Leva'S Salsa
Leva's Salsa is a vibrant, flavorful condiment combining fresh tomatoes, peppers, olives, and herbs, perfect for pairing with chips or as a versatile dip for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop in a food processor the tomatoes, green peppers, onion, black olives, cilantro, and jalapeno peppers.
- Add garlic powder and stir to combine.
- Add olive oil and red wine vinegar, then stir well.
- Chill the salsa before serving.
- Serve with your favorite chips.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Leva's Salsa, consider roasting the tomatoes and peppers before chopping them. If you want a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapeno peppers. For a vegan twist, ensure your olive oil is cold-pressed. You can substitute black olives with green olives or capers for a different flavor profile. Adjust the garlic powder based on your preference for garlic intensity.
Serving Suggestions
Leva's Salsa pairs beautifully with your favorite chips, making it a perfect appetizer or snack. It also complements grilled meats, such as the Santa Fe-Style Chicken Breasts, and can be used as a topping for tacos or burritos. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Pinto Beans (Lone Star Cafe) or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. If you want to enjoy it cold, simply take it out of the fridge before serving. Avoid reheating as salsa is best enjoyed fresh and chilled. If necessary, remix it with a little fresh lime juice before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leva'S Salsa contains roughly 280 calories, with 15g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (862% of the Daily Value), iron (127% of the Daily Value), and potassium (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1913mg per serving (83% 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 use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh beefsteak tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Choose whole canned tomatoes, drain them, and chop them before adding to the food processor. Keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this salsa spicier?
To increase the heat level of Leva's Salsa, add more jalapeno peppers or include a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with adding diced habanero peppers for an extra kick. Taste as you go to ensure you achieve your desired spice level without overwhelming the other flavors.
Is there a way to make this salsa sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter salsa, consider adding a small amount of sugar or honey to the mixture. Alternatively, you can incorporate diced mango or peach for a fruity twist. Just be sure to balance the sweetness with additional lime juice to maintain the salsa's fresh flavor.
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).