Ecuadorian Salsa
Vibrant Ecuadorian salsa offers fresh tomato, cilantro, onion, and pepper flavors with a spicy kick, perfect for grilled dishes or as a zesty dip for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend in a blender the first six ingredients: 7 small tomatoes, 2 garlic cloves, 1 onion, 1 small bunch cilantro, 1 to 2 Tbsp salt, and 2 small bell peppers.
- Chop and add to the mixture the remaining ingredients: 2 tomatoes, 2 medium onions (or a bunch of green onions), and hot pepper sauce.
- Squeeze in lemon juice to taste.
- Add 2 to 4 drops of hot pepper sauce for zest.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Ecuadorian Salsa, consider roasting the tomatoes and bell peppers before blending for a smoky taste. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce or omit it entirely. Fresh lime juice can be a great substitute for lemon juice. For added depth, try incorporating ingredients like avocado or corn, which are common in various vegan recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ecuadorian Salsa as a vibrant dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats and fish. It also pairs beautifully with Nellie'S Salsa for a flavorful appetizer spread. Consider adding it to tacos or burritos for an extra layer of flavor, or use it as a zesty dressing for salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, give it a good stir before serving as the ingredients may separate. If you want to use it later, consider freezing the salsa in ice cube trays and transferring the cubes to a freezer bag for easy portioning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ecuadorian Salsa contains roughly 352 calories, with 13g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and potassium (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2577mg per serving (112% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa a few hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a while allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving.
What if I can't find small tomatoes?
If small tomatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with larger tomatoes. Just cut them into quarters before blending to ensure a smooth consistency. Alternatively, using canned diced tomatoes in a pinch can also work, but fresh tomatoes provide a better flavor.
How spicy is this salsa?
The spice level of the salsa largely depends on how much hot pepper sauce you add. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust according to your preference. You can always add more, but it's hard to reduce the heat once it's in.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).