons kosher salt

1tablespoon garlic powder

1tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

1tablespoon chili powder

2teaspoons onion powder

image Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container up to 6 months.

SERVING SIZE: 1 teaspoon

CALORIES 4; FAT 0.1g (sat 0g, mono 0g, poly 0g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 0g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 327mg; CALC 9mg

 

ROASTED GARLIC–BALSAMIC AIOLI

When garlic bathes in olive oil and bakes in the oven, it comes out soft, sweet, and with a slight nutty flavor. It’s killer on a burger.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 10 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 65 MIN.

1whole garlic head

1teaspoon olive oil

2tablespoons canola mayonnaise

1teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Dash of kosher salt

image Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove papery skin from garlic head (do not peel or separate cloves). Drizzle oil over garlic; wrap in foil. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes. Cool 10 minutes.

image Separate cloves; squeeze to extract garlic pulp. Discard skins. Mash garlic. Stir in mayonnaise, vinegar, and salt. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1 tablespoon

CALORIES 34; FAT 2.5g (sat 0.1g, mono 1.6g, poly 0.8g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 2g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 0g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 85mg; CALC 11mg

RED-PEPPER AIOLI

Building a better burger isn’t always about toppings. Whip up this velvety spread with just five ingredients and a few minutes.

SERVES 16 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

3garlic cloves, peeled

1/2cup canola mayonnaise

1/2teaspoon salt

1/4teaspoon crushed red pepper

1(7-ounce) bottle roasted red bell peppers, drained

image Drop garlic through food chute with food processor on. Process until finely minced. Add remaining ingredients; process until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1 tablespoon

CALORIES 23; FAT 2g (sat 0g, mono 1g, poly 0.8g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 0g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 157mg; CALC 1mg

 

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AIOLI

When it’s cold outside and you long for a tomato off the vine, take comfort in this standout condiment that’s perfect on lamb or portobello burgers.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 17 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 17 MIN.

10sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil

1cup water

1/4cup canola mayonnaise

1/4teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1garlic clove, minced

image Place sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH 2 minutes. Let stand 3 minutes. Drain. Place tomatoes, mayonnaise, pepper, and garlic in a mini food processor; pulse 10 times or until tomatoes are finely chopped. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1 tablespoon

CALORIES 52; FAT 3.9g (sat 0g, mono 2.4g, poly 1.5g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 3g; FIBER 1g; SUGARS 2g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 119mg; CALC 8mg

Fast Freeze

Don’t trash those leftover sun-dried tomatoes! As long as they’re not packed in oil, they'll save perfectly in a zip-top freezer bag—and you can enjoy the sunny taste of summer almost any time of the year.

 

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO

Though tomatoes spend days drying out in the sun, they retain all their nutrients and give this pesto a deep color and intense flavor.

SERVES 8 • HANDS-ON TIME: 10 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 10 MIN.

1/2cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil

3/4cup boiling water

1cup chopped seeded plum tomato

1/2cup basil leaves

2tablespoons pine nuts

1tablespoon olive oil

1/8teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4garlic cloves

image Combine sun-dried tomatoes and 3/4 cup boiling water in a bowl; let stand 4 minutes. Drain and chop.

image Place sun-dried tomatoes, plum tomato, and remaining ingredients in a blender; process 20 seconds or until a paste forms. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 44; FAT 3.4g (sat 0.4g, mono 1.7g, poly 1g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 3g; FIBER 1g; SUGARS 2g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 1mg; SODIUM 10mg; CALC 13mg

PESTO MAYONNAISE

Flavored mayonnaise is the fastest way to wake up a ho-hum sandwich. Try this one on your favorite sub or in a pasta salad at your next picnic.

SERVES 4 • HANDS-ON TIME: 8 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 8 MIN.

2tablespoons canola mayonnaise

2tablespoons Classic Pesto (page 277)

1/8teaspoon salt

1/8teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

image Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1 tablespoon

CALORIES 57; FAT 5.3g (sat 1g, mono 1.4g, poly 0.5g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 0g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 4mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 188mg; CALC 48mg

 

CLASSIC PESTO

Pesto has a way of making everything taste fresh. Use it on pizza or pasta, polenta or mashed potatoes, or your favorite omelet.

SERVES 12 • HANDS-ON TIME: 8 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 8 MIN.

2tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts or pine nuts

2garlic cloves, peeled

3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4cups basil leaves (about 4 ounces)

2ounces grated fresh Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)

1/4teaspoon salt

image Drop nuts and garlic through food chute with food processor on; process until minced. Add oil; pulse 3 times. Add basil, cheese, and salt; process until finely minced, scraping sides of bowl once. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1 tablespoon

CALORIES 64; FAT 5.7g (sat 1.3g, mono 2.8g, poly 1g); PROTEIN 3g; CARB 1g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 0g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 3mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 134mg; CALC 95mg

Fast Freeze

This simple pesto tastes way better than store-bought and takes just a few minutes to make, so double or triple the recipe, and freeze batches for future use.

BARBECUE SAUCE

Spend a little extra time creating this sweet-and-spicy barbecue sauce from pantry staples and a few fresh veggies.

SERVES 12 • HANDS-ON TIME: 20 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 20 MIN.

2cups unsalted ketchup

3/4cup packed brown sugar

1/2cup cider vinegar

1/4cup grated fresh onion (1 small)

2tablespoons prepared mustard

2tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1teaspoon kosher salt

1/2teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/2teaspoon smoked paprika

2garlic cloves, pressed

image Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 month.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 57; FAT 0.1g (sat 0g, mono 0g, poly 0g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 14g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 12g (est. added sugars 8g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 117mg; CALC 10mg

 

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Sriracha Ketchup; Honey Mustard; Barbecue Sauce

 

image SRIRACHA KETCHUP

Two favorite condiments create one incredibly spicy sauce you’ll want to slather on everything.

SERVES 11 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

1cup unsalted ketchup

1/4cup Sriracha (hot chile sauce, such as Huy Fong)

1tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce

1tablespoon fresh lime juice

image Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 month.

SERVING SIZE: 2 tablespoons

CALORIES 36; FAT 0g (sat 0g, mono 0g, poly 0g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 9g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 7g (est. added sugars 2g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 169mg; CALC 0mg

image HONEY MUSTARD

Homemade honey mustard tastes infinitely better than store-bought and has fewer preservatives and additives. Blend up a quick batch while chicken cooks.

SERVES 20 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

1/2cup canola mayonnaise

1/4cup Dijon mustard

1/4cup honey

2tablespoons prepared mustard

1/4teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

image Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 month.

SERVING SIZE: 1 tablespoon

CALORIES 30; FAT 1.5g (sat 0g, mono 0.8g, poly 0.6g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 4g; FIBER 0g; SUGARS 3g (est. added sugars 3g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 123mg; CALC 1mg

 

SALSA VERDE

Tomatillos grow in papery husks that come off easily and leave a sticky residue. Rinse them well before throwing them in the food processor.

SERVES 8 • HANDS-ON TIME: 5 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

8tomatillos (about 12 ounces)

1/4cup chopped green onions

1/4cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2teaspoon salt

1jalapeño pepper, seeded and quartered

1(4.5-ounce) can chopped green chiles, undrained

image Discard husks and stems from tomatillos. Place tomatillos and remaining ingredients in a food processor; pulse until coarsely chopped. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1/4 cup

CALORIES 16; FAT 0.4g (sat 0.1g, mono 0.1g, poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 3g; FIBER 1g; SUGARS 2g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 334mg; CALC 7mg

MEDITERRANEAN SALSA

When the garden gives you too much of everything, turn it into salsa.

SERVES 6 • HANDS-ON TIME: 10 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 10 MIN.

11/2 cups chopped seeded tomato

1cup finely chopped zucchini

1/2cup finely chopped bottled roasted red bell peppers

2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

1tablespoon finely chopped basil

1tablespoon finely chopped parsley

2teaspoons fresh lemon juice

2teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

11/2 teaspoons capers, drained

1/4teaspoon salt

1/8teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1garlic clove, minced

image Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1/2 cup

CALORIES 32; FAT 1.7g (sat 0.3g, mono 1.2g, poly 0.2g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 4g; FIBER 1g; SUGARS 2g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 183mg; CALC 12mg

 

CUTTING-BOARD SALSA

Did someone say “salsa party”? This chunky number is loaded with crunch and cool, crisp flavors.

SERVES 14 • HANDS-ON TIME: 20 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 60 MIN., INCLUDING CHILL TIME

2cups diced tomato

1/2cup diced peeled jicama

1/2cup diced onion

1/2cup diced radishes

1/3cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber

1/4cup fresh orange juice

2tablespoons chopped fresh mint

2tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2tablespoons fresh lime juice

2teaspoons chopped seeded jalapeño pepper (1 small pepper)

1/2teaspoon salt

image Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; toss gently. Cover and chill 40 minutes. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 2 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1/4 cup

CALORIES 13; FAT 0.1g (sat 0g, mono 0g, poly 0.1g); PROTEIN 0g; CARB 3g; FIBER 1g; SUGARS 2g (est. added sugars 0g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 88mg; CALC 7mg

MANGO SALSA

Mango is one of the few fruits that can stand up to jalapeño in both texture and taste. Serve with grilled meats or fish.

SERVES 6 • HANDS-ON TIME: 15 MIN. • TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN., INCLUDING CHILL TIME

3cups cubed peeled ripe mango

1cup chopped green onions

1/2cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/3cup fresh lime juice

3tablespoons finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper (about 2 peppers)

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

image Combine all ingredients in a bowl; toss well. Cover and chill 30 minutes. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

SERVING SIZE: 1/2 cup

CALORIES 63; FAT 0.3g (sat 0.1g, mono 0.1g, poly 0.1g); PROTEIN 1g; CARB 18g; FIBER 2g; SUGARS 13g (est. added sugars 1g); CHOL 0mg; IRON 0mg; SODIUM 205mg; CALC 25mg;

Savvy Shortcuts

Mango isn’t the easiest fruit to chop. Save the hassle if you’re short on time and purchase prepeeled and prechopped mango from your grocer’s produce department.