Salsa Sauce Hors D'Oeuvre
A vibrant, spicy salsa sauce with fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and tangy vinegar, perfect for dipping chips and adding zest to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 (16 oz.) cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 medium onion diced fine ⓘ
- 6 jalapeno peppers diced fine with seeds ⓘ
- 1 large lemon or lime juice only ⓘ
- 2 large garlic mashed ⓘ
- 24 sprigs cilantro chopped fine ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. white vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl using a manual food grinder with coarse blade for all dicing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer mixture to a 3-quart saucepan on medium heat and stir frequently.
- Add cornstarch and bring to a low boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool before placing in containers.
- Allow the salsa to set; the flavor improves the longer it rests.
- Serve with chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder salsa, consider removing the seeds from the jalapenos or using fewer peppers. Fresh tomatoes can be substituted for canned ones, but be sure to peel and seed them first. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the salsa instead of grinding it. Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This salsa pairs beautifully with chips for a classic appetizer, but you can also serve it alongside grilled meats or as a topping for tacos and burritos. For a refreshing twist, try it with Cinnamon Tortillas And Fruit Salsa for dessert. It's a versatile addition to any Mexican recipes meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain freshness, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods. If you want to serve it warm, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salsa Sauce Hors D'Oeuvre contains roughly 185 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1200mg per serving (52% 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?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare the salsa a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the spice level can be significant due to the jalapenos. If you're sensitive to heat, consider using fewer jalapenos or opting for milder varieties. You can also add more tomatoes to dilute the heat without sacrificing flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
If cilantro isn't available, you can substitute with fresh parsley for a different flavor. However, if you're looking for a more authentic taste, you might want to explore other fresh herbs like basil or mint, which can add a unique twist to your salsa.
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).