Fresh Mex Salsa

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: Mexican

Fresh Mex Salsa offers vibrant flavors with ripe tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeno, perfect for snacking or pairing with tortilla chips at gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 to 3 Tbsp. cilantro
  • 1/2 to 1 jalapeno
  • 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 medium green pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder

Instructions

  1. Chop tomatoes, onion, and green pepper in a food processor so that some chunks remain.
  2. Finely chop garlic, cilantro, and jalapeno.
  3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and let set for 2 to 3 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother salsa, blend all ingredients until desired consistency is reached. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeno. You can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes for convenience. Add a splash of lime juice for extra brightness. This salsa pairs beautifully with Texas-Mex Chicken Bites for a delicious appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this fresh salsa with tortilla chips for a classic snack or appetizer. It also makes a great topping for grilled chicken or fish, enhancing the flavor of any Mexican recipes. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Black Bean And Vegetable Soup for a satisfying, well-rounded dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will deepen over time. If you want to serve it warm, gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the fresh taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fresh Mex Salsa contains roughly 198 calories, with 6g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2340mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

198 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 6.5g 8% DV
Carbs 25.7g 9% DV
Fiber 7.8g 28% DV
Sugar 5.2g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2340.4mg 100% DV
Potassium 1037.4mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 297.3mcg 33% DV
Vitamin C 91.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 218mg 17% DV
Iron 8.9mg 49% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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, this salsa can be made a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To adjust the spice level, you can use less jalapeno or remove the seeds and membranes, which hold most of the heat. For a milder flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity without spiciness.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this Fresh Mex Salsa is entirely plant-based and qualifies as a vegan recipe. It contains no animal products, making it a perfect choice for those following a vegan diet.

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).

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