Healthy Salsa Roja Recipe (Low-Calorie & Delicious)

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this vibrant salsa roja recipe! Bursting with the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, zesty lime, and a kick of jalapeño, this delightful concoction is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or dolloping on your favorite dishes. Fresh cilantro adds a fragrant touch, while a hint of garlic elevates the taste to new heights. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving a snack, this salsa roja will bring a fiesta of flavor to your table. Dive in and enjoy the ultimate flavorful delight that everyone will love!

Table of Contents
salsa roja recipe

salsa roja recipe

Chef Jasper
Discover the perfect salsa roja recipe that adds a zesty kick to your meals! Fresh ingredients and easy steps await!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Condiment / Dip, dip
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 50 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet For roasting the ingredients.
  • 1 Blender For blending the salsa.

Ingredients
  

Vegetables

  • 4 medium Tomatoes A key ingredient that provides the base flavor and vibrant color.
  • 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth to the salsa.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.

Spices

  • 2 medium Jalapeños Brings a spicy kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Adds freshness and a burst of herbal flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime juice Brightens the salsa and balances the flavors.
  • to taste teaspoon Salt Enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
  • to taste teaspoon Black pepper Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil Provides richness and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Collect ripe tomatoes, fresh jalapeños, garlic cloves, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Wash the tomatoes and jalapeños thoroughly. Peel the garlic and onion.

Step 3: Roast the Ingredients

  • In a skillet, roast the tomatoes, jalapeños, and onion over medium heat until charred and fragrant.

Step 4: Blend It Up

  • Transfer the roasted veggies to a blender. Add garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

  • Blend until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or chunky, it’s your choice!

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

  • Give your salsa a taste. Add more salt or lime juice if needed for that perfect zing!

Step 7: Chill and Serve

  • Let the salsa chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve with chips or your favorite dishes!
Keyword salsa

Why You’ll Love This Salsa Roja Recipe

  • It’s bursting with fresh flavors that will elevate any meal.
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile enough to pair with tacos, grilled veggies, or even as a dip.
  • Made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Customizable heat levels to suit your taste buds!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Category:Dip
Cuisine:Mexican
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Dietary:Vegan, Gluten-Free
Serves:4-6
Best Served:With tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled meats

Ingredients for Salsa Roja Recipe

  • Tomatoes – a key ingredient that provides the base flavor and vibrant color.
  • Onion – adds sweetness and depth to the salsa.
  • Garlic – enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic qualities.
  • Jalapeños – brings a spicy kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
  • Cilantro – adds freshness and a burst of herbal flavor.
  • Lime juice – brightens the salsa and balances the flavors.
  • Salt – enhances all the flavors; adjust to taste.
  • Black pepper – adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
  • Olive oil – provides richness and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients for salsa roja displayed on a cutting board.
Fresh ingredients for the perfect salsa roja.

Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.

How to Make the Salsa Roja Recipe

Get ready to whip up a delicious salsa roja that will elevate your meals!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Collect ripe tomatoes, fresh jalapeños, garlic cloves, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the tomatoes and jalapeños thoroughly. Peel the garlic and onion.

Step 3: Roast the Ingredients

In a skillet, roast the tomatoes, jalapeños, and onion over medium heat until charred and fragrant.

Step 4: Blend It Up

Transfer the roasted veggies to a blender. Add garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Blend until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or chunky, it’s your choice!

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Give your salsa a taste. Add more salt or lime juice if needed for that perfect zing!

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Let the salsa chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve with chips or your favorite dishes!

Step-by-step process of making salsa roja with fresh ingredients.
Step-by-step guide to making delicious salsa roja.

Pro Tips for Making the Salsa Roja Recipe

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor; ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs make a big difference.
  • Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños; taste as you go!
  • For a smoky flavor, try roasting your tomatoes and peppers before blending.
  • Let your salsa sit for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; it tastes even better the next day!

How to Serve Salsa Roja Recipe

  • Drizzle over grilled chicken or fish for a zesty kick.
  • Use as a dip for crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
  • Mix into scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast twist.
  • Top your tacos or burritos for an extra layer of taste.
  • Stir into soups or stews for added depth and richness.
  • Spread on sandwiches or wraps for a spicy surprise.
  • Pair with quesadillas or nachos for a perfect snack.
  • Serve alongside rice and beans for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow salsa roja to cool completely.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

  • Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • Leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
  • Label with the date and contents.
  • Freeze for up to three months for best quality.

Reheating

  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
  • Heat until warmed through, but avoid boiling.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for a basic salsa roja?

For a basic salsa roja, you’ll need ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeños or other chili peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. These ingredients come together to create a fresh and vibrant flavor that enhances any dish.

Can I make salsa roja ahead of time?

Absolutely! Salsa roja can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. In fact, letting it sit allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when you serve it.

How can I adjust the spiciness of my salsa roja?

If you prefer a milder salsa, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before blending. Alternatively, you can add more tomatoes to balance the heat or use milder peppers like bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.

What dishes pair well with salsa roja?

Salsa roja is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with tacos, grilled meats, quesadillas, or even as a dip for tortilla chips. You can also drizzle it over eggs or use it as a marinade for added flavor.