This week we'll explore mango recipes and healthy cucumber "nachos". We'll also delve into the return of the hummingbirds and a beautiful solo 35-mile walk.

Eat Colorfully

Seasonal Ingredient Spotlight: MANGO

As we enter the season for outdoor gatherings (hooray!!), I want to celebrate one of my favorite fruits to use in savory recipes: mango. It’s the beginning of mango season in many parts of the world, so this is the perfect time for some unexpected mango recipes.

You may be surprised to learn that mango is a superstar in savory dishes. A bit of spice is the perfect way to complement sweet, juicy mango since the contrasting flavors bring out the best in each other. One of my all-time favorite versatile recipes is this Tropical Macadamia Mango Slaw, which can be stuffed into a taco, heaped on top of burgers, or enjoyed as a side dish. As an added bonus, it’s make-ahead friendly.

In the mood for a salad? This brand new Mango Cucumber Avocado Salad is a great side dish for grilling, especially because it's fast and easy to make. Similarly, this Blistered Shishito Pepper and Mango Salad combines sweet and zesty flavors and is perfect for an outdoor party. If you're looking for something heartier, this Tropical Hearts of Palm Rice Salad features juicy mango alongside protein-rich edamame; it works as both a side and a main course.

Feeling spicy? Why not try a spicy mango salsa for a spring party? You can get tons of ideas in my fruit salsa guide. A simple combination of mango, bell peppers, cilantro, mint, and cayenne (as shown below) is sweet/spicy magic alongside salty tortilla chips.

Try This Week: CUCUMBER "NACHOS"

I'm excited to share a fun and healthy appetizer I've been making on repeat: cucumber "nachos". I started making this lightened-up nacho riff a few weeks ago when I was traveling since I had limited ingredients to work with, but I'll definitely be making them again and again all spring and summer.

The idea: take cucumber slices and top them with whatever no-cook ingredients you're in the mood for. My original version (shown below) was Mediterranean-inspired since I had gotten a bunch of goodies at the Fresh Market olive bar. I topped English cucumber slices with store-bought hummus, an assortment of olive bar finds (olives, feta, baby peppers), and some crispy chickpeas. It took about one minute to assemble, worked great in a hotel room mini kitchen, and was very tasty and satisfying.

Want to give my cucumber "nachos" a try? Start with cucumber slices, then add whatever you like within a certain flavor theme. You could do a Mediterranean version like I've shown here, or a Mexican-inspired version with black bean hummus and avocado, or whatever else you can dream up.

Fun, right? This version is easy, no-cook, light, hydrating, and pretty.

Live Colorfully

In the Natural World: HUMMINGBIRDS

Keep your eyes and ears open, because the air space where you live could be buzzing. Not with planes, but with tiny, fast-flying hummingbirds! They're in the process of making their long migration northward for the summer.

As I write this (currently in North Carolina visiting family), I'm watching them zoom around some flowers in the spring sun. They look very happy! They haven't made their way up to our house in Vermont yet, but we should start seeing them in a few weeks.

Here on the East Coast, we only have one species: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. They spend winter in Central America, then migrate back up to the continental US for summer. You may have other species where you live though, so take a look online or in the Merlin birding app (which is a free download). If you want to get ready for them, these are the kind of feeders we've had great luck with; they're inexpensive and easy to refill.

One very important tip: if you have hummingbird feeders, make sure to clean the feeder and remake the sugar solution frequently. We replace ours every four or five days. If you let the sugar solution sit for too long, it can develop mold growth that can make the birds sick. So take care of your hummingbird neighbors, follow the directions on your feeder (it should just be a sugar solution, with no coloring or additives), and clean the feeder and replace the solution every few days. They'll reward you with amazing aerial shows!

Self-Care Pick: A LONG WALK

A couple Sundays ago, I went for a solo 35-mile walk.

Yes, it was a long day. But wow, was it ever beautiful and transformative. There are a lot of reasons why I love to go on a long walk. I find it very peaceful and meditative. It's also a nice way to spend time with yourself, away from other distractions. I was very fortunate that I got to do this down on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, so it was a fabulous way to immerse myself in nature, both on the beach and on inland trails.

I know some of you love to meditate, and I've enjoyed having a (albeit small) meditation practice through yoga. But personally speaking, I always have an easier time finding mental quiet through moving meditation like walking or flowing through yoga poses. Something about motion, especially an act that feels automatic like walking, helps me to empty my mind of all the noise. A very long walk (I've done a few 30s and 35s) allows me to spend an entire day in that mental state.

Have you ever done a really long walk, especially by yourself? Now that we're entering a time of warmer weather and longer days, if you've ever thought about trying it, this is the perfect time!

Thanks for joining me for this issue of Eat Colorfully, Live Colorfully! I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to reply with questions, thoughts, or requests. If you missed a previous issue, you can view all my newsletters here. Have a great week!