Fiesta Fresh Salsa
After years of tireless experimentation in search of the perfect salsa, I finally crafted this Fiesta Fresh Salsa that embodies the vibrant flavors found in traditional Mexican restaurants. Bursting with the freshness of plum tomatoes and a hint of zesty lime, this medium-hot salsa strikes the perfect balance between saporific and savory. The combination of sweet onion and cilantro adds depth, while the kick from pickled jalapeños and cayenne pepper infuses excitement into every bite. Served alongside creamy guacamole, this salsa becomes truly addictive—perfect for your next fiesta or a cozy night in.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
plum tomatoes
8 medium (seeded and finely diced)
tomato juice
2 cups ((no preparation needed))
sweet onion
1/3 cup (very finely diced)
green onions
3 (sliced thin)
garlic clove
1 (minced very fine or run through a press)
pickled jalapeño pepper
1/3 cup (minced)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (minced)
salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ((no preparation needed))
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup ((no preparation needed))
lime
2 (juiced, to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ((no preparation needed))
sugar
1 pinch ((no preparation needed))
Instructions
1
In a large nonreactive bowl, combine diced plum tomatoes, tomato juice, sweet onion, green onions, minced garlic, minced pickled jalapeño, and minced cilantro.
2
Add salt, cayenne pepper, red wine vinegar, lime juice, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar to the bowl. Stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salsa for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling time is essential for optimizing taste and texture.
4
After refrigerating, taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, lime juice, or cayenne to suit your preference.
5
Serve chilled with tortilla chips or alongside fresh guacamole for a truly irresistible treat. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiesta Fresh Salsa?
Fiesta Fresh Salsa is a medium-hot, restaurant-style salsa featuring fresh plum tomatoes, lime, and a blend of savory ingredients.
What type of tomatoes are best for this salsa?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 medium plum tomatoes that are seeded and finely diced for the best texture.
How long does the salsa need to chill?
It should be refrigerated for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to optimize.
Is Fiesta Fresh Salsa spicy?
Yes, it is considered a medium-hot salsa due to the inclusion of pickled jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What is the base liquid for this salsa?
The base is made using 2 cups of tomato juice combined with lime juice and red wine vinegar.
Do I need to seed the tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify that the plum tomatoes should be seeded before being finely diced.
What kind of onions are used?
A combination of 1/3 cup finely diced sweet onion and 3 thin-sliced green onions is used.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
A pinch of sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar.
Can I use a garlic press for this recipe?
Yes, the garlic clove can be minced very fine or run through a press.
What should I serve with Fiesta Fresh Salsa?
It is ideally served chilled with tortilla chips or alongside fresh guacamole.
Are the jalapeños fresh or pickled?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of minced pickled jalapeño peppers for a specific tangy heat.
What is a nonreactive bowl?
A nonreactive bowl, such as glass or stainless steel, should be used to prevent the acidic ingredients from reacting with the container.
Can I adjust the seasoning after chilling?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the salsa after 2 hours of refrigeration and adjusting the salt, lime, or cayenne.
How much cilantro is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of minced fresh cilantro.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a medium-hot kick.
Is this salsa suitable for a fiesta?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for a fiesta or a cozy night in.
What makes this salsa 'Mexican-style'?
The use of cilantro, lime, jalapeños, and fresh tomatoes creates the vibrant flavors found in traditional Mexican restaurants.
What is the texture of this salsa?
It is a mix of finely diced vegetables and a liquid tomato juice base, providing a balance of saporific and savory notes.
How should the green onions be prepared?
The 3 green onions should be sliced thin.
How many limes are needed?
The recipe uses the juice of 2 limes, adjusted to taste.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, 'easy' is one of the primary tags for this recipe, as it involves simple chopping and mixing.
Does this salsa contain black pepper?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under 'Sauces'.
How finely should I dice the sweet onion?
The sweet onion should be diced very finely to blend well with the other ingredients.
Can I add more lime juice?
Yes, the instructions encourage adjusting lime juice to suit your personal preference after the initial chilling.
What provides the 'savory' depth in the recipe?
The combination of sweet onion, green onions, and fresh cilantro adds significant depth and savory flavor.
Is the salsa served hot or cold?
It is served chilled for the best flavor and refreshing quality.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include salsa, mexican, spicy, fresh, easy, appetizer, dipping sauce, and guacamole.