Spicy Orange Salsa

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

A vibrant, spicy orange salsa with zesty citrus flavors and a hint of heat, perfect for adding freshness and kick to fish or grilled dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 2 large oranges, sectioned (about 2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced red onion
  • 1/2 bell pepper, small diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno peppers
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Serve over fish fillets or with your favorite dishes.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Red Hot Sauce to the salsa. If you don't have fresh oranges, canned mandarin segments can work in a pinch, though they may be sweeter. Adjust the jalapeno to your spice preference, and consider adding diced avocado for creaminess. This salsa also pairs beautifully with Easy Black Bean Salsa for a vibrant dip platter.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Orange Salsa is perfect over grilled fish fillets or shrimp tacos. It also complements chicken dishes beautifully, especially recipes like Dolly Beck's Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole. For a light appetizer, serve it with tortilla chips or alongside Mexican recipes like quesadillas. A sprinkle of additional cilantro on top enhances the presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and deepen, making it even tastier. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, serve it cold directly from the fridge for a refreshing touch on fish or tacos.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spicy Orange Salsa contains roughly 229 calories, with 12g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (214% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 613mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

229 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.8g 24% DV
Total Fat 12g 15% DV
Carbs 29.8g 11% DV
Fiber 6.7g 24% DV
Sugar 2.4g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 613.4mg 27% DV
Potassium 1469.4mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 75.3mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 79.9mg 89% DV
Calcium 622.8mg 48% DV
Iron 38.6mg 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 make this salsa a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will combine and enhance overnight, but keep in mind that the texture may soften slightly. If you prefer a fresher taste, consider adding the cilantro just before serving.

What can I substitute for oranges if I don’t have any?

If oranges aren’t available, consider using grapefruits for a similar citrus flavor, or tangerines for a sweeter option. You could also use canned pineapple chunks, drained well, for a tropical twist. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly to balance sweetness and acidity.

How spicy is this salsa?

The spice level of this salsa primarily depends on the amount of minced jalapeno you add. For mild salsa, use less jalapeno or remove the seeds and membranes. For more heat, consider adding extra jalapeno or including diced serrano peppers. Taste as you go to achieve your desired spice level.

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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