Jeff'S Salsa
Jeff's Salsa is a vibrant, fresh condiment bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, zesty jalapenos, and fragrant cilantro. Perfect for dipping, topping, or sharing at gatherings, it offers a spicy, tangy kick that complements Mexican-inspired dishes and suits those who love bold, homemade salsas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the white onion and chop the cilantro leaves; slice the jalapenos and mince the garlic if desired.
- Blend the canned whole tomatoes in a blender until slightly pureed, then transfer to a bowl.
- Slice all jalapenos into pieces and blend in the blender to create a paste.
- Add the diced onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeno paste, and minced garlic to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Season with onion salt, garlic salt, salt, and a pinch of pepper.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before blending. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones if they're in season, just ensure to blanch and peel them first. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of cumin. This salsa also works great as a topping for Mexican recipes like Fajita Shish Kabob Marinade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salsa with tortilla chips for a classic snack or use it as a topping for grilled meats, tacos, or burritos. It pairs beautifully with Hot Tamale Casserole or can be drizzled over a fresh salad for added zest. Consider serving with a side of guacamole for a delicious appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will meld and improve after a day. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, enjoy it cold as a refreshing dip.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jeff'S Salsa contains roughly 148 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 547mg per serving (24% 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 or two in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge, covered, and give it a good stir before serving.
What can I do if my salsa is too spicy?
If your salsa turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding more diced tomatoes or a bit of sugar. Mixing in some diced avocado can also help tone down the spiciness while adding creaminess.
Can I freeze leftover salsa?
Yes, you can freeze leftover salsa! Store it in an airtight container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use, and enjoy it chilled.
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).