VINTAGE BITES: FRESH FROM YOUR SUMMER GARDEN SALSA

 

Garden-Fresh Summer Salsa

There’s nothing quite like salsa made with veggies straight from your summer garden! This simple, flavorful recipe lets you capture the taste of summer in every bite. Whether you like your salsa mild or with a kick, this recipe is easy to customize to suit your family’s tastes.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh garden tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup onion, chopped

• ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 4 teaspoons jalapeño pepper, finely chopped

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional) Sugar decreases the heat and spiciness of the dish. 

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, green bell pepper, and cilantro.

2. Add lime juice, jalapeño, cumin, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and sugar (if using).

3. Stir everything together until well mixed.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

For a chunky salsa, serve as-is.
For a smoother salsa, blend to your desired consistency using a food processor.

Make It Your Way:

• Spice It Up: Want more heat? Add extra jalapeño, a dash of cayenne, smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or diced green chiles.

• Choose Your Tomatoes: Roma, beefsteak, heirloom—use any variety you like! Keep in mind, juicier tomatoes will create a thinner salsa, while meatier varieties will give you a chunkier texture.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your garden-fresh salsa:

• With tortilla chips for dipping

• Over tacos, burritos, or quesadillas

• As a topping for grilled chicken, steak, or fish

• Mixed into scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos

Storing:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Your salsa will stay fresh for about 1 week—if it lasts that long!