Salsa Roja
AI-generated image
Vegan Gluten-free Mexican

Salsa Roja

A bright, smoky Mexican red salsa made with roasted tomatoes, toasted chiles, garlic, and fresh cilantro. It is balanced enough for dipping yet lively enough to spoon over tacos, eggs, grilled meats, or beans.

22 min 6 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and serrano cut-side down and cook for 8–12 minutes, turning the onion and chile once, until the tomatoes are softened and charred in spots.
Tomatoes, onion, garlic, and serrano pepper charring in a skillet AI-generated image
2
Cool the roasted vegetables for 3 minutes, then peel the garlic completely, removing all tough papery skin. Transfer the tomatoes, onion, garlic, serrano, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to a blender.
3
Blend for 15–25 seconds, stopping once to scrape the sides, until the salsa is mostly smooth but still flecked with cilantro and chile. Avoid over-blending into a completely uniform purée.
4
Taste and adjust the salt or lime juice if needed. Let the salsa rest for 10 minutes so the roasted flavors settle, then serve at room temperature or chill until cold.
Bowl of salsa roja served with tortilla chips and lime AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Roasting concentrates the tomatoes and softens the garlic while lightly charring the chiles, creating a salsa with layered sweetness, gentle bitterness, and fresh herbal lift.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

How to reheat it

Salsa roja is best served cold or at room temperature and does not need reheating. If serving warm, heat gently in a saucepan over low heat until just warmed through.

Nutrition / serving

26kcal
1.10 gprotein
5.78 gcarbs
0.21 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 20 Aug 2026