Red Onion Salsa
A vibrant red onion salsa with tangy lemon and balsamic flavors, perfect as a dip or topping for chips and grilled dishes, suited for casual gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
- 2 medium red onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
- 1/4 cup lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon reduced sodium soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, soak the chopped red onions in cold water for 30 minutes before mixing. You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice if desired. If you're looking for a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a hotter variety of ground red pepper. This salsa can also be made with yellow onions for a sweeter taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Red Onion Salsa pairs beautifully with tortilla chips for a classic snack, but it also complements grilled meats like chicken or fish. Serve it alongside Pollo Con Calabacita for a refreshing side dish. For a fun twist, use it as a topping for Black Bean Tacos or mix it into a salad for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, enhancing the taste. To refresh the salsa before serving, stir it well and add a splash of lemon juice if it seems dry. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Onion Salsa contains roughly 45 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% 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, this salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it sits in the refrigerator, the more the flavors will develop. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
If you don't have balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar is a good substitute. It will provide a similar acidity, though the flavor will differ slightly. You can also try apple cider vinegar for a fruitier taste.
Is this salsa spicy?
The ground red pepper adds a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference by omitting it or using less. For those who enjoy more heat, adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the spiciness.
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).