Add Flavor with Homemade Salsa

I want to encourage you to consider salsa as a way to add flavor to your meals. Why? Because salsa is cold and refreshing on hot days. Salsa is easy to make. Salsa can be adjusted for low or high in potassium based on your diet goals.

Low Potassium Salsa Tips

Here are some ways to keep salsa lower in potassium:

• Use less tomato—or replace it altogether
• Use lower potassium fruit like pineapple, mango or berries
• Include low potassium veggies and herbs like onion, bell or jalapeno pepper, cabbage or cucumber
• Add fresh low potassium herbs like basil, cilantro and parsley

High Potassium Salsa Tips

Here are some ways to make salsa higher in potassium:

• Use tomatoes for the base ingredient
• Add avocado or papaya
• Make a melon-based salsa
• Add higher potassium dried or hot chilies

You may find there is a salsa recipe that becomes your “go-to-salsa”. Here is a simple salsa recipe that I share with my patients.

Homemade Tomato Salsa

For a low potassium salsa try this recipes:

No Tomato Salsa

Salsa Fits Many Diets

Salsas are versatile for many different diets. If you need to limit low cholesterol and saturated fat, use salsa instead of butter and sour cream to top your baked potato (if you are not on a low potassium diet). For a higher fiber intake, a serving of black beans is much more delicious with a spoonful of salsa on top. For a low-sodium diet, a homemade salsa with fresh ingredients does not require added salt or salty ingredients. Use it on chicken, pork chops or beef steak. Add salsa to salads, or have it for a snack with low-sodium chips or crackers.

Salsa Lingo

I called it salsa, some call it “pico de gallo”, and others call it relish or “chow chow”. What do you call it? Regardless, it’s a great way to add a punch of flavor. You can make salsa hot or mild, sweet or tart, or fresh or canned.

To find more salsa recipes check the DaVita.com “5 Simply Sweet Salsa Recipes“.

Click here for additional kidney diet tools and resources from DaVita.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.