Zesty Garden Salsa
This vibrant and refreshing Zesty Garden Salsa is packed with bright flavors and crisp textures, making it a perfect accompaniment to your favorite dishes. Ideal for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoyed with tortilla chips, this salsa allows for customization based on your taste preferences. The combination of juicy plum tomatoes, sweet onion, and aromatic cilantro provides a delightful contrast to the subtle heat of fresh ingredients. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, this salsa will elevate any meal with its freshness and zing!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
plum tomatoes
3-4 (seeded and minced)
sweet onion
1 (minced)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (drizzled)
kosher salt
1 pinch (to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the vegetables: seed and mince the plum tomatoes, and mince the sweet onion.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced tomatoes, onion, and coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
3
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and add a pinch of kosher salt to taste.
4
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
5
For the best flavor, allow the salsa to sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. This will let the flavors meld beautifully.
6
For advanced preparation, chop your ingredients a day ahead, but remember to mix everything together no more than 20 minutes before serving for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Garden Salsa?
Zesty Garden Salsa is a vibrant and refreshing salsa featuring plum tomatoes, sweet onion, and fresh cilantro, perfect for tacos or chips.
What are the main ingredients in this salsa?
The recipe calls for plum tomatoes, sweet onion, fresh cilantro, olive oil, and kosher salt.
Is Zesty Garden Salsa vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and plant-based.
Is this salsa gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this fresh salsa are gluten-free.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The plum tomatoes should be seeded and minced to ensure the best texture and consistency.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using a sweet onion for a mild and aromatic flavor.
Why do I need to seed the tomatoes?
Seeding the tomatoes prevents the salsa from becoming too watery.
How long should the salsa sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can chop the ingredients a day ahead, but wait to mix them until 20 minutes before serving.
What can I serve with Zesty Garden Salsa?
It is ideal for tacos, burritos, or simply enjoyed with your favorite tortilla chips.
Does this recipe use oil?
Yes, it uses one teaspoon of olive oil to add a subtle richness to the vegetables.
How much cilantro is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro.
Can I make this salsa spicy?
While the base recipe is mild, you can add minced jalapeños or other peppers to increase the heat.
How much salt should I add?
Add a pinch of kosher salt to taste to enhance the fresh flavors of the vegetables.
Is it better to hand-mince or use a food processor?
Hand-mincing is recommended to maintain the crisp textures and prevent the salsa from becoming a puree.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Yes, while plum tomatoes are suggested, you can use other varieties as long as you seed them well.
What is the flavor profile of this salsa?
It is vibrant and refreshing with bright flavors, a hint of sweetness from the onion, and a fresh herbal notes from the cilantro.
Is this recipe suitable for summer barbecues?
Yes, its fresh and zingy taste makes it a perfect side dish for outdoor summer meals.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 simple fresh ingredients: tomatoes, onion, cilantro, olive oil, and salt.
Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though it is best served fresh.
Can I freeze this salsa?
Freezing is not recommended as it will change the texture of the fresh vegetables once thawed.
What kind of salt is best?
Kosher salt is recommended for its clean flavor and ability to draw out the juices of the vegetables.
Is this a good topping for burritos?
Yes, its fresh texture and acidity make it an excellent topping for burritos.
Can I substitute the cilantro?
If you don't like cilantro, you can try fresh parsley or omit it, though the flavor will change significantly.
Why should I mix it only 20 minutes before serving?
Mixing shortly before serving ensures the freshest taste and prevents the vegetables from getting soggy.
Can I add lime juice to this recipe?
Yes, a squeeze of lime juice can add extra acidity and enhance the zesty profile.
What makes this salsa 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh cilantro and sweet onion provides a bright and lively flavor profile.
Can I use red onion instead of sweet onion?
Yes, but red onion will provide a sharper, more pungent bite than sweet onion.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is high in vegetables and uses a very small amount of heart-healthy olive oil.
How many plum tomatoes do I need?
The recipe suggests using 3 to 4 plum tomatoes.