Have you ever wondered how to make authentic Mexican salsa? If not, you probably should: Salsa nutritional facts are encouraging (a 2-tablspoon serving has as few as 10 calories), and there are plenty of delicious recipes using salsa that go far beyond the standard bag of tortilla chips.
There are many different types of salsa, but some of the easiest to make at home are pica de gallo salsa dips. Also known as salsa fresca or salsa Mexicana, this traditional salsa is made with just a few raw ingredients that are easy to throw together for use in a wide variety of meals. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide of how to make authentic Mexican salsa in five steps and just a few minutes:
- Dice Your Tomatoes
Dice two large or three medium tomatoes. People disagree on which are the best tomatoes for salsa, but you can choose any variety with a firm texture. It’s also best to use vine-ripened tomatoes, since they’ll have much more flavor.
- Dice Your Onions
Finely dice about a half of a red onion. If the flavor of red onion is too strong for your taste, you can use sweet white onions instead. Another good trick is to soak your red onion in ice water for about 10 minutes, which will mellow out the flavor.
- Mince Your Pepper
One jalapeno, seeded and finely minced, is about right for a mild to medium salsa. If you want more intense heat, leave the seeds in (or add another pepper).
- Chop Your Cilantro
Take a handful or two of washed cilantro and give it a rough chop. (Some people can’t stand the taste of cilantro; it’s possible to substitute flat-leaved parsley, though the result will be less authentically Mexican.)
- Combine and Season
Combine the four ingredients above in a bowl, squeeze a half a lime over the top, and season with a pinch of salt. Allow to sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Is this recipe easy enough for you, or will you be picking up your salsa at the grocery store still? How would you use this fresh, tasty condiment? Share your thoughts in the comments.
