Family and friends gather around the holidays to celebrate many things and food is always a major component. The holiday season spans beyond Christmas and New Year’s especially in cold places like Chicago. People enjoy reasons to come together and feast. It includes gatherings centered around sports, birthdays and anniversaries so the following recipes are sure to hit a home run, make a goalie or a touchdown and put the ball in the basket in a healthier way.
Holiday potlucks: Christmas, New Years, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Valentine’s Day, Easter etc., can have a wide variety of foods, so be sure to fill your plate with nutritious options.:
• Tweak the sweets – Fruits make delicious desserts.
• Cheers to good health – Drink water to manage calories.
• Bake healthier – Use recipes with pureed fruits instead of butter or oil.
• Spice it up – Use spices and herbs instead of sugar and salt.
• Brighten your meal – Fill half your place with fruits and vegetables.
• Skim the fat – Try skim evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
• Swap the grains – Choose whole wheat flour instead of white flour.
• Go easy on the gravy – A little bit of gravy goes a long way.
This colorful and fresh Black Bean and Corn Salsa is creamy, and crunchy with a subtle spicy kick! Made with 6 simple ingredients and in just 10 minutes, this salsa makes a great appetizer on its own, but don’t stop there. Serve it as a side dish, or pile it on tacos, salads, eggs, or just about anything! Transforming simple ingredients into something delicious is something I’m passionate about. Whether it’s using produce from the farmer’s market or an inexpensive cut of meat, I’m all about getting the most out of each and every ingredient I use. If you want to contribute a quick, easy side to an upcoming holiday gathering, consider Black Bean Salsa or Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Dip. Both recipes take only five minutes to whip together, and they will add some color and fruits and vegetables to your holiday spread.
Why I Love This Black Bean And Corn Salsa
• It’s simple to make in just 10 minutes with 6 ingredients, and there’s no cooking required.
• This salsa is loaded with fresh flavor from parsley, red onions and lime juice.
• A recipe that can be made ahead of time is always a winner for me. This salsa is a perfect make ahead recipe and is better made a bit ahead of time.
• It might just be one of the most versatile recipes ever! I love to scoop it up with tortilla chips. I spoon it over salads, soups, and it’s a must for tacos and nachos.
Ingredients:
• Black Beans – use good quality canned black beans. Make sure to drain and rinse them.
• Corn – canned is great, but you can use fresh as well. I like to use a combination of both when fresh corn is available.
• Red Onion – chopped. I like to use red onion, but you can substitute sweet or yellow onion.
• Canned Tomatoes and Chilies – I use Rotel Original canned tomatoes and chilies. If you want a spicier salsa, you can use the hot version.
• Lime Juice – fresh is always best to give a bright burst of flavor to the salsa.
Variations To Consider
This is one of those recipes that lends itself to all kinds of changes. The great thing about this simple salsa recipe is that you can make it your own!
• For more heat, add in chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add in chopped green or red bell peppers.
• Swap out the parsley or cilantro.
• For a bit of creaminess, toss in chopped avocado.
Directions:
Begin by washing hands with soap and water.
In a large bowl, gently mix together beans, corn, tomatoes and onions.
Add lime juice and oil. Stir to coat. Season with pepper if needed.
Serve immediately or set aside for 30 minutes for flavors to intensify.
Pumpkin Spice Greek Yogurt Dip
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
• 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Apple slices, graham crackers or pretzels for dipping
Directions:
Begin by washing hands with soap and water.
Place all ingredients into a bowl.
Stir ingredients to combine.
Pour into a dish and serve.
Try this recipe with sliced fruit, pretzels or graham crackers. Enjoy as a spread on toast, with banana for a yogurt parfait, or add a dollop onto oatmeal.