"Garbage" Salsa For Chili
A vibrant, flavorful salsa packed with fresh vegetables, cheeses, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect as a dip or topping for chili or grilled dishes, it offers a mix of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors that appeal to those who enjoy bold, eclectic tastes with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Steam green beans for seven minutes.
- Run cold water over the green beans to stop the cooking process.
- Add diced green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped green chilies, chopped black olives, olive oil, garlic salt, cider vinegar, sliced Bermuda onion, feta cheese, walnuts, salt, pepper, garlic, and chili to a bowl.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, consider using fresh green chilies instead of canned. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. You can substitute walnuts with pecans or pumpkin seeds for a different texture. Be sure to adjust the salt to your preference, especially if using feta, which can be salty. This salsa is versatile and can be a great topping for dishes like the Mexican Chef Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salsa as a vibrant topping for chili, or use it as a dip with tortilla chips. It pairs beautifully with Bite-Sized Chili Rellenos or can be enjoyed as a refreshing side to grilled meats. For a light lunch, serve it alongside crusty bread or as part of a platter featuring Layered Refried Beans and other Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, gently warm the salsa in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. It can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Garbage" Salsa For Chili contains roughly 343 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (85% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1972mg per serving (86% 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 this salsa a day in advance. Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator overnight enhances the flavors as they meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option. Both alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and a delightful flavor.
Is this salsa suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This salsa is entirely vegetarian and can also be made vegan if you choose a non-dairy cheese substitute. It's a great addition to vegetarian recipes, providing a hearty and flavorful accompaniment.
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).