Salsa Roja
A vibrant, flavorful salsa roja with ripe tomatoes, green chilies, and herbs, perfect for dipping, topping, or adding a spicy kick to various dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except parsley, basil, and chives in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and cover.
- Simmer for 40 to 50 minutes.
- Add minced herbs to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes or char the fresh tomatoes before dicing. If you prefer a milder salsa, adjust the cayenne and use fewer green chilies. For a twist, try adding a splash of lime juice or a handful of fresh cilantro. This salsa can also benefit from a bit of sugar if the tomatoes are overly acidic.
Serving Suggestions
Salsa Roja is perfect for dipping tortilla chips or as a vibrant topping for tacos, burritos, and grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Spicy Corn And Beans or can be used as a zesty base for dishes like Beef Verde. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Spicy Beans And Rice to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Salsa Roja in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If you prefer a cold salsa, serve it straight from the fridge with tortilla chips or as a topping for your favorite Mexican recipes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salsa Roja contains roughly 754 calories, with 34g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (147% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1501mg per serving (65% 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned chilies?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh green chilies instead of canned. Just chop them finely and adjust the quantity based on your heat preference. Fresh chilies can add a vibrant flavor and a bit of crunch to the salsa.
How can I make this salsa milder for kids?
To make the salsa milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and use only a small quantity of green chilies. You can also add more diced tomatoes to dilute the heat. Serving it with sour cream can help balance the spiciness for kids.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Salsa Roja can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving to refresh the ingredients.
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).