Secret Ingredient Salsa

by | Jul 29, 2019

This secret ingredient salsa is filled with fresh ingredients bursting with authentic flavor. Throw everything into a blender and have on the table in 10 minutes or less! Perfect to serve alongside chips, with chicken and rice, or over tacos.

This secret ingredient salsa is filled with fresh ingredients bursting with authentic flavor. Throw everything into a blender and have on the table in 10 minutes or less! Vegan and gluten-free.

What tomatoes should I use for this recipe?

Surprisingly, I used to hate tomatoes. I would be that person who would pick the tomatoes off my salad or immediately write off any menu items containing them. Luckily by continuing to be open to trying tomatoes in different preparations and dishes, I began to appreciate them more. Now I can’t get enough of these juicy gems! I love to add tomatoes into everything from tomato basil soups to fresh bruschetta bites.

You can find fresh tomatoes of various varieties at your local farmers market from the months of May to October. These seasonal gems are a great source of the antioxidant, lycopene, which can be protective against heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. Feel free to mix it up with different types like roma, green zebra, cherry, beefsteak, or heirloom.

This secret ingredient salsa is filled with fresh ingredients bursting with authentic flavor. Throw everything into a blender and have on the table in 10 minutes or less! Vegan and gluten-free.

What’s the secret ingredient?

Along with juicy tomatoes, the secret ingredient I like to throw in my salsa is… sweet bell peppers! I’ve found that peppers add great texture, nutrients and flavor! Experiment with using different peppers you find at your local store or farmers market. I typically like to use red pepper but you can also use orange or yellow sweet peppers. 

This salsa recipe can be used as a starting point and customized even further with additions like jalapeños, corn or black beans. You can also customize it to your preferred texture. Simply blend less for a more chunky salsa and blend more for a smoother salsa. 

This secret ingredient salsa is filled with fresh ingredients bursting with authentic flavor. Throw everything into a blender and have on the table in 10 minutes or less! Vegan and gluten-free.

Time to get out in the fresh air, shop the local farmers market, and grab some fresh produce because this is one delicious salsa recipe you’ll have to try. What are your favorite ingredients to use in salsa? 

Secret Ingredient Salsa 2 scaled

Secret Ingredient Blender Salsa

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN
This secret ingredient salsa includes sweet bell pepper to add bright flavor. Simply throw everything into a blender and have ready in 10 minutes or less!
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large tomatoes of your choice, roughly chopped (roma, green zebra, cherry, beefsteak, or heirloom tomatoes)
  • 1 small sweet bell pepper of your choice, roughly chopped and seeds removed (red, yellow, or orange sweet pepper)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 medium lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper, optional
  • Sea salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until desired consistency is reached. Pulse more for a smoother texture and less for a more chunky salsa.
  • Store any extras in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSodium: 100mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!
This secret ingredient salsa is filled with fresh ingredients bursting with authentic flavor. Throw everything into a blender and have on the table in 10 minutes or less! Vegan and gluten-free.

Hi, I'm Mackenzie...

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I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and recipe developer. I create simple recipes with customizable ingredients “of your choice.” I also help busy people gain kitchen confidence through my hands-on program.

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4 Comments

  1. The Twin Cooking Project (The Twin Cooking Project)

    Nothing beats classic homemade salsa! This looks amazing!!!!

    Reply
  2. Thomas J. Hornikel

    I’ve made eight batches of salsa so far this season. Yours intrigues me. Love the idea of smoked paprika.

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      Wow! That’s awesome. Yes, smoked paprika is one of my favorites. Let me know what you think if you try it!

      Reply

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