13 Super Salsa Recipes

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Though most of us think chips when you hear the word salsa, it's really quite a healthy, versatile condiment. Spoon fresh salsa over grilled meats, cooked whole wheat pasta, or even plain yogurt. And no one ever said your salsa had to be just tomatoes, onions, and peppers. You can make salsa with any combo of fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices.
 
Tips for making great salsa
  • Choose the freshest ingredients possible. 
  • To control the heat of the salsa, remove the inner ribs and seeds of all peppers.  Remember to wear gloves or wash your hands just as soon as you finish the task.
  • Use a meaty tomato for salsa such as Roma, grape, or cherry tomatoes.
  • You can make salsa in winter, too. Just use canned tomatoes.  Be sure to select a no-salt variety and drain the excess liquid before using.
  • If you are using a food processor to make your salsa, use the pulse mode.  If you process too much, your salsa will become gazpacho!
    • Chef Meg's general rule of thumb for a salsa ratio is: 2 parts main ingredient
    • 1 part contrasting ingredient
    • 1 part acid and/or herbs
  • For example, a traditional salsa contains tomatoes, peppers, onions, vinegar, and herbs.  The rule would be 2 parts tomato, 1 part peppers and onions, and one part vinegar with fresh herbs.
  • This isn't a time for exact measurements. Be creative. Salsa recipes are very forgiving, so adjust as needed!
Keep reading for 13 Super Salsas!   
 
  Main Flavor(s) + Contrasting Flavor(s) + Acid + Herbs and spices
Mango  
  diced mango diced red onions  lime juice and zest Ancho chili powder and fresh cilantro
Plum  
  diced plums diced onion lime juice and zest fresh cilantro or basil
Spicy Cucumber  
  diced cucumber diced yellow tomatoes and jalapeno lime or lemon juice (optional) fresh cilantro
Strawberry-Kiwi  
  chopped strawberries diced kiwi & other tropical fruit lime juice and zest poppy seeds
Two Bean  
  cannellini (white kidney) and black beans diced red onion and tomatoes lemon juice garlic and fresh parsley
Watermelon  
  diced watermelon diced red onion lime or lemon juice (optional) basil and crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Peach and Veggies  
  diced peaches diced tomatoes, banana peppers and charred corn lime juice and zest  
Avocado-Tomato  
  diced tomatoes and avocados diced red onion and bell peppers lime juice and zest fresh cilantro
Pineapple-Onion  
  diced pineapple diced onion and jalapeno lime zest and juice fresh cilantro or mint
Salsa Verde  
  pureed tomatillos pureed onions and jalapeno lime juice and zest fresh cilantro
Jicama-Pepper  
  diced jicama diced bell peppers lime juice and zest fresh cilantro
Crunchy Corn  
  fresh, frozen or canned corn diced bell peppers and onions lime juice and zest garlic
Strawberry-Orange  
  fresh strawberries chopped oranges lime zest and juice fresh mint
  
What do you like in your salsa? 

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