“Zesty Restaurant Style Salsa”

What I wouldn’t give for one of my dad’s vine-ripened tomatoes about now in sharing this recipe for Zesty Restaurant Style Salsa. Inspired by my favorite Mexican restaurant, one bite and you’re hooked. Not a tomato sauce-based salsa as only fresh tomato is used here. Simple ingredients yet big on flavor.

This salsa is perfect anytime and with all your favorite dishes requiring salsa. Homemade is better, always. I can’t remember the last time I bought jarred salsa. This recipe will inspire you to salsa from scratch. I have other salsa recipes that you will love. “Charred Tomato Jalapeno Salsa”, “Spicy Chipotle Tomato Salsa”, and “Fresh Mango Salsa” are winners at any gathering.

Zesty Restaurant Style Salsa

When making this salsa I wanted to keep it somewhat chunky yet not chopped. A food processor makes easy work of preparing the ingredients for this salsa. You don’t want to process until smooth unless that is your taste. I prefer leaving some texture because the salsa doesn’t run off your chips as you dip.

Zesty Restaurant Style Salsa

To make this salsa recipe, you’ll need a food processor, but a blender will work here as well.  Start by adding tomato to processor and pulse until just shy of smooth. Pour tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Next. add onion, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro and pulse until mixture has the same texture as tomatoes. Add to bowl of tomatoes.

Stir in lime juice, cumin, salt and black pepper to taste. If you like an even spicier salsa, splurge and purchase jalapeno chile powder. This powder allows you to add some heat to any seasoning, rub, or marinade. It’s wonderful to have on hand without adding more peppers. Checkout the Savory Spice Shop for jalapeno chile powder and try it today. You’ll be glad you did.

Zesty Restaurant Style Salsa

Once salsa is to your liking. Cover and chill for several hours before servings. You can make this salsa ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator up to a week if it lasts that long. I’ll bet you money it won’t unless you’re making it just for yourself. As always, serve the salsa with your favorite tortilla chips. This maybe your new go-to salsa recipe so give the recipe a try.

If you make this recipe, message me below, #chowdownlowdown, @chowdownlowdown, or @michelleheyden. Enjoy!

Zesty Restaurant Style Salsa

 

Zesty Restaurant Style Salsa

5 to 6 plum tomatoes, about 2 pounds, halved lengthwise

1/2 of small red onion, cut into pieces

1 jalapeno, seeds removed, cut into pieces

2 garlic cloves, rough chopped

1 cup fresh cilantro

3 T. fresh lime juice, to taste

1 t. ground cumin

1 t. freshly ground black pepper

1 t. fine sea salt, to taste

1/4 t. jalapeno chile powder, optional

 

In bowl of food processor, pulse tomatoes until just shy of smooth, leaving some texture. Pour tomatoes into a large mixing bowl.

Next add red onion, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice. Pulse until mixture resembles tomato mixture and add to mixing bowl.

Stir in cumin, pepper, and salt. Add in jalapeno chile powder to taste, if using. Adjust salt and lime juice if needed.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve with tortilla chips.

 

Makes about 4 cups.