Brighten up your summer meals with this Peach Salsa Fresca, where the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches and summer tomatoes meet a zesty kick, making it the perfect topping for grilled meats, tacos, or as a refreshing snack with chips. Easy to toss together and bursting with fresh flavors, this salsa is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dish with a touch of seasonal goodness.
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Peach Salsa Fresca captures summer in every bite!
The window for peach season is short! Now is the time to act quickly and savor this delicious condiment while you can! You will love this peach salsa fresca because it captures the essence of late summer in every bite, blending sweet peaches with a hint of heat for a salsa that's both refreshing and versatile.
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Ingredients for Peach Salsa
- Fresh Peaches: Juicy and sweet, they bring a burst of summer flavor to the salsa. Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, they support skin health and boost your immune system.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp, punchy contrast that balances the sweetness. Shallots are a great option as well for a more mild onion delivery. Red onions are High in antioxidants, particularly quercetin, which helps reduce inflammation.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Ripe and juicy summer tomatoes in season offer a sweet and tangy to compliment the peaches perfectly. Dice cherry tomatoes into quarters for easy snackable bite portions. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health.
- Cilantro: Offers a fresh, fragrant brightness to the mix. Parsley is a good substitute here if you are sensitive to the flavor profile of cilantro. Some describe the flavor as citrusy, fresh, and fragrant, while others say it's soapy. Cilantro contains antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K, supporting overall health and digestion.
- Serrano Chile: Brings a spicy kick that can be adjusted to taste. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes for a milder spice delivery. Jalapeños are a great substitute if you are looking for less spice/heat intensity. Serrano chiles boost metabolism and contains capsaicin, known to aid in pain relief.
- Lime Zest and Juice: Adds zesty tang and bright acidity to enhance the flavors and helps maintain freshness. High in vitamin C, limes support immune function and aids in iron absorption.
- Kosher Salt: Balances and elevates the overall taste profile. Kosher salt also helps maintain electrolyte balance.
- Chili Powder (Optional): Adds a subtle warmth and depth and smokiness if desired. Dried chipotle powder is a smokier alternative.
HOW TO MAKE PEACH SALSA
- Mix: Combine peaches, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, serrano, lime zest and juice, salt, and chili powder in a medium bowl.
- Toss: stir together and let stand 5 minutes at room temperature to macerate and infuse the flavor profile together.
Recipe Notes and Swaps:
- Serrano peppers are much more spicy than jalapeño. Swap out serrano for jalapeño peppers for an equally delicious flavor experience.
- Cilantro is often a polarizing herb, if so, swap out for parsley.
- The chili powder is not necessary and is optional. Also consider playing with a dash of chipotle spice, or any other spice that pleases your palate such as Aleppo (mild), or cayenne.
How to Store Peach Salsa Fresca:
All salsa fresca’s are best enjoyed fresh! If you have leftovers, they’ll stay good for a few days. Keep them in an airtight container like Tupperware or a Mason jar in the fridge. Before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lime to revive and refresh the flavors.
Salsa Fresca is great to serve with:
- Chips and salsa. Make a variety on game nights!
- Grilled meats like steaks, pork, fish, and my favorite salmon.
- Tacos
- As a garnish for salads and rice bowls.
Basics of Salsa
Here are simple basics that define the components of salsa. Generally salsa is either fresca/fresh or cooked/cocida. Listed below are the basic elements of salsa. These ingredients can be mixed and matched to create a wide variety of salsas, from mild to spicy, chunky to smooth, or blended. Be sure to search for SALSA in the search bar for my other salsa, like roasted chili corn salsa.
- Fruit: Fruits provide a juicy, sweet, and tangy base. The most common is tomato, but you can also use mango, pineapple, peaches, cherries, and so forth. Get creative!
- Spice/Peppers: Spice adds both heat and flavor, determined by the type of chili pepper chosen, e.g., serrano, habanero, jalapeños, or poblanos. Chiles vary in intensity depending on the type and amount used, so choose what’s best for your palate.
- Onion: Onions add sharpness and a bit of crunch. Options can include red, sweet, shallot, or white onions.
- Cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the salsa and is common because it grows in Mexico and South America.
- Acid: Typically citrus juice, like lime, which is common because it also grows in Mexico and South America. Acid serves three purposes: (1) to enhance flavor and freshness by making the other ingredients more vibrant, (2) to draw out juices for a saucier consistency, and (3) if canning, to lower the pH for safe preservation.
- Salt: Enhances and brings together all the flavors. Choose a salt without iodine to avoid a stingy, metallic taste.
When salsa is cooked, it's often referred to as "salsa roja" or "salsa cocida," which translates to "red salsa" or "cooked salsa." This distinguishes it from "salsa fresca" or "pico de gallo," which is made with fresh, uncooked ingredients.
Equipment
Historical Fun Facts About Salsa
Salsa, meaning "sauce" in Spanish, is a vibrant condiment made from a mix of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, chiles, and cilantro. Its roots stretch back to the ancient Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans, who crafted their own versions using tomatoes, chilies, and squash seeds. It wasn't until the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 1500s that this flavorful creation was introduced to the world, earning the name "salsa" from Alonso de Molina in 1571. Today, salsa has become a beloved snack and appetizer in the U.S., celebrated for its bold and zesty flavors.
More Salsa Recipes to Enjoy
- Tomatillo Salsa Verde
- Fresh Blender Salsa (Pico de Gallo)
Peach Salsa Fresca
Ingredients
- 3 fresh peaches pitted and diced
- ½ cup red onion finely chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes quartered
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- 1 small serrano chile half for less spicy
- 1 lime zest and juice
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. chili powder optional
Instructions
- Mix: Combine peaches, red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, serrano, lime zest and juice, salt, and chili powder in a medium bowl.
- Toss: stir together and let stand 5 minutes at room temperature to macerate and infuse the flavor profile together.
Notes
- Serrano peppers are much more spicy than jalapeño. Swap out serrano for jalapeño peppers for an equally delicious flavor experience.
- Cilantro is often a polarizing herb, if so, swap out for parsley.
- The chili powder is not necessary and is optional. Also consider playing with a dash of chipotle spice, or any other spice that pleases your palate such as Aleppo (mild), or cayenne.
- Storing: If you have leftovers, they’ll stay good for a few days. Keep them in an airtight container. Before serving, add a squeeze of fresh lime to revive and refresh the flavors.
- It is not suitable for the Keto diet due to the natural sugars in the peaches.
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Serving Bowl
Nutrition
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