What is the best keto salsa? How about one that is flavorful, chunky but not too chunky, and full of delicious and healthy ingredients? That is exactly what this recipe is!
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Keto Salsa
I am a lover of all things salsa, but I am incredibly picky about it too! I do NOT enjoy tomatoes, which is great because they are higher in carbs anyway. But I love things that use tomatoes like ketchup and salsa.
We’ve already established I’m weird, so we are just going to go with it.
Moving on!
Are Tomatoes Keto Friendly?
Let’s address the burning question: Are tomatoes keto-friendly? Surprisingly, they are! While tomatoes do contain carbs, they are relatively low in comparison to other higher carb fruits and vegetables.
In fact, 1/2 cup of tomatoes contains only about 2.5g of total carbs, making them an acceptable choice for a keto salsa base.
How Long Does Homemade Salsa Last?
If properly stored, homemade keto salsa can last up to a week, allowing you to enjoy its zesty goodness whenever the craving strikes. So rest assured, your batch of salsa will stay fresh and flavorful throughout the week.
How To Make Delicious Keto Salsa
We will be making this entirely in a food processor blender.
You want to put one full can of Rotel (including the liquid) into a blender and blend well.
You want it to be free of big chunks as this will be the “base”. Don’t worry, you can control the chunkiness in a bit. But you do want this base layer to be a thick tomato sauce.
Now we get to add most the remaining ingredients. You’ll throw everything in except the diced green chilis and except the last can of Rotel.
Pulse a few times just blend it in and chop it up a tiny bit. You want to keep it more chunky than the last round.
Next you will want to add the diced green chilis and the chunky part of the Rotel, but NOT the liquid. Pulse a few more times and you’ll be set.
It should be the perfect consistency. But just in case you need it a tad more liquidy, you can add a little bit of the Rotel juice and pulse a few more times. You shouldn’t need to. You can discard the juice at this point.
And BOOM! You have your perfect salsa. Chunky, but not too chunky!
Is Salsa OK on Keto?
Absolutely! Salsa can definitely be keto friendly. You will even find that many store bought salsas are keto-friendly in terms of carb content, but it’s crucial to pay attention to the ingredient list.
By making your own salsa at home, you can ensure that no added sugars or undesirable ingredients sneak into your salsa.
How To Store Low Carb Salsa
To keep this keto salsa as fresh as possible, store it in airtight containers, with glass mason jars being an excellent choice. Remember to refrigerate your salsa promptly and avoid leaving it out on the counter for extended periods.
Keto Salsa Substitutions and Modifications
I know you will love this keto salsa recipe just as it is, but if you like to experiment, below are a few suggestions.
Adjust the Spice
Authentic salsa is often served with a kick of heat. A fun way to add heat is by adjusting the spice level. You can use jalapeños, serranos, cayenne peppers, or any other chili pepper to add heat and flavor without worrying about carbs.
Additionally, you can use spices like cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor and aroma of the salsa.
Add Healthy Fats
Using olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil in your salsa can not only benefit your health but also make the texture and flavor of your salsa more enjoyable. An alternative is to add a few avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and fat.
Experiment with Herbs
Cilantro is a beloved herb used in many salsas, providing a fresh and citrusy taste. You can experiment with other herbs like parsley, basil, or mint to add different tones and layers of flavor to your salsa. Adding herbs can also enhance the nutritional value of your salsa.
Mix it Up
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruits and veggies to add colorful contrasts and depth to your salsa. Try adding mangoes, peaches, or pineapples in moderation to create a sweet and tangy twist on your salsa. You can also experiment with texture by mixing in corn or black beans for added thickness and crunch (in moderation, of course).
Other Keto Snack Recipes That You Might Like
Keto Salsa
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cans Rotel
- 1 small can green diced chili 4 ounces
- 1/2 purple onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 2 jalapenos diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon low carb sweetener
- 1/8 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add cumin, sweetener and salt. Set aside.
- Add one full can of Rotel to a blender or food processor. Blend well until chunks are minimal.
- Add spice blend, onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapenos and lime juice. Pulse a few times to blend and minimally chop. You want some chunks to remain.
- Finally, add green diced chili and ONLY THE CHUNKS from the last can of Rotel. Set the liquid aside.
- Pulse a few more times.
- If you want your salsa to have more liquid add some of the Rotel juice that you set aside.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge!
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.
