Salsa Partner
I know you’re hoping that I take up video blogging so I can show you some spicy salsa dancing, but I don’t want to be responsible for any breathing or choking problems from people laughing too hard. So, if you saw the title of this…
I know you’re hoping that I take up video blogging so I can show you some spicy salsa dancing, but I don’t want to be responsible for any breathing or choking problems from people laughing too hard. So, if you saw the title of this post and thought for a moment that I would have a piece about me dancing in the kitchen, well, I’m sorry to disappoint. However, my son and I do dance a goofy tango in the kitchen (he especially loves the dip!), so I’ll leave you with that happy thought.
Before you go, I just want to tell you about another kind of salsa. The other day, I picked up a huge crate of nectarines, so I immediately started thinking of ways to use them. The first thing that popped into my head was a Nectarine Salsa. Depending on their level of ripeness, nectarines can range from tart to sugary, and if you happen to cut one up at just the right time, it will be that perfect balance of tangy-sweet.
This salsa works best partnered with grilled chicken, fish or shrimp. I constructed the best Mahi-Mahi Burger with Nectarine Salsa and Crème Fraiche — the succulently grilled mahi-mahi danced so well with the spicy sweetness of the Nectarine Salsa and lusciousness of the creme fraiche, it was a rhythmic salsa party in my mouth. I hope you try it someday. You may find your hips moving.
Nectarine Salsa
Makes about 2 cups.
- 2 ripe nectarines, pitted and diced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 to 1 jalapeno pepper, finely minced (add seeds and pith if you want more heat)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons white vinegar
- salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Combine ingredients in a bowl. Allow to stand at least 30 minutes for flavors to come together.
Mahi-Mahi Burger with Nectarine Salsa and Crème Fraiche
- Mahi-Mahi Burger Patty, grilled (I like Trader Joe’s Mahi-Mahi Burger Patties)
- Burger Bun, toasted
- Spring Greens
- Jalapeno Jack cheese
- Crème Fraiche
- Avocado, sliced
- Nectarine Salsa
Assemble your burger. On the heel of the bun, place your spring greens, followed by the Mahi-Mahi patty. Top with cheese, Crème Fraiche, Nectarine Salsa, avocado slices, and the crown of the bun. Take a bite and dance.
Comments
COOKBOOK
Your salsa partner is so fresh and delicious – an absolutely perfect accompaniment to fish or a mahi-mahi burger pattie which I will now have to look for at my Trader Joes!
yum! Looking good!
now that has to be one of the best sandwiches I have ever seen!! the salsa is awesome, I do love nectarines! then the creme fraiche….what a perfect combination to go with that mahi mahi! Thanks for thinking outside the box on this incredible sandwich!
Your mahi-mahi burger with creme fraiche and spicy nectarine salsa sounds really good right now! Gorgeous colors!
Thanks, Jun! I love the colors, too – so summery!
Congrats on a gorgeous Top. It even looks great from Hawaii! GREG
You’re in Hawaii?! Lucky duck! I bet it would taste even better IN Hawaii!
Hmm nectarines…That salsa looks so fresh and delicious. Such a gorgeous combination. Now I am going in the kitchen get a nectarine and trying to imagine how delicious your salsa must be.
Liren, this salsa was my favorite at the park the other day but you left before I had the chance to tell you. It was wonderful! I guess I’ll have to make it myself so I can get my fix :)
Hi Stephanie! Oh, I’m relieved you liked it. That version lacked the tomatoes and since I was sick, I was afraid I made it overly spicy! LOL. For me, I can take a lot of heat, but I really had a spicy jalapeno that day! Thanks for letting me know :)
The salsa looks gorgeous and I can imagine how wonderful it must have tasted with the mahi-mahi burger. You’re clinging on to summer’s tail end for dear life, aren’t you? ;)
Best of luck with PFB……though frankly, I don’t think you will need any luck….
Hi Denise – I guess I really am clinging on to summer, aren’t I? I can’t help it!
And thank you for the good luck wishes with PFB. I do need it!
That’s perfect for the weather! Thanks for sharing this, Liren!
Can I please take a bite of that mahi-mahi burger right now? Could anything be better than a fish burger with a lovely and fresh fruit salsa? I think not! This looks delicious, and I will be keeping my eyes open for some nectarines when I go to the market tomorrow. Thank you for sharing with me!
LOL.. Liren you are funny and I really would love to see that video ;-))
Hmm.. I find nectarines way to touchy! I never seem to pick them at the right time..much prefer regular peaches but guess they won’t be firm enuf for salsa
Ha ha, maybe one day, I’ll have enough courage to dance for you guys, but till then, the dancing that happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen :) I do know what you mean about nectarines being weird. They can ripen so quickly — to find that perfect texture can be challenging sometimes! Peaches will be wonderful for salsa, too.
You sure did put the nectaries to good use! I love that sweet/spicy combination with the creme fraiche.
I thought I knew about everything Trader Joe’s carried…looks like I have discovered something new to look for.
Hi Debi, yes indeedy, TJ’s carries a Mahi Mahi burger. I’m not sure how long they’ve had it, but we certainly have it here on the west coast. Let me know if you find it there!
That salsa is incredibly beautiful and that burger with the salsa and creme fraiche sounds to die for! :o)
That looks heavenly. I would never think of using nectarines as a salsa.
It looks so fresh and delicious :)
YUMM! This looks simply delicioso! Beautiful pix!
-Emme
First off, I have picture envy in this moment! Your pics are always soooo amazing!
Second, I have salsa envy! The real salsa…this one you made!
Third, I have tango envy! All this envy is in a good way of course. I loved your post! Can I buzz it 20 times :)
Sara, you are so adorable! Thank you so much for your flattery — I hope you solve some of the envy and enjoy tangoing and eating salsa!! And thank you SO much for the buzz. Foodbuzz probably wouldn’t allow you to buzz more than once but I thank you for wanting to :)
Looks fantastic! So fresh and summery!
Beautiful Salsa! Your nectarine salsa would go nicely with so many different fish. Nice pairing with the Mahi mahi. I didn’t know that Trader’s carried a Mahi burger. I’ll have to check it out, and add your recipe as the final touch.
Thanks! Yes, TJ’s has a mahi mahi burgers with their frozen fish and I really like them. Actually, all of the ingredients for this recipe happened to be from Trader Joe’s!
I never thought of nectarine salsa, but love peach, and mango salsa. Will give the nectarine salsa a try! Beautiful pics, I’m jealous.
If you love peach and mango salsas, then you will like this, too. It’s very similar!
Everything about this sounds wonderful.. the fish, the salsa.. I think a grocery store run is in order!
flavourful delicious presentation
Thank you :)
Nectarine salsa!!?! This looks like heaven in a bowl to me! I just have to try this, yum!
I hope you do!
Yum…perfect. I would love to see a spicy salsa dance!
LOL, I think it would take a lot of margaritas before I post a video of me dancing the salsa!
I have missed the nectarines this Summer because I have been obsessed with peaches! I am sure this is a fabulous salsa and great with many dishes.
Hi Gwen, I’ve been the reverse! I really enjoyed the nectarines this year – but you know, this salsa would be wonderful with peaches, too.
Simply Gorgeous! Because I’m a pescatarian, a good mahi-mahi/tuna/salmon burger is key… and it can sometimes be hard to find.
This looks incredible!
Thanks Brian! Yes, this is a perfect burger for you. I agree that good fish burger patties can be hard to find – maybe you should make your own from your fish CSA!
What a good idea! I’ve been on a nectarine kick this summer. My new favorite flavor combo is diced nectarines tossed with chili limon powder and mint chiffonade. Simple, fresh and tasty!
My hubby is a salsa fan, so we’ll have to try your recipe, hopefully, before nectarine season ends! :)
I bet I would really love your spicy, minty nectarines! Sounds refreshing!
this is a creative dish using dorado (i’m not sure if you’re familiar with the word, it’s actually how we call mahi-mahi in PI) :) i so want to try this but i’m not sure if i can find nectarines here. any suggestion for a Filipino replacement? :)
That’s easy! Mango!
I’m headed to Trader Joe’s tomorrow anyways, I’m looking for those Mahi Mahi patties. Great idea, this nectarine salsa and a lot of very distinct and flavorful ingredients. Beautifully done!
Hi Cristina, thanks!! Were you able to find the patties at your TJ’s? I really like their flavor compared to some other brands I’ve tried in the past!
First: the salsa looks great…just the right combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Second: How in the world do all your photos come out so well??? I’m very jealous…Fantastic pics!
Hi Karen, thanks for your sweet comments! I think that’s what I love about this salsa – that element of sweetness. It really balances out the spicy. As for my photos, I’m so very flattered you think so. Each picture I take is a discovery, and I learn something new each time. Lighting is key!