Best 11 Zesty Salsa Recipes

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Salsa, a vibrant and zesty condiment, is a staple in Mexican cuisine, adding a burst of flavor to tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. This versatile sauce has gained immense popularity worldwide, transcending its traditional role and becoming a beloved dip for chips and a flavorful addition to various dishes. Its vibrant colors, ranging from fiery reds to refreshing greens, hint at the explosion of flavors that await the taste buds. With its perfect balance of acidity, heat, and freshness, salsa tantalizes the senses, leaving a lingering sensation that keeps you coming back for more. This article presents a collection of salsa recipes, each offering a unique flavor profile to cater to diverse preferences. From the classic Pico de Gallo, with its chunky texture and vibrant flavors, to the creamy and flavorful Avocado Salsa, these recipes provide a delightful array of options for any occasion. The Roasted Tomato Salsa, with its smoky and caramelized notes, adds depth and complexity to your dishes. If you prefer a spicy kick, the Habanero Salsa delivers an intense heat that lingers on the palate, while the Tomatillo Salsa offers a unique tangy flavor with a hint of smokiness. For those who enjoy a milder salsa, the Salsa Verde, made with fresh herbs and tomatillos, provides a refreshing and herbaceous experience. Whether you're hosting a fiesta, enjoying a casual get-together, or simply looking to add some zest to your meals, these salsa recipes are sure to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of Mexican flair to your table.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

ZESTY SALSA FOR CANNING



Zesty Salsa for Canning image

I got this years ago from the lady in our church who canned it. I've never made it but I've eaten lots of it! It's the best salsa I have ever had. Especially good with lime tortilla chips or on taco salad (recipe #102234).

Provided by Marg CaymanDesigns

Categories     Sauces

Time 1h

Yield 6 pints

Number Of Ingredients 9

10 cups roughly chopped tomatoes
5 cups chopped and seeded bell peppers
5 cups chopped onions
2 1/2 cups hot peppers, chopped, seeded
1 1/4 cups cider vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons cilantro, minced
3 teaspoons salt
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients except tomato paste in large sauce pot.
  • Simmer until desired thickness.
  • Stir in tomato paste.
  • Ladle hot salsa into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch head-space.
  • Process 15 minutes in a hot water bath.
  • Note: use more hot peppers for a very hot salsa or less for mild.
  • It depends on how hot your peppers are and how hot you like your salsa.
  • I never get close to 2 1/2 cups for our mild salsa.

ZESTY BLACK-EYED PEA SALSA



Zesty Black-Eyed Pea Salsa image

"Whenever there's a family gathering, my sister-in-law brings this zesty bean dip, and it's a big hit," report Pamela Smith of Flushing, New York. "Since it keeps well in the refrigerator, it's great to have on hand for unexpected guests."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 15m

Yield 6 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 can (15-1/2 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (7 ounces) white or shoepeg corn, drained
1-1/3 cups mild salsa
1 cup medium salsa
3/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives, drained
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Tortilla chips

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first 12 ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 49 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 298mg sodium, Carbohydrate 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

ZESTY BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALSA



Zesty Black Bean and Corn Salsa image

I use all fresh ingredients, except for the canned black beans.

Provided by Sarah

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Salsa Recipes     Tomato Salsa Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 ears fresh sweet white corn, cut from the cob
3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
4 bunches green onions, chopped
3 green bell peppers, seeded and diced
4 tomatoes, seeded and diced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
1 lime, juiced
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
1 cup zesty Italian dressing, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Mix corn, black beans, green onions, bell pepper, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno pepper together in a large bowl. Add zesty Italian dressing; stir. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 62.5 calories, Carbohydrate 9.3 g, Fat 2.1 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 191.3 mg, Sugar 1.6 g

ROASTED RED PEPPER AND JICAMA SALSA WITH ZESTY CHUNK GUACAMOLE



Roasted Red Pepper and Jicama Salsa with Zesty Chunk Guacamole image

This appetizer is outstanding and great for parties! The mixes of flavors complement themselves and will excite even the most lukewarm palates. Everything can be made ahead of time and assembled in minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Provided by Anthony Whittington

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Salsa Recipes     Avocado Salsa Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 large red bell pepper
1 pound chicken breast tenders
1 tablespoon dried cilantro
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, minced
2 cups matchstick-cut jicama
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained and juices reserved.
8 ounces sour cream
¼ cup thinly sliced jicama
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 large avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon dried cilantro
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
  • Place red bell pepper on a baking sheet.
  • Roast pepper in the preheated oven until skin is blackened, about 5 minutes per side. Allow pepper to cool.
  • Peel and discard blackened skin; finely chop pepper and set aside.
  • Season chicken tenders with 1 tablespoon cilantro, paprika, black pepper, and monosodium glutamate.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Arrange chicken tenders in the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and is browned on both sides, about 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside to cool; reserve skillet.
  • While the chicken is cooking, heat 1/4 cup olive oil in another skillet over medium-low heat. Cook and stir onion in the hot oil until very tender and dark brown, about 20 minutes.
  • Stir roasted bell pepper, 2 cups jicama, 1 tablespoon salt, sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper into caramelized onion. Cook and stir until jicama begins to soften, about 5 minutes more; remove from heat.
  • Pour reserved tomato juices into the skillet used to cook chicken.
  • Heat tomato juice over medium-high heat until reduced by half, 5 to 7 minutes, scrape up any brown bits in the skillet.
  • Stir sour cream into reduced tomato juice until evenly mixed; remove from heat.
  • Season jicama slices with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a clean skillet. Pan-fry jicama slices in the hot oil until browned on both sides, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Mix tomatoes with green chiles, avocados, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, cumin, and salt in a bowl until mixture is a slightly creamy guacamole.
  • Spread tomato-sour cream mixture on a large platter.
  • Pile guacamole atop sour cream.
  • Spread red pepper salsa over guacamole.
  • Chop chicken breast tenders into chunks; scatter chicken chunks and jicama slices over salsa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 259.7 calories, Carbohydrate 11.5 g, Cholesterol 29.9 mg, Fat 20 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 10.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 730.6 mg, Sugar 3 g

10 MINUTE ZESTY SALSA



10 Minute Zesty Salsa image

The view from our mountain home includes Pike's Peak, so we frequently dine on our wraparound porch in good weather. During family get-togethers, we often savor this salsa with chips while we feast on the natural beauty all around us.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 10m

Yield 1-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1 tablespoon seeded chopped jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Dash salt
Dash pepper
Tortilla chips

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 29 calories, Fat 2g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 214mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges

HALIBUT WITH ZESTY PEACH SALSA



Halibut with Zesty Peach Salsa image

Our Test Kitchen came up with a fun way to serve halibut by marinating it in citrus juices and brown sugar, then topping it with a refreshing peach salsa. The colorful entree is pretty enough to serve to company.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/3 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons grated lime zest
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 halibut steaks (6 ounces each)
SALSA:
2 cups chopped fresh or frozen peaches
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; mix well. Remove 1/4 cup for basting; cover and refrigerate. Pour remaining marinade into a large bowl; add the halibut and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. In another small bowl, combine salsa ingredients; cover and refrigerate until serving., Drain and discard marinade. On a lightly oiled grill rack, grill halibut, uncovered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 4-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork, basting occasionally with reserved marinade. Serve with peach salsa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 338mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CITRUS CHIPOTLE GLAZED SHRIMP W/ ZESTY CORN SALSA



CITRUS CHIPOTLE GLAZED SHRIMP W/ ZESTY CORN SALSA image

Categories     Shellfish     Appetizer     Grill/Barbecue

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

Marinade
1/2 chipotle chile in adobo, minced
2 Tbl lime juice from two limes
2 Tbl orange juice from 1 orange
2 Tbl vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbl brown sugar
1/2 inch ginger root, finely grated
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 salt
1 lb 16-25 ct shrimp, peeled deveined
Salsa
2 ears fresh corn, shucked
1 red bell pepper, cored and cut in two, flattened with veins removed
1/2 chipotle chile in adobo
1 shallot, minced
4 scallions, sliced finely
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbl lime juice from 1 lime
2 Tble vegetable oil
1/4 tsp salt or more to taste

Steps:

  • Heat enough charcoal in grill to create a two level fire. Combine first 10 ingredients, reserve 1/4 cup. To the remaining 1/4 cup, add 1 Tbl honey Place the shrimp in a plastic bag with reserved 1/4 cup marinade and allow to sit for 20 minutes. While shrimp marinates, place corn and bell pepper skin side down over cooler side of grill. Turn corn every two minutes until lightly charred on all sides. Turn pepper after 3-4 mintes and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove corn, cut kernals with chefs knife by standing ear on its end. Remove pepper and dice into 1/4 inch squares. Combine pepper with corn and all other salsa ingredients. Remove shrimp form marinade, skewer shrimp and place over hot side of grill. Baste shrimp with honey mixture turn over, baste again and cook 2 minutes. Baste shrimp and turn, baste again and cook for another minute. Remove shrimp. Plate by placing a couple of spoonfuls of salsa in the middle of the plate with the shrimp removed from skewers and placed on top.

ZESTY SALSA VERDE



Zesty Salsa Verde image

Last year was the first time I had ever grown tomatillos. They were so abundant that I had enough to eat fresh, give away and freeze for future gatherings. What I didn't expect was how well the salsa would freeze. I do like to add an extra zip by juicing a fresh lime into the salsa after it has thawed. -Kim Banick, Salem, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 50m

Yield 2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds medium tomatillos (about 16), husks removed and halved
2 large sweet onions, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)
2 serrano peppers, seeded and chopped
6 garlic cloves, peeled and halved
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 to 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss tomatillos, onions, peppers and garlic with oil. Divide mixture between two 15x10x1-in. baking pans. Roast 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly., Process tomatillo mixture in a food processor until smooth, adding enough water to reach desired consistency. Add remaining ingredients; pulse just until combined. Freeze option: Freeze cooled salsa in freezer containers. To use, thaw completely in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 304mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

ZESTY SALSA



Zesty Salsa image

This chunky and colorful salsa, from Susan Causey of Columbia, Louisiana, is the ideal companion for crispy tortilla chips and goes together in a jiffy.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 10m

Yield 4 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 large tomatoes, diced
6 green onions, chopped
1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/4 cup prepared zesty Italian salad dressing
Tortilla chips

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients; mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve with tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 53 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 167mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

ZESTY SALSA (FOR CANNING)



Zesty Salsa (for canning) image

Great consistency for a canned salsa.

Provided by RC :)

Categories     Salsas

Time 2h

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 c tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 1/4 c green peppers, chopped
3/4 c mixed hot peppers, chopped (red chiles, serranos, habaneros)*
6 to 12 jalapeno peppers, chopped
3 - 29 oz. can(s) tomato sauce
2 c onions, chopped
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp oregano, dried
1 Tbsp cumin
3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
10 sterilized pint jars, with lids

Steps:

  • 1. Prepare tomatoes - Place tomatoes into boiling water for 1 minute. Dip tomatoes into cold water to cool. Peel and chop.
  • 2. Place chopped tomatoes in large stock pot.
  • 3. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • 4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  • 5. Spoon into hot sterilized jars. Wipe rims and secure lids and rings. Process for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath.
  • 6. Set on towel to cool. Check for seals.
  • 7. * For less heat, adjust the amount of mixed hot peppers and replace with an equal amount of green peppers. Keep the amount of green peppers and hot peppers at 2 cups combined.
  • 8. Note -- If making this when fresh tomatoes are out of season, use 2-28 oz. cans of petite diced tomatoes, undrained, and add up to an additional cup of water.

FRESH ZESTY SALSA



Fresh Zesty Salsa image

The addition of olives makes this salsa a little different from other varieties. You can seed the jalapeno peppers if desired. But if you family likes salsa with some "heat", leave them in.-Sharon Lucas, Raymore, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 10m

Yield 8 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 medium tomatoes, chopped
3/4 cup sliced green onions
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 small jalapeno peppers, finely chopped (seeded if desired)
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
3-1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 to 2 teaspoons chili powder
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Keeps up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 16 calories, Fat 1g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 31mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

Tips:

  • Choose ripe tomatoes: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Look for tomatoes that are deep red in color and slightly soft to the touch.
  • Use a variety of peppers: You can use a variety of peppers to make salsa, depending on your desired heat level. Some popular options include jalapeños, serranos, and habaneros. If you don't want your salsa to be too spicy, you can remove the seeds and ribs from the peppers before chopping them.
  • Add some sweetness: If you find your salsa is too tart, you can add some sweetness with fruits like mango, pineapple, or peaches. You can also add a bit of sugar or honey.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices: There are many different herbs and spices that you can add to salsa to give it a unique flavor. Some popular options include cilantro, cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
  • Let the salsa rest before serving: After you've made your salsa, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop.

Conclusion:

Zesty salsa is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's perfect for adding flavor to tacos, burritos, nachos, and enchiladas. You can also use it as a dip for chips, vegetables, or crackers. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a zesty salsa recipe that everyone will enjoy. So experiment with different ingredients and find your favorite way to make this classic Mexican dish.

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