One of my favorite things to do on a hot summer day is to whip up a batch of salsa. It’s a fresh and light snack and works as part of the main meal. Depending on the ingredients I have handy I can change the flavor profile of the salsa. It’s super easy to make too.
Philip Hoel (Moline, IL) got the idea for his Spicy Watermelon Salsa by watching TV. “Some of the cheftestants made dishes combining watermelon and heirloom tomatoes,” explains Philip. “This got me to thinking if watermelon and tomato could work together, why not replace tomato with watermelon in my standard salsa recipe? It worked!”
This salsa is wonderfully spicy and flavorful. The chopped watermelon is sweet which is balanced by the tangy lime juice. Diced jalapenos add a punch of flavor to the salsa.
“I got this recipe from a friend when I went to visit and have tweaked it a bit to add some ingredients that I enjoy,” shares Terri Opgenorth (Lake Mills, WI). “I usually serve it with tortilla chips but it is also very good by itself as a side dish… and a fave of my vegetarian friends!”
Terri’s Calico Salsa is fresh and tasty! I could eat this with tortilla chips … or a big spoon. It’s got tomatoes, cilantro, and red onion as you find in many salsa recipes. But, she also adds black beans, black-eyed peas, corn, and Italian dressing. A nice twist.
Another unusual recipe is Lana Bade’s (Goshen, NJ) Summer Sunrise Salsa. “This is refreshing and great for summer when everything is at its freshest,” says Lana.
I loved the combination of fruits in this salsa. Lana adds peaches, pluots, and nectarines. If you’re not familiar with a pluot, it is a stone fruit that’s a cross between a plum and apricot. If you can’t find pluots, a plum will work as a substitute. This salsa is definitely on the sweeter side. But, red onions, cilantro, and fresh lime juice help balance the sweetness.
Tomatoes are what are automatically thought of when thinking about salsa. If you’re looking for a traditional recipe, Stephanie Rudy’s (Orlando, FL) Fresh Tomato Salsa is for you.
“This is good with chips and rice dishes, or anything you like,” thinks Stephanie. I’d agree. You may skip store-bought salsa on your next shopping trip in favor of making this recipe. Add or subtract the number of jalapenos depending on your degree of spice tolerance. I typically add a bit more than is called for in the recipe but do what suits you.
Juliann Esquivel (Florida City, FL) also shared a tomato-based salsa but it’s completely different than Stephanie’s. Her Mexican Red Table Salsa, Salsa Roja de Mesa is fantastic.
“This salsa dates back to my great grandmother’s time I am sure even further back,” reveals Juliann. “This sauce has been passed down for generations. It is timeless and delicious.”
While other salsas are chunky, this one has the texture of a sauce because it’s pulsed in a blender. A favorite in my house, it’s filled with flavors from cumin, oregano, and Adobo seasoning.
These fresh salsa recipes are perfect for snacking served with tortilla chips. Or, try them spooned over grilled chicken or fish for an easy and flavorful summer dinner. Happy Pinching!