Vibrant Tomato-Cilantro Salsa
Experience the burst of fresh flavors in this restaurant-style salsa that brings the taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. Unlike traditional recipes that often rely on fresh tomatoes, this salsa uses high-quality canned whole tomatoes combined with zesty Rotel for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The vibrant mix of onion, jalapeno, and garlic adds a delightful kick, while the fresh lime juice and copious cilantro elevate it to new heights. Perfect for serving at parties, game days, or simply enjoying with your favorite tortilla chips, this salsa is sure to impress your friends and family. With no vinegar or artificial preservatives, enjoy the authentic taste of homemade salsa that will have you reaching for more!
N/A
Servings
23
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole tomatoes
28 ounces (in juice)
Rotel
20 ounces
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
jalapeno
1 (quartered and sliced)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
sugar
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon
lime
1/2 (juiced)
cilantro
1/2 cup (more to taste)
Instructions
1
In a food processor or blender, combine the whole tomatoes with their juice, the Rotel tomatoes, and the chopped onion.
2
Carefully quarter the jalapeno lengthwise, removing seeds if you prefer less heat, and slice it thinly. Add the sliced jalapeno and minced garlic to the mixture in the processor.
3
Next, sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and ground cumin, and squeeze in the juice of half a lime. Add the cilantro, adjusting the amount to your taste preference for added freshness.
4
Pulse the mixture several times until it reaches your desired salsa consistency—keep it chunky or blend it smoother, depending on your preference.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then transfer the salsa to a serving bowl.
6
Serve immediately with tortilla chips or refrigerate for up to 3 days for the flavors to meld further.
Nutrition Information
0.083g
Fat
5.8g
Carbs
0.67g
Protein
1.67g
Fiber
0.83g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Tomato-Cilantro Salsa?
It is a restaurant-style salsa featuring a blend of canned whole tomatoes, Rotel, fresh vegetables, and lime juice.
Is this salsa recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan and contains no animal products.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include whole tomatoes, Rotel, onion, jalapeno, garlic, sugar, salt, cumin, lime, and cilantro.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 23 calories per serving.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While you can use fresh, this specific recipe is designed for canned whole tomatoes to achieve a consistent restaurant-style texture and flavor.
How long does this salsa stay fresh?
You can refrigerate the salsa for up to 3 days, which also allows the flavors to meld further.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of canned diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a zesty kick to the salsa.
How do I adjust the spiciness?
To reduce heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before slicing it and adding it to the processor.
Does this salsa contain vinegar?
No, this recipe uses fresh lime juice instead of vinegar for its acidic profile.
What equipment do I need to make this?
You will need a food processor or a blender to combine and pulse the ingredients.
How much fat is in this salsa?
This salsa is very low in fat, containing only 0.083g per serving.
Is there added sugar in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and lime.
How much cilantro should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cilantro, though you can add more to taste.
Can I make the salsa smooth instead of chunky?
Yes, you can pulse the food processor more times until you reach your preferred smooth consistency.
What should I serve with this salsa?
It is traditionally served with tortilla chips, but it also goes great with tacos or grilled meats.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains about 5.8g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
What kind of onion is best?
While the recipe just says onion, white or yellow onions are standard for Mexican-style salsas.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I add extra garlic?
Yes, feel free to add more than the one minced garlic clove if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Absolutely, it is specifically tagged as party food and is perfect for game days or gatherings.
How much fiber is in the salsa?
There is approximately 1.67g of fiber per serving.
Can I freeze this salsa?
Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of the tomatoes and fresh ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 10 total ingredients.
What is the preparation time?
The recipe is very quick, requiring only the time needed to chop a few vegetables and pulse them in a processor.
Does this salsa contain preservatives?
No, this homemade version contains no artificial preservatives.
Is the salsa spicy?
It has a mild to medium kick from one jalapeno and the Rotel, but you can adjust this to your preference.
Why use canned whole tomatoes?
Canned whole tomatoes provide a consistent flavor and sweetness that mimics many restaurant-style salsas.
What type of cumin is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin to add an earthy depth to the flavor.