Bell Pepper Rainbow Salsa (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Is it really October already? How the heck did that happen? It snuck right past me, probably while I was watching way too many episodes of a show my sister got me addicted to this past week (anyone else watch Revenge?). 

While it seems like everyone else is celebrating all things autumn, I'm going to hold on to summer as long as possible. Don't get me wrong, I love fall flavors and foods, but it's still 90 degrees here in Texas so those flavors don't taste quite right yet. Plus I'm still getting loads of fresh, tasty tomatoes and peppers at the farmer's market! Don't worry apples, pumpkin and squash, you'll have your turn, just not quite yet.

When I saw this colorful display of peppers at the farmer's market I knew I wanted to make them into salsa. One, because they're so pretty and two, because salsa is pretty much my favorite thing in the world. I will use any excuse to make (or eat) salsa!

Not only do these peppers make for a beautiful salsa, they also make for a nutritious snack or topping. The pigment in fruits and vegetables isn't just for fun, it also signifies various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It's nature's way of helping us eat a balanced diet. Notice how the healthiest foods also seem to be the most colorful?

Here's the breakdown:

Red produce: vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamin c, lycopene, manganese and fiber.

Orange produce: vitamins a, c, b6, potassium, lycopene and fiber.

Yellow produce: vitamin a, manganese, magnesium, potassium and fiber.

Green produce: calcium, magnesium, iron, lutein and folate.

Blue produce: loaded with fiber and antioxidants.

White produce: vitamins c, k, fiber, folate and allicin.

[source] 

And that's just a general overview, each color produce packs quite the health punch, so go ahead and taste the rainbow.... vegetable rainbow that is.

Bell Pepper Rainbow Salsa

One of the great things about making your own salsa is that exact measurements aren't needed. Add your ingredients and taste as you go until you like the flavor!

• 4 Large (8 small) Bell Peppers in various colors
• 2-3 Roma Tomatoes
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1/4-1/2 Cup Onion (for a milder flavor onion, use purple)
• 1-2 Jalapeno or Serrano Pepper
• Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper to Taste

Dice all vegetables and place in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper until you've achieved the taste you like. Store in the refrigerator. Tastes best if made at least a half hour before serving. Eat with chips or use it as a topping with your favorite dish. Enjoy!

Notes:

-This is meant to be a simple recipe, but feel free to add cilantro, parsley, lemon or lime juice, cumin or any other ingredients that strike your fancy. Make it your own!

-If you don't want the salsa to taste too spicy be sure to remove the seeds from the jalapeno or serrano before dicing, or just leave them out altogether.

Have you boarded the fall train yet?

What's your favorite fall food?

Or better yet, what's your favorite summer food that you're not ready to let go of?