Herb-Infused Tomato and Mango Salsa
Elevate your salsa game with this Herb-Infused Tomato and Mango Salsa, expertly crafted for those who appreciate fresh flavors while avoiding common cilantro troubles. Instead of the dreaded weed, we've incorporated a vibrant combination of roasted roma tomatoes, sweet mango, and zesty poblano peppers. Sweating the purple onions helps transform their sharpness into mild, sweet undertones, perfect for those sensitive to raw onions. Add a splash of lemon for brightness, along with aromatic basil for a refreshing finish. This salsa is not just a condiment; it’s a sensational dip that can perk up grilled meats, fish, or simply serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy the health benefits of this colorful, nutrient-rich dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roma tomatoes
10 large (peeled, seeded, and diced)
Cucumber
1 large (peeled, seeded, and diced)
Poblano peppers
2 (seeded and diced)
Purple onions
2-4 tablespoons (diced)
Fresh basil
1/2 cup (chopped finely)
Lemon
1 (zest and juice)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for roasting)
Garlic
1 teaspoon (minced)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the roma tomatoes and poblano peppers in half, and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them skin-side down on a baking sheet.
2
Roast the tomatoes and peppers in the oven for 25-30 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
3
While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the onions and cucumber. In a small bowl, combine the diced purple onions with a pinch of salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes to sweat, which will mellow their flavor.
4
Once roasted, remove the tomatoes and peppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Peel the skin off the tomatoes (you can also puree the peels for added nutrition if desired), and dice them along with the roasted peppers.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced poblano peppers, sweating onions, chopped basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and black pepper.
6
Toss everything together until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled as a delicious dip or topping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Tomato and Mango Salsa?
It is a fresh, flavorful salsa made with roasted roma tomatoes, poblano peppers, cucumber, and fresh basil, specifically designed for those who want to avoid cilantro.
Is this salsa cilantro-free?
Yes, this recipe intentionally omits cilantro and uses fresh basil as the primary aromatic herb instead.
How do I roast the tomatoes and poblano peppers?
Cut them in half, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them skin-side down on a baking sheet at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
Why should I sweat the purple onions?
Sweating the onions with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes helps transform their sharpness into mild, sweet undertones, making them easier to digest for those sensitive to raw onions.
What is the oven temperature for roasting the vegetables?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to roast the vegetables?
The roma tomatoes and poblano peppers should be roasted for 25-30 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
Should I peel the tomatoes after roasting?
Yes, once the tomatoes have cooled slightly, you should peel the skin off, though you can also puree the skins for added nutrition.
How long does the salsa need to sit before serving?
The salsa should be refrigerated for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, this Herb-Infused Tomato and Mango Salsa is 100% vegan.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What type of tomatoes are best for this salsa?
The recipe calls for 10 large Roma tomatoes, which are ideal for roasting and dicing.
How many poblano peppers are used?
The recipe uses 2 poblano peppers that are seeded and diced.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
While the recipe specifies lemon for brightness, you can substitute lime for a more traditional salsa citrus profile.
What type of herb is used as a finish?
1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh basil is used to give the salsa a refreshing finish.
Do I need to seed the cucumber?
Yes, the recipe recommends that the cucumber be peeled, seeded, and diced.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How much onion is required?
You should use 2-4 tablespoons of diced purple onions.
What kind of oil should I use for roasting?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil for roasting the tomatoes and peppers.
How should the salsa be served?
It can be served chilled as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled meats and fish.
Is this salsa spicy?
Poblano peppers are generally mild, so the salsa is flavorful rather than intensely spicy, though you can adjust the pepper to taste.
What are the health benefits of this salsa?
It is a nutrient-rich dish made with fresh vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil.
Can I puree the ingredients instead of dicing them?
While the recipe calls for dicing, you could pulse the ingredients in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
How much black pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead is actually recommended so the flavors can develop in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Does this recipe use lemon zest?
Yes, it uses both the zest and the juice of one lemon for maximum brightness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: Roma tomatoes, cucumber, poblano peppers, purple onions, fresh basil, lemon, olive oil, garlic, and black pepper.
Can I add mango to the cucumber mixture?
Yes, while the ingredient list focuses on cucumber, the recipe description suggests mango is a great sweet addition to this flavor profile.
What provides the refreshing finish to the salsa?
The aromatic fresh basil provides the refreshing and cooling finish to the dish.
Is it necessary to seed the tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe suggests seeding the tomatoes to ensure the salsa isn't too watery.
Can I double the recipe for a large party?
Absolutely, you can easily double the quantities of all ingredients to make a larger batch.