Vegetable Salsa

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and healthy snack, look no further! This garden salsa recipe is packed with ingredients straight from your backyard garden. Whether you’re growing your own tomatoes or picking them up from your local farmer’s market, this salsa will hit the spot. Best of all, it’s completely customizable to your preferences, so you can make it as spicy or as mild as you want. This recipe is ideal for using up the fresh bounty of the summer harvest, making it a go-to favorite for those looking to enjoy homegrown produce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salsa is a fantastic appetizer, snack, or even topping for various dishes like tacos or grilled chicken. What makes this garden salsa stand out is its freshness. Store-bought salsas simply can’t compete with the robust flavors of homemade versions, especially when made with homegrown tomatoes and herbs.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need for Fresh Garden Salsa

To make this refreshing garden salsa, here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients, along with some substitution options for those wanting to experiment:

1. Tomatoes

• Type: Roma tomatoes are highly recommended because of their firm texture, low water content, and tangy flavor. However, feel free to use any variety of tomatoes you have on hand, such as heirloom or cherry tomatoes.
• Quantity: The recipe calls for 5 Roma tomatoes, but you can adjust the amount based on the batch size you want.

2. Onion

• Type: Yellow onions are commonly used for salsa, offering a balanced sweetness. Red onions give a sharper flavor, while white onions add a bit of crispiness.
• Alternative: Sweet onions can be used if you prefer a milder taste.
• Quantity: Use ½ a medium-sized onion, diced.

3. Garlic

• Importance: Garlic gives salsa a punch of flavor, and the more you add, the more intense the taste becomes. You can never go wrong with garlic in salsa!
• Quantity: Use 3 minced garlic cloves. Feel free to adjust based on your love of garlic.

4. Jalapeno

• Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, this is where the jalapeno comes in. To make it less spicy, you can remove the seeds and ribs inside the jalapeno.
• Substitution: If jalapenos are too spicy, try a milder pepper, like a poblano or Anaheim pepper. For more heat, serrano peppers can be used.
• Quantity: 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeno.

5. Fresh Cilantro

• Flavor: Cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous freshness that’s iconic in salsa recipes. It’s highly recommended to use fresh cilantro for this recipe.
• Alternative: If you’re one of those who dislikes cilantro, parsley or a mix of fresh oregano and mint can be used as a substitute.
• Quantity: ¼ cup chopped cilantro.

6. Lime Juice

• Acidity: Fresh lime juice enhances the flavors of the salsa by adding a tangy brightness. It also helps preserve the freshness of the ingredients.
• Substitution: If you don’t have limes, white vinegar or even lemon juice can be used, but lime is preferred for its authentic flavor.
• Quantity: Juice of 1 lime.

7. Salt

• Seasoning: Salt is the unsung hero of any good salsa recipe. It helps to bring all the flavors together and enhances the taste of the fresh ingredients.
• Quantity: ½ teaspoon salt. You can adjust this to taste.

How to Prepare Your Tomatoes for Perfect Salsa

Tomatoes are the star of this dish, so preparing them properly is essential for a perfect salsa texture. To avoid a watery, mushy salsa, you should core and deseed the tomatoes before chopping. Here’s the step-by-step method to get it just right:

1. Slice Tomatoes in Half: Start by cutting your Roma tomatoes in half lengthwise.
2. Quarter the Halves: Next, cut each half into quarters, making smaller wedges.
3. Remove Seeds and Core: Gently run a knife or spoon along each quarter to remove the seeds and the white core. This helps reduce excess moisture in the salsa.
4. Dice the Tomatoes: Cut each quarter into strips, and then chop them into small cubes for your salsa.

This method ensures that your salsa stays thick and chunky without getting too watery.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garden Salsa

Now that you have your ingredients prepped, here’s a detailed guide on how to assemble your garden salsa:

1. Dice and Chop: After cutting your tomatoes according to the instructions above, dice the onion, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro. Add in the chopped jalapeno for that extra kick of heat.
3. Add Lime Juice and Salt: Squeeze the lime juice over the salsa mixture and sprinkle in the salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Serve: Your garden salsa is ready! Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips, or use it as a topping for tacos, grilled chicken, or even scrambled eggs.

Expert Tips for a Flavorful Salsa

• Chop Ingredients Finely: To ensure an even distribution of flavors, try to chop your ingredients into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor.
• Food Processor Hack: If you’re short on time or prefer a smoother salsa, use a food processor. Pulse the ingredients a few times to achieve a restaurant-style salsa texture, similar to what you’d find in a jarred version.
• Let the Salsa Rest: While you can serve the salsa immediately, letting it sit for 15–30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.
• Storage: Garden salsa can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and it may even taste better the next day.

Customization Ideas

• Add Sweetness: If you like a hint of sweetness in your salsa, consider adding diced mango or pineapple.
• Increase the Heat: For those who love spicy food, toss in an extra jalapeno or switch to a spicier pepper like a serrano or habanero.
• Herb Variations: Besides cilantro, experiment with other herbs like fresh oregano, mint, or parsley for unique flavor profiles.
• Smoky Twist: For a smoky flavor, roast the tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos before chopping.

Vegetable Salsa

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Makes 4 cups
• Calories per Serving: 26 kcal

Here’s a quick version of the garden salsa recipe that’s perfect for anyone in a rush or looking for a simple snack.

Ingredients

• 5 Roma tomatoes, seeds and core removed, diced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro.
2. Add the lime juice and salt.
3. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 26 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 296mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin A: 755 IU
• Vitamin C: 19mg