Craving the vibrant, fresh flavors of a restaurant-style salsa without the restaurant price tag? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe perfectly recreates the zesty, chunky salsa reminiscent of Chevy's Fresh Mex, bringing a taste of sunshine to your table. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients: A Fiesta of Freshness
This recipe prioritizes fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to adjust quantities to your preference.
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 medium white 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 garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: Simple Steps to Salsa Success
This recipe is designed for quick dinner ideas, so you can enjoy delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep the Veggies: Begin by dicing the Roma tomatoes, finely chopping the white onion, and mincing the jalapeño. Remove the seeds from the jalapeño to reduce the heat if desired. Chopping everything consistently will ensure a more pleasing texture in your final salsa.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
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Add the Flavor Boosters: Pour in the lime juice, then add the ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Mix it Up: Gently stir all the ingredients together, ensuring everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing, as you want to retain the chunky texture of the salsa.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for achieving the best taste and allowing the salsa to come together. Serve with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Tips for Salsa Perfection
- Tomato Selection: Using ripe, flavorful Roma tomatoes is key to a delicious salsa. Avoid using green or unripe tomatoes.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your liking. For a milder salsa, remove more seeds and membranes. For a spicier kick, leave some seeds in.
- Fresh Cilantro: Using fresh cilantro makes a significant difference in the flavor profile. Avoid using dried cilantro.
- Lime is Life: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for that bright, zesty flavor. Bottled lime juice won't give you the same result.
Variations: Spice Up Your Salsa
- Mango Salsa: Add 1 cup of diced mango for a sweet and savory twist.
- Corn Salsa: Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked corn kernels for added texture and sweetness.
- Avocado Salsa: Add 1 ripe avocado, mashed, for a creamier salsa. Be sure to add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60
- Fat: 1-2g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This Chevy's Fresh Mex Salsa recipe is a simple yet delicious way to add vibrant flavor to your meals. It’s the perfect example of how easy it is to create healthy meals and quick dinner ideas using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy!