Fresh Salsa Picante
Fresh Salsa Picante offers a vibrant burst of flavors with ripe tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, zesty cilantro, and a touch of chili spice. Perfect for snacking or as a dip for tortilla chips, it suits casual gatherings and adds a fresh, spicy kick to any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 medium fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion or green onions
- 1 Anaheim chili, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ReaLime lime juice from concentrate or ReaLemon lemon juice concentrate ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Cover the bowl and chill the salsa.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier salsa, consider adding more Anaheim chili or even a jalapeño. If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned tomatoes can be a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, let the salsa sit for at least an hour before serving. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the ingredients lightly in a food processor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Fresh Salsa Picante with crispy tortilla chips as a delightful appetizer. It also pairs excellently with grilled meats, tacos, or Mexican Bean Spread for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it alongside a classic margarita or your favorite summer cocktail.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld over time, making it even tastier. To refresh the salsa before serving, simply stir it well; there's no need to reheat as it's best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Salsa Picante contains roughly 322 calories, with 15g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Absolutely! Making the salsa a few hours in advance allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Just be sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use if I don't have fresh cilantro?
If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a different but still fresh flavor. Alternatively, you can omit it altogether if you prefer a simpler taste.
How spicy is this salsa?
This salsa is mild due to the use of Anaheim chili, which is not very hot. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to add a jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to your taste. Adjusting the spice level can make it perfect for your palate.
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).