Are you team salsa roja or salsa verde? I’m team…both! I adore all types of salsa made with fresh ingredients, and this salsa roja recipe is one I’ve been especially loving lately. It differs from other red salsas I’ve previously shared in two ways: If you try this salsa roja, you won’t believe it’s homemade. It tastes like you could have gotten it in a Mexican restaurant! Because it’s so fresh and flavorful on its own, my favorite way to enjoy it is as a dip with tortilla chips. That said, it’s delicious with Mexican fare like tacos and burritos too. I hope you love it!
Salsa Roja Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this salsa roja recipe:
Dried ancho chile – Ancho chiles are dried poblano peppers. If you’re sensitive to spice, don’t worry—they don’t pack too much heat. Instead, they’re smoky and slightly bitter, adding rich flavor to this recipe. If you buy a pack, use the leftover peppers to make more salsa, homemade chili powder, or my vegetarian tortilla soup! Look for them in Mexican markets, spice shops, or the Mexican section of your grocery store. They’re also easy to find online. Roma tomatoes – I like to use them here because they’re less watery than other types of tomatoes, yielding a thicker salsa. Onion and garlic – For savory bite. Serrano pepper – For a spicy kick! If you can’t find a serrano, a jalapeño pepper is a great sub. Feel free to skip these chili peppers if you’re sensitive to heat. Fresh lime juice – It makes the salsa zesty and bright. Avocado oil – Its richness helps balance this punchy salsa roja. Another neutral oil would work here too. Fresh cilantro – It adds a refreshing kick and pretty green flecks. And sea salt – To make all the flavors pop!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Salsa Roja
The first step in this salsa roja recipe is prepping the dried chile. Use kitchen scissors to remove the stem, then cut vertically along one of the pepper’s edges. Spread it open so that it lays flat. Heat a large, dry cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the chile and toast until fragrant. Then, place it in a medium bowl, cover it with water, and set aside to soak. Next, char the vegetables. Return the pan to medium heat. Add the whole tomatoes, onion wedges, and serrano and cook until the vegetables are nicely charred, rotating them as they brown. The entire process should take 15 to 20 minutes.
Then, blend the salsa. Drain the ancho chile and pat it dry. Place it in a blender. Add the tomatoes, onion, serrano, garlic, avocado oil, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. Finally, add the cilantro and pulse until combined. The salsa should have nice green flecks. Season with more lime and salt to taste. Enjoy!
How to Serve Salsa Roja
We love this salsa roja as a dip with tortilla chips. Just add guacamole for a fun party appetizer spread! It’s also great with Mexican dishes like
tacos, taquitos, nachos, and burritos, such as this vegan burrito or this breakfast burrito.
It adds a punch of zesty flavor to a burrito bowl too! How do you like to serve salsa roja? Let me know in the comments!
More Favorite Salsa Recipes
If you love this salsa roja, try one of these homemade salsa recipes next:
Homemade Salsa Pico de Gallo Tomatillo Salsa Verde Easy Mango Salsa Avocado Salsa Corn Salsa Pineapple Salsa Peach Salsa
