Salsa (Hot Sauce)

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

A vibrant and spicy hot sauce made from fresh tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno, perfect for adding heat and flavor to Mexican dishes or snacks.

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Ingredients

  • 2 peeled tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 1 jalapeno pepper
  • 2 Tbsp salad oil
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • pinch of oregano
  • salt

Instructions

  1. Chop tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno pepper.
  2. Mix the chopped vegetables with salad oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Store in refrigerator before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeno or add another pepper. If you're out of salad oil, olive oil works well as a substitute. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the flavor. Adjust the salt to taste, and consider using lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus twist. This salsa pairs beautifully with Taco Salad I.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hot sauce alongside grilled meats or use it as a zesty topping for tacos, burritos, or nachos. It also works well as a dip for chips or fresh veggies. Try it with Tofu Veg Enchiladas for a delicious combination. The fresh flavors elevate any dish, making it a versatile addition to your table.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld and improve as it sits. If the salsa thickens, you can stir in a little water or extra lemon juice to reach your desired consistency. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Salsa (Hot Sauce) contains roughly 197 calories, with 5g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (104% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 570mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

197 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 7.7g 10% DV
Carbs 38.1g 14% DV
Fiber 22.4g 80% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 570.2mg 25% DV
Potassium 759.6mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 68.2mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 29.5mg 33% DV
Calcium 807mg 62% DV
Iron 18.8mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 in advance. It actually tastes better after sitting for a while, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you're ready to serve.

What can I use instead of tomatoes?

If you want to switch things up, you can use canned tomatoes or tomatillos for a different flavor profile. Roasted red peppers can also provide a sweet, smoky alternative. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the new ingredients.

How can I make this salsa milder?

To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno before chopping. You can also substitute the jalapeno with a milder pepper, such as a bell pepper, or decrease the amount used. Mixing in some diced avocado can also help mellow the spice.

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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