Salsa De Carlos
A vibrant and tangy salsa featuring tomatoes, cilantro, jalapenos, and a hint of Italian dressing, perfect for snacking or adding flavor to Mexican and casual dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients in a blender and barely blend.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother salsa, blend for a longer time, but for a chunkier texture, blend just until combined. You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned tomatoes if in season, but be sure to add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. Adjust the jalapeno for spice level; remove seeds for a milder salsa. Consider adding ingredients like corn or black beans for extra flavor, similar to a Spicy Black Bean Dip.
Serving Suggestions
This salsa is perfect as a dip with tortilla chips, or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Southwestern Style Meat Or Fajitas and can be used as a zesty addition to tacos and burritos. Serve it alongside a refreshing salad or over a bed of rice for a delicious meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it chills. If you want to serve it warm, gently heat it on the stove, stirring occasionally, but be careful not to overheat, which can alter the fresh taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salsa De Carlos contains roughly 231 calories, with 7g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Absolutely! Making the salsa a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Just remember to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve.
How can I adjust the heat level?
To make the salsa milder, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno before chopping. If you like it spicier, consider adding more jalapenos or even a dash of hot sauce to taste.
What can I use this salsa for besides chips?
This versatile salsa can be used as a topping for grilled meats, a flavorful addition to tacos, or even stirred into soups for a burst of flavor. It's also great drizzled over scrambled eggs for a zesty breakfast.
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).