Two Thumbs Up Salsa
A vibrant, chunky salsa with fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and creamy avocado, perfect for parties, dips, or as a flavorful topping for Mexican-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 3 cans (28 oz. each) diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 5-6 green onions (white and green parts), finely chopped ⓘ
- 5 jalapeno peppers, keep seeds ⓘ
- 1 white or yellow onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 6 large cloves garlic, finely minced ⓘ
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 large avocados, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 can tomato paste (approx. 3 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
- Pulse quickly 5 or 6 times until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving for enhanced flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or using serrano peppers instead. If you prefer a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the jalapenos. You can also substitute fresh cilantro with parsley if needed. To add depth, try incorporating a splash of lime juice or a pinch of smoked paprika. This salsa can be served as an accompaniment to various Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This salsa is perfect as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and burritos. It pairs beautifully with Fat-Free Guacamole Dip for a delicious appetizer spread. You may also serve it alongside grilled meats or use it as a flavorful ingredient in Homemade Tortillas. Consider adding a dollop to scrambled eggs for a zesty breakfast option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the avocados from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa before sealing the container. You can serve it cold right from the fridge, but if you prefer, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Two Thumbs Up Salsa contains roughly 544 calories, with 22g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (344% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2057mg per serving (89% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits, enhancing the taste. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you notice the avocados browning, you can add a little lime juice to help preserve their color.
What can I use if I don't have a food processor?
If you don't have a food processor, you can finely chop all ingredients by hand. This will give the salsa a chunkier texture, which many people enjoy. Simply use a sharp knife and a cutting board, and mix everything in a large bowl. Just be sure to chop everything as evenly as possible for consistent flavor.
How can I adjust the heat level of this salsa?
To adjust the heat level, you can modify the amount of jalapenos you use. For milder salsa, reduce the number of jalapenos or remove the seeds. Conversely, for a spicier version, include more jalapenos or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
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).