Harvest Salsa Recipe

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Say hello to Harvest Salsa, a vibrant, flavorful mix that’s as fun to eat as it is healthy! This simple recipe combines sweet corn, hearty black beans, juicy tomatoes, and a refreshing hint of lime, creating a snack that’s bursting with taste and nutrients.

Why Children Will Love It

Children are naturally drawn to colorful foods, and this salsa delivers a playful mix of bright reds, yellows, and greens. Plus, the flavors are mild enough for picky eaters while still packing a satisfying crunch when paired with tortilla chips. The touch of lime gives it a zesty, refreshing twist, making it irresistible!

Even better? This recipe is easy enough for children to help prepare, whether they’re rinsing beans, mixing ingredients, or squeezing fresh lime juice. It’s a great way to introduce them to nutritious eating while making food prep a fun and interactive experience.

Nutrition Benefits

Harvest Salsa isn’t just delicious, it’s a powerhouse of nutrition:

• Black Beans provide plant-based protein and fiber, supporting digestion and keeping children full longer.

• Corn Kernels bring natural sweetness and are a great source of B vitamins for energy.

• Tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, helping to boost immune health.

• Red Onion adds a mild kick while supplying beneficial compounds that support heart health.

• Cilantro and Lime enhance flavor naturally, cutting back on the need for excessive salt or processed seasonings.

By serving this salsa with corn tortilla chips, it becomes a complete snack—offering fiber, protein, and essential nutrients to fuel children’s active days.

So, whether it’s an after-school bite or a party favorite, Harvest Salsa is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike!

Meal Pattern Contribution

1/2 cup provides ½ cup total vegetable (1/8 cup additional vegetable, ¼ cup red/orange vegetable, ⅛ cup other vegetable).

This Harvest Salsa Recipe was scaled to 8 servings by the Child Lane Nutrition Program, a CACFP-hosted program that supports 500+ Family Child Care Home Providers in Los Angeles County and Orange County.

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Harvest Salsa Recipe

Yield: 8 – 1/2 cup per serving

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 10-15 minutes

Printable PDF:

Harvest Salsa.pdf

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Ingredients

• Black Beans | 1 can (15oz)

• Corn Kernels | 1 can (15oz)

• Tomatoes, diced | 1 cup

• Red Onion, diced | ¼ cup

• Cilantro | ¼ cup

• Lime, juiced | 1 each

• Salt| ¼ tsp

Directions

1. Open and drain the bean and corn cans and rinse thoroughly.

2. Rinse and dice tomatoes and red onions.

3. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until thoroughly combined.

Note: Serve ½ cup of salsa with corn tortilla chips to make it a complete snack.