Sonara Salsa

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: Mexican

A smoky, flavorful salsa featuring fire-roasted Anaheim chilies, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, perfect for dipping, topping, or serving with Mexican-inspired dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 14 oz. can whole tomatoes
  • 1 large, fresh Anaheim chile
  • 2 oz. can diced chilies
  • 1/2 onion
  • 3 to 6 sprigs cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt

Instructions

  1. Fire roast the Anaheim chile by placing it directly in the flame of a gas burner or laying it on an electric burner.
  2. Rotate slowly until skin is darkened and blistered.
  3. Place on a cutting board and scrape the skin off.
  4. Ensure the skin slides off easily; if not, place the chile back in the fire.
  5. Remove seeds and chop the chile coarsely.
  6. Place the canned tomatoes, chopped chilies, chopped onion, and garlic salt in a blender and blend for 30 seconds.
  7. Add cilantro and pulse the blender for 5 seconds.
  8. Pour the salsa into a container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoky flavor, ensure the Anaheim chile is well-roasted and blistered. If you can't find Anaheim chiles, you can substitute with poblano or jalapeño peppers, adjusting for heat levels. Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a fresher taste, but be sure to remove excess water. This salsa works great for dipping with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos. For a zesty twist, add a squeeze of lime juice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sonara Salsa with tortilla chips for a classic appetizer or use it to enhance grilled meats and fish. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Sauce Picante for those who enjoy a spicy kick. You can also use it as a topping for nachos, tacos, or burritos. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mexican recipes like enchiladas or quesadillas.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it in small portions. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled, as salsa is best enjoyed cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sonara Salsa contains roughly 111 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 681mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

111 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 2.8g 4% DV
Carbs 19.3g 7% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 5g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 681.3mg 30% DV
Potassium 921.8mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 133.9mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 112.7mg 100% DV
Calcium 207mg 16% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 spicier?

Yes! If you prefer a spicier salsa, you can add more diced chilies or include some jalapeño or serrano peppers. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance, and taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

How can I make this salsa ahead of time?

You can make this salsa up to 2 days in advance. Just prepare it as directed, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and let the flavors deepen. Always stir before serving, as separation may occur.

Is this salsa suitable for vegan diets?

Absolutely! This Sonara Salsa is completely plant-based, making it perfect for vegan recipes. All the ingredients, including tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro, are vegan-friendly, so you can enjoy it without any concerns.

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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