Recipe by the American Heart Association
Chips and Salsa are a Mexican treat that can really run up the amount of calories and sodium in your meal. Sodium intake is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. At a typical Mexican restaurant, just 8 tortilla chips can have up to 120 mgs of salt. For a healthy alternative try this tortilla chips and fruit salsa recipe from the American Heart Association.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon groundcinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoonsalt
- 86-inch corn tortillas, each cut into 6 wedges
- 1 mediumorange, peeled and diced
- ½ cup dicedmango (from ½ of a medium mango)
- 1 mediumkiwifruit, peeled and diced
- ¼ cupof canned pineapple
- ¼ cup dicedstrawberries
- 1 tablespoon choppedcilantro
- 1 teaspoon gratedlime zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a baking sheet with the cooking spray.
- Stir together the oil, cinnamon and salt.
- Place the tortilla wedges in a bowl and pour in the oil mixture. Stir to spread the mixture on the tortilla wedges.
- Arrange the wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Turn over the wedges. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the wedges are golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the orange, mango, kiwifruit, pineapple, strawberries, cilantro, lime zest.
- Serve with the tortilla chips. This recipe serves 8.
FAQs
Use It as a Vegetable Dip
One of the best ways to eat salsa without chips is to replace the chips with a vegetable dipper. Cutting vegetables into manageable sticks seizes allows for an easy, one-bite dip into a delicious freshly made salsa.
Can chips and salsa be a healthy snack? ›
Chips and Salsa are Actually Fairly Healthy
While we don't recommend making your entire diet around chips and salsa, it does have some health benefits due to its ingredients. Tomatoes: They are a major dietary source of antioxidant lycopene, as well as vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
What is a healthy alternative to nacho chips? ›
Nuts are a great snack to replace for chips, alternatively you can now get healthy chips in the range of vegetable chips (sweet potato, carrots). Kale chips are very good as they are high in vitamin C and vitamin A. You can also make your own by slicing a potato and microwaving them until crisp…
Is salsa healthy for weight loss? ›
This makes it a great option for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. High in vitamins and minerals: Salsa is packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and iron, which are essential for maintaining a healthy body.
What is healthier, popcorn or chips and salsa? ›
Do yourself (and your health) a favor and pick the popcorn. Popcorn has fewer inflammatory fats and calories as well more fiber, deeming it a more nutritious choice than chips.
Why do I crave chips and salsa? ›
For example, if you crave: Salty foods like potato chips, nachos or French fries, it may indicate a high level of cortisol (stress hormone). To help manage your cortisol levels, eat high quality protein such as eggs and lean meat, and complex carbohydrates like brown rice, beans and vegetables.
Can I eat chips while losing belly fat? ›
French fries and potato chips are high in calories and fat, which could contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. Therefore, it's best to enjoy these foods in moderation.
Is pico de gallo healthy? ›
With so many vegetables as its ingredients, it's not hard to believe pico de gallo is also full of health benefits. Armed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the onions and garlic in the sauce may prevent the hardening of your arteries, fight bacteria and protect against heart disease.
What is a good substitute for salsa on nachos? ›
Avocado-based guacamole is a rich and creamy substitution for salsa, offering a different texture and taste. A simple blend of avocado, onion, and tomato creates a substitute that enhances nachos and burritos. Alternatively, bean dip, made from pureed beans, spices, and sometimes cheese, provides a protein-rich option.
Why do Mexican restaurants give out chips and salsa? ›
Free chips and salsa at Mexican restaurants explained
The happier you are with a bottomless supply of something tasty to nibble on, the longer you're likely to linger and order more booze. Rather than making you feel too full, eating chips and salsa can act to whet your appetite.
