Vibrant Garden Salsa
This vibrant garden salsa is a delightful fusion of fresh ingredients from my own garden, perfect for any occasion. With a symphony of flavors from an array of ripe tomatoes, zesty peppers, and fragrant herbs, each batch tells a story of summer freshness. While I use a taste-test approach for seasoning, the base recipe ensures a consistently delicious result. This salsa is not just an accompaniment; it’s a refreshing dip that brightens up chips, grilled meats, and even salads. Enjoy the freedom to customize the heat and consistency to your liking—whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, this salsa is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onions
2 (Chopped)
Green bell peppers
2 (Chopped)
Jalapeno peppers
12 (Chopped)
Fresh cilantro
1 bunch (Chopped)
Medium tomatoes
20 (Peeled and pureed)
Whole garlic
1 (Minced)
Hot peppers (Habanero, Cayenne, etc.)
6 (Chopped)
Salt
2 tablespoons (To taste)
Black pepper
2 tablespoons (To taste)
Tabasco sauce
1/4 cup (To taste)
Vinegar
1/4 cup (To taste)
Lime
1 (Juiced)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues.
2
Chop the onions, green bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, hot peppers, and cilantro into small pieces. You can use a food processor for a smoother texture or chop by hand for a chunkier version. Remember to include the seeds and ribs of the jalapeños for added heat. Set aside.
3
Next, peel the tomatoes and puree them using the same food processor. Aim for a consistency that is slightly thick but pourable. Combine the pureed tomatoes with the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
4
Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring that the tomatoes evenly coat the other ingredients.
5
Now, season your salsa! Start by adding salt. I recommend using 3-4 tablespoons, tasting as you go to find your sweet spot. Too little salt makes it bland, too much can overpower the other flavors.
6
Add freshly cracked black pepper, Tabasco sauce for an extra kick, vinegar for tanginess, and the juice of one lime for acidity. Again, taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
7
Once satisfied with the taste, mix everything thoroughly one last time and transfer your salsa into clean, airtight containers.
8
Refrigerate the salsa for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
9
Serve your fresh, handcrafted garden salsa with chips or as a topping for your favorite meals and enjoy! Just remember: once you’ve tasted homemade salsa, store-bought will never quite compare!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Garden Salsa?
Vibrant Garden Salsa is a fresh dip made from a fusion of garden-grown tomatoes, peppers, and fragrant herbs.
How many tomatoes are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 20 medium tomatoes that are peeled and pureed.
How many jalapeno peppers are used?
This recipe calls for 12 chopped jalapeno peppers.
Should I peel the tomatoes?
Yes, the instructions specify to peel the tomatoes before pureeing them in a food processor.
Can I use a food processor for this salsa?
Yes, you can use a food processor to puree the tomatoes or to chop vegetables for a smoother texture.
How do I make the salsa chunkier?
To achieve a chunkier version, chop the onions, peppers, and cilantro by hand instead of using a food processor.
Should I include the seeds of the jalapenos?
Yes, you should include the seeds and ribs of the jalapenos if you want to add extra heat to the salsa.
What other hot peppers can be added?
You can add 6 hot peppers such as Habanero or Cayenne for additional spice.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests starting with 3-4 tablespoons of salt, tasting as you go to find the perfect balance.
What is the purpose of adding vinegar?
Vinegar is added to the salsa to provide a tangy flavor.
Is lime juice used in this salsa?
Yes, the juice of one lime is added to provide necessary acidity.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for one whole minced garlic.
How long should the salsa be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is this salsa considered spicy?
Yes, given the inclusion of 12 jalapenos and 6 additional hot peppers, this is a spicy salsa.
What can I serve this salsa with?
It is excellent with chips, as a topping for grilled meats, or even on salads.
How many onions are required?
You will need 2 chopped onions for this recipe.
How many green bell peppers are used?
The recipe requires 2 chopped green bell peppers.
Can I customize the heat level?
Yes, you have the freedom to customize the heat by adjusting the quantity of peppers and Tabasco sauce.
What is the best way to store the salsa?
The salsa should be stored in clean, airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How much cilantro is in the recipe?
The recipe uses one bunch of fresh chopped cilantro.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is made with fresh garden vegetables and is tagged as a healthy snack.
What is the suggested amount of Tabasco sauce?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of Tabasco sauce, which can be adjusted to your taste.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly cracked black pepper.
Can I make the salsa smooth?
Yes, using a food processor for all the vegetables will result in a smoother consistency.
What are the main flavor profiles?
The salsa features a symphony of flavors from ripe tomatoes, zesty peppers, and fragrant herbs.
Do I need to wash the vegetables?
Yes, you should wash all vegetables thoroughly to remove any dirt or residues before preparation.
How do the flavors change over time?
Refrigerating the salsa allows the flavors to meld, making it taste better after a few hours or a day.
Is this better than store-bought salsa?
The recipe notes that once you have tasted handcrafted homemade salsa, store-bought options will not compare.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salsa, fresh, garden, vegetables, healthy, dip, spicy, homemade, tasty, and snack.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to wash all vegetables thoroughly to ensure they are clean.