Fresh Salsa Recipe

Salsa livens up anything, and it’s delicious. It can be a healthy, low-calorie choice, but it can be pricey at a supermarket. Cut the cost and make salsa your way with this recipe. Make it 1-2 hours ahead of time, or refrigerate it overnight, to let the flavors mingle before serving it or using it in your favorite recipes. Add as much or little jalapeno as you like to adjust the heat to your tastes.

Ideas for Serving and Cooking with Salsa

Salsa is great for dipping vegetables and whole-grain pita chips, but there’s more!

• Use it as a topping for salmon, tofu, or chicken
• Cook salmon, tofu, or chicken in a pan with salsa
• Serve tacos or burritos with salsa
• Add it to eggs while cooking or when serving
• Top bean breakfast or burrito bowls with salsa
• Use it as a salad dressing or pasta sauce

Five Variations on Fresh Salsa

This basic recipe has fresh tomatoes and a classic flavor. Here are some variations.

• Canned tomato salsa: Use a 15-ounce can of plain or Mexican-seasoned stewed diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes
• Tomatillo salsa: Use fresh or canned chopped tomatillos instead of tomatoes
• Creamy avocado salsa: Add one chopped ripe medium avocado
• Pepper salsa: Add 1-2 roasted or raw chopped bell peppers to the salsa
• Corn salsa: Add 1 cup of fresh, frozen, or drained canned corn

‍

Basic Recipe for Fresh Salsa

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes or 6 ripe roma tomatoes, diced
• ¼ cup of white or red onion, finely chopped
• (Optional) 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and toss to mix.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lime juice or jalapeno.
3. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes, or overnight, before serving.

Nutrition information per serving: 25 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 150 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol, 6 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams sugar (0 grams added sugar), 2 grams dietary fiber, 1 gram protein

‍