Appetizer

Salsa Roja

Salsa Roja is a vibrant, zesty Mexican salsa made with ripe tomatoes, spicy chilies, and fresh cilantro. This flavorful sauce adds a perfect blend of heat and freshness to any dish, making it ideal as a dip or topping for tacos, nachos, and more. Enjoy the bold taste of Mexican cuisine in every spoonful!

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 Salsa Roja
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easy salsa roja recipe

A Flavorful Mexican Red Salsa Recipe

Salsa Roja is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican red salsa made from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, chilies, garlic, and cilantro. This traditional salsa is known for its bold taste and versatility, making it perfect as a dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and more. Unlike store-bought salsa, homemade Salsa Roja offers a fresher and richer flavor that’s easy to customize for your preferred level of spice. Whether served fresh or lightly cooked, this salsa brings an authentic taste of Mexico to any dish.

Making Salsa Roja at home is simple and requires only a few basic steps. Start by blending ripe tomatoes, spicy chilies, onion, garlic, and fresh cilantro to create a deliciously textured sauce. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chilies, or for a smokier taste, roast the tomatoes and chilies before blending. Cooking the blended salsa briefly on the stove is optional, but it enhances the flavors and adds depth, resulting in a thicker and more concentrated salsa that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, enchiladas, and quesadillas.

Salsa Roja is an excellent recipe to have on hand for parties, barbecues, or as an everyday condiment to spice up meals. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy its fresh flavors throughout the week. This homemade salsa is also freezer-friendly, so you can make a big batch and freeze portions for later use. Whether you enjoy it as a dip or a topping, Salsa Roja is a delicious, all-natural way to add authentic Mexican flavors to your table.

authentic salsa roja recipe

FAQs for Salsa Roja Recipe

1. What is Salsa Roja made of?
Salsa Roja is made with fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, chilies, garlic, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. It can be served fresh or lightly cooked for a deeper flavor, making it a versatile Mexican salsa.

2. Can I make Salsa Roja less spicy?
Yes, to make Salsa Roja milder, remove the seeds from the chilies or use milder peppers like Anaheim or poblano. You can also add more tomatoes to balance the heat.

3. How long does homemade Salsa Roja last?
Homemade Salsa Roja can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best freshness, serve within the first few days.

4. Can I freeze Salsa Roja?
Yes, Salsa Roja can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and stir well before serving, as the texture may change slightly.

5. What dishes can I serve with Salsa Roja?
Salsa Roja is perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, eggs, grilled meats, and as a dip for tortilla chips. Its versatility makes it a great addition to many Mexican-inspired dishes.

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Recipe

Enjoy the fresh, bold flavors of Salsa Roja, a Mexican red salsa made with tomatoes, chilies, and lime. Perfect for dipping or tacos.

Course:
Appetizer
COOKing TIME:
15 minutes
Total TIME:
25 minutes
CUISINE:
Mexican
PREP TIME:
10 minutes
SERVINGS:
4-6

Ingredients

For the Salsa:

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 1-2 jalapeño or serrano chilies, seeds removed for less heat
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

For Toppings (Optional):

  • Extra chopped cilantro
  • Diced onion
  • Lime wedges

Ingredient Swaps

  • Substitute tomatoes with canned fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
  • Use green chilies for a milder salsa.

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Quarter the tomatoes, chop the onion, and remove seeds from the chilies if a milder salsa is desired. Measure out garlic, cilantro, and lime juice.
  2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine tomatoes, onion, chilies, garlic, and cilantro. Pulse until the mixture reaches your desired texture (smooth or chunky).
  3. Cook the Salsa (Optional): For a deeper flavor, pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Season and Adjust: Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice and season with salt to taste.
  5. Finish and Serve: Let the salsa cool to room temperature, then serve as a dip or topping. Garnish with extra cilantro, diced onion, or lime wedges if desired.
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