Fresh Hatch Chile Salsa

This Fresh Hatch Chile Salsa is a vibrant, homemade salsa that highlights the smoky flavor of roasted Hatch chiles. Blended with fresh onion, garlic, cilantro, and tomatoes, it’s seasoned simply with garlic powder, salt, and a hint of lemon juice. This refreshing and slightly spicy salsa is perfect for dipping with chips or serving alongside your favorite Mexican dishes, adding a burst of flavor to any meal.

Fresh Hatch Chile Salsa

Ingredients:

2 fresh roasted Hatch chiles, peeled and diced

1/2 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions:

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced Hatch chiles, onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and drained petite diced tomatoes.

Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder and salt.

Mash: Using clean hands or a potato masher, mash the mixture until everything is well combined and slightly mashed but still chunky.

Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the salsa and mix again.

Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve: Enjoy the salsa with chips, on tacos, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.

Tips:

For extra heat, you can leave in some of the seeds from the Hatch chiles.

Feel free to adjust the garlic powder and salt to taste based on your preferences.

You can also add a jalapeño or serrano for more spice!

Notes:

Flavor Profile: This salsa combines the smoky, mildly spicy taste of roasted Hatch chiles with the freshness of cilantro, onion, and lemon juice. It has a bright, zesty kick thanks to the lemon, balanced by the richness of the garlic.

Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder salsa, be sure to remove the seeds from the Hatch chiles before dicing. For extra heat, you can leave some seeds or add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper.

Texture: Mashing the ingredients by hand gives the salsa a slightly chunky texture, which allows the flavors to meld together while keeping a rustic, hearty feel. If you prefer a smoother salsa, you can pulse it a few times in a food processor.

Customization: Feel free to tweak the seasoning by adding more garlic powder, salt, or even a pinch of cumin for a deeper flavor. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients like diced avocado or fresh corn.

Serving Ideas: This salsa pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or even scrambled eggs.

Storage: Store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of chile instead of Hatch chiles?

Yes! You can substitute Hatch chiles with roasted poblanos, Anaheim chiles, or even jalapeños if you want more heat.

The flavor will vary slightly, but these options still make great salsa.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can substitute the canned petite diced tomatoes with about 2-3 fresh, diced Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes for a fresher, chunkier texture.

How spicy is this salsa?

The heat level depends on the type of Hatch chiles you use.

If you use mild Hatch chiles, the salsa will have only a mild kick.

For more heat, you can leave in the chile seeds or add an extra spicy pepper like jalapeño or serrano.

Can I make this salsa in advance?

Yes, making this salsa ahead is a great idea!

The flavors meld together nicely after chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, making it even more delicious.

How long does this salsa last in the fridge?

You can store the salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

After that, the freshness and texture may start to decline.

Can I freeze this salsa?

Freezing is not recommended for fresh salsa because the texture of the tomatoes and chiles can become watery and mushy after thawing.

It’s best enjoyed fresh or after a short refrigeration.

Can I add other ingredients to this salsa?

Yes! You can customize the salsa by adding ingredients like diced avocado, fresh corn, or even black beans. Just note that some additions may affect the storage time.

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?

Fresh cilantro is recommended for the best flavor, but if you only have dried cilantro, use about 1-2 teaspoons in place of the fresh.

The flavor will be more subtle.

Can I blend this salsa instead of mashing it by hand?

Yes, you can use a food processor or blender to achieve a smoother consistency if you prefer.

Just be careful not to over-blend if you still want a bit of texture.

What can I serve this salsa with?

This salsa is versatile! It’s great with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, grilled meats, eggs, or even as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.

It adds a fresh and flavorful kick to many dishes.