Mexican Hot Salsa

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: Mexican

A vibrant Mexican hot salsa with fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs, perfect for adding heat and flavor to chips, tacos, or grilled dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 3 large cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • salt to taste
  • 2 to 3 jalapeno peppers, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped fine
  • 1/4 c. vinegar
  • 1/2 c. fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. oregano

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a very large bowl.
  2. Put into pint or quart jars and store in the refrigerator.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier salsa, leave the seeds in the jalapenos or add more to taste. You can substitute the fresh cilantro with parsley if you prefer a milder flavor. Chopped tomatoes can be replaced with fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand. If you like a smoother texture, blend some of the mixture before storing. This salsa is perfect for topping Vegetarian Nachos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salsa as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats and tacos. It also pairs beautifully with Zippy Mexican Salad and can be used to add flavor to Southwestern Style Bean Dip. For a refreshing drink, serve with a classic margarita for a complete Mexican feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store the salsa in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It can last for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mexican Hot Salsa contains roughly 522 calories, with 19g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 866mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

522 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.9g 38% DV
Total Fat 24.5g 31% DV
Carbs 71g 26% DV
Fiber 15g 53% DV
Sugar 14.6g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 866.4mg 38% DV
Potassium 1831.1mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 124mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 103.7mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 866mg 67% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving. It will taste even better after sitting for a while.

What if I don't like spicy food?

You can easily adjust the spice level by using fewer jalapenos or omitting them entirely. Alternatively, use sweet bell peppers for a milder version. This salsa can still be packed with flavor without the heat.

How can I use leftovers?

Leftover salsa can be used in a variety of ways. Try it as a topping for eggs, a sauce for grilled chicken, or mixed into a salad. It also makes a great addition to soups or stews for added 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).

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