Three Way Salsa
A vibrant, flavorful three-way salsa combining fresh tomatoes, green chiles, and herbs. Perfect for dipping, party snacks, or topping dishes, appealing to salsa lovers and entertaining hosts.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups peeled whole tomatoes and juice (28 oz. can)
- 1 cup tomato sauce (8 oz. can) ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/3 cup diced green chiles ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or 1 to 2 teaspoons dried ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped tomatoes and juice with the remaining ingredients.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher taste, use ripe, in-season tomatoes instead of canned for the base; this is a great option if you want to make Salsa Cruda (Fresh Tomato Sauce). If you like spicier salsa, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh cilantro can be swapped with parsley if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This salsa is perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Liz's Tex-Mex Dip for a fantastic appetizer spread. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing Bean, Hominy, Rice Salad for a complete meal. Garnish with additional cilantro for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain freshness, avoid letting it sit out for long periods. The flavors will meld and deepen over time, making it even tastier. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat if you prefer warm salsa, though it is best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Way Salsa contains roughly 235 calories, with 11g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (182% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1521mg per serving (66% 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?
Absolutely! Using fresh tomatoes can enhance the flavor of your salsa. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes, and you'll need about 4-5 medium-sized to match the 3 1/2 cups of canned tomatoes. Remember to adjust the seasoning as fresh tomatoes may have a different acidity level.
How can I make this salsa spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when mixing the ingredients. You can also increase the amount of diced green chiles or add a dash of hot sauce to taste. Remember to taste as you go to achieve your desired level of spice.
What is the best way to serve this salsa?
Serve this salsa chilled as a dip with tortilla chips or use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken. It also makes a great accompaniment to Mexican recipes like enchiladas or quesadillas. For a fresh twist, consider pairing it with grilled vegetables.
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).