Summer is a great time to have lots of fresh fruit, veggies and leafy greens on hand! One thing I hear often from people is how hard it is to keep fresh produce in the house and use it before it spoils. We’ve all had that moment where we open the crisper drawer in the refrigerator, only to find a less than desirable fruit or vegetable that has to be tossed instead of enjoyed. The solution isn’t to buy less produce. Instead the solution is to find more ways to use that produce when it comes into your house.
Here are three fun ways to use a fresh lovely pineapple!
PINEAPPLE SALSA
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 small sweet red pepper, cored, seeded and finely chopped
2 T minced fresh cilantro
1 T lime juice
1/2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp salt
Put all ingredients in a bowl together, cover and refrigerate for one hour to let the flavors blend. This is fresh and wonderful on top of fish or chicken! My family loves this on top of swordfish, tuna steaks, tilapia and chicken.
TROPICAL VACATION SMOOTHIE
2 handfuls of spinach, kale or chard
1-1/2 cups fresh pineapple (about 1/4 of a pineapple)
1 banana
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tsp coconut oil
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Additional water can be added to reach desired consistency. A vacation treat without ever leaving your kitchen!
WHIPPED PINEAPPLE POPS
1 whole pineapple
Juice of 1 lime
1-1/2 cups coconut milk
Blend together and pour into popsicle molds. Freeze and enjoy! I have done this with strawberries and almond milk, as well, and they are fabulous!
