Salsa - Medium Hot

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

A vibrant, medium-hot salsa bursting with fresh tomato, green peppers, onions, and jalapenos. Perfect for dipping, topping, or adding a spicy kick to your meals. Its balanced flavors make it suitable for casual gatherings or everyday snacking, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of heat and fresh produce.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 medium tomatoes
  • 1 to 2 green peppers
  • 1 medium Spanish onion
  • 8 to 10 scallions
  • 2 tsp. cilantro
  • 1 to 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
  • 10 slices jalapeno pepper

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the tomatoes, green peppers, onion, and scallions.
  2. Add the chopped vegetables to a bowl with cilantro and garlic powder.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the slices of jalapeno pepper.
  5. Heat the mixture for 10 minutes.
  6. Chill before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fresher flavor, use vine-ripened tomatoes and adjust the amount of jalapenos based on your heat preference. You can substitute green peppers with bell peppers for a milder taste. If you’re short on time, consider using canned tomatoes; just drain them well before mixing. To enhance the flavor, add a splash of lime juice or vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

This medium-hot salsa pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like tacos, nachos, or grilled fish. It can also be served as a dip alongside tortilla chips or fresh vegetables. For a twist, try it with a side of Mexican Cole Slaw to complement the flavors. It can also enhance your breakfast burritos or be used as a topping for eggs.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving. Avoid reheating as fresh salsa is best served cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Salsa - Medium Hot contains roughly 167 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (728% of the Daily Value), iron (74% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1830mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).

167 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.3g 21% DV
Total Fat 1.8g 2% DV
Carbs 35.5g 13% DV
Fiber 6.8g 24% DV
Sugar 13.4g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1829.8mg 80% DV
Potassium 1930.9mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 216.3mcg 24% DV
Vitamin C 654.8mg 100% DV
Calcium 357.6mg 28% DV
Iron 13.4mg 74% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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. Allowing it to sit in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Before serving, give it a good stir as some ingredients may settle.

What if I want a milder salsa?

To reduce the heat, simply use fewer jalapeno slices or remove the seeds before adding them to the salsa. You can also substitute the green peppers with sweeter varieties like bell peppers. Adding a bit of sugar or honey can help balance out the flavors if it’s too spicy for your taste.

How can I use this salsa in other dishes?

This salsa is versatile! Use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or mix it into a Mexican Bean Salad for added flavor. It can also be stirred into soups or stews, like Black Turtle Bean Soup, to enhance taste. Get creative and use it as a marinade for meats or as a flavorful dressing for salads.

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).

Mexican recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →