Are you craving a vibrant, zesty salsa that's bursting with fresh flavors? Look no further! This easy salsa recipe is perfect for dipping tortilla chips, topping tacos, or adding a zing to your favorite dishes. It's a quick and healthy meal addition, ideal for busy weeknights and perfect for impressing your friends with homemade cooking. Get ready to experience a delicious dish that's as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, diced (Roma or heirloom work best)
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
-
Prep the Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Dice the tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and mince the jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat). Finely chop the cilantro. This step makes the rest of the process a breeze.
-
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
-
Add the Zest: Pour in the lime juice, sprinkle in the cumin, salt, and pepper.
-
Mix It Up: Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and well coated with the lime juice and spices. Avoid overmixing, as you want to preserve the texture of the ingredients.
-
Chill and Serve: For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This simple step elevates the taste significantly. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips, use as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken or fish.
Tips for the Best Salsa:
- Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. Roma tomatoes are a classic choice for their firm texture, but heirloom varieties add beautiful color and unique flavors.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat. If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes before mincing. For extra heat, leave some seeds in!
- Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key to the bright, fresh flavor of this salsa. Avoid using dried cilantro.
- Make it Ahead: This salsa tastes even better after it has had time to sit in the refrigerator. Make it a day ahead for optimal flavor.
Variations:
- Mango Salsa: Add 1 cup of diced mango for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Corn Salsa: Stir in 1 cup of roasted corn kernels for a delightful smoky flavor.
- Avocado Salsa: Add 1 ripe avocado, mashed, for a creamier texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 50-60
- Fat: 2-3g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
This simple yet delicious salsa is a perfect example of how easy it is to create healthy meals from scratch. It’s quick dinner idea suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy recipe collection. Enjoy!