Strawberry and shrimp salsa

Strawberry and Shrimp Salsa: An Explosion of Freshness on Your Plate

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

On a hot summer day, nothing is more enjoyable than a refreshing and flavorful salad. Strawberry and shrimp salsa is a simple yet impressive recipe that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the savory taste of shrimp, bringing a burst of joy in every bite. This dish is not only a culinary delight but also an opportunity to celebrate fresh, colorful, and vibrant ingredients.

Recipe History

Salsa, in general, refers to sauces or mixtures of fresh ingredients used to accompany various dishes. The exact origins of salsas are hard to determine, but they have evolved over time based on available ingredients and local preferences. Strawberry and shrimp salsa is a modern variant that blends influences from international cuisines with seasonal ingredients. It is perfect for warm days, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or simply to impress guests.

Ingredients

- 9 plum tomatoes
- 3-4 green onions (or 1 red onion)
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 red chili pepper (adjustable to taste)
- 300 g fresh strawberries
- 1 small can of sweet corn
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro
- Pink salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or pumpkin oil)
- 300 g shrimp
- For frying the shrimp:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small cube of butter
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme or tarragon
- 2 cloves of garlic
- A pinch of pink salt
- Lemon slices for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

1. Washing and chopping the vegetables
Start by washing all the vegetables under cold running water. Use a kitchen towel to dry them. Cut the plum tomatoes into small cubes, the bell pepper into strips, and the green onions into thin rounds. If you prefer, you can use red onion for a more intense flavor.

2. Adding the spices
In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, bell pepper, and green onions. Sprinkle with pink salt and freshly ground pepper, mix well, and let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

3. Including additional ingredients
Add the canned sweet corn, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and cilantro. Mix all the ingredients and taste to adjust the seasoning. If you like it very spicy, feel free to add more chili pepper.

4. Chilling the mixture
Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. This step is essential for allowing the flavors to blend perfectly.

Step 2: Preparing the Strawberries

1. Washing the strawberries
Wash the strawberries under cold water, then remove the stems. Cut the strawberries in half for small ones and into quarters for larger ones.

2. Seasoning the strawberries
Sprinkle a little pink salt over the strawberries and gently mix. Let them sit for 5 minutes to release their natural juice and intensify the flavor.

Step 3: Preparing the Shrimp

1. Preparing the shrimp
Place the shrimp in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess water.

2. Frying the shrimp
In a pan, add a little oil and the cube of butter. When the oil is hot, add the peeled garlic cloves and the sprig of tarragon, letting them sauté for 1 minute.

3. Cooking the shrimp
Increase the heat from low to medium and add the shrimp to the pan. Fry them for 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Drizzle with lemon juice for added flavor.

Step 4: Finalizing the Salsa

1. Combining the ingredients
After the salad has chilled for 10-15 minutes, add the strawberries to the vegetable mixture. Gently mix to avoid breaking the strawberries.

2. Final chilling
Let the salad sit for another 5 minutes in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Serving

1. Assembling the dish
Choose elegant glasses or cups to serve the salsa. Place the vegetable and strawberry mixture in the glasses, and on the side, arrange the fried shrimp. You can also add lemon slices for a touch of freshness.

2. Enjoy!
This strawberry and shrimp salsa is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast. Enjoy it alongside a refreshing drink, such as a fruit cocktail or a glass of dry white wine.

Tips and Variations

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment by adding diced avocado for a creamy texture or mango for a tropical flavor.
- Complementary drinks: This salad pairs perfectly with a mojito cocktail or a dry white wine that will enhance the fresh flavors of the dish.
- Nutritional values: This recipe is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for summer meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use?
It is recommended to use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure they are of high quality.

Can I prepare the salsa a day in advance?
The salsa is best served fresh, but you can prepare the vegetable mixture a day ahead. Just add the strawberries and shrimp right before serving.

How can I make the recipe spicier?
If you like spicy food, you can add more chili pepper or even use hot sauces.

I hope this strawberry and shrimp salsa recipe brings you joy and inspires you to explore the delicious flavors of summer! Bon appétit!