Skip the onions in this delicious salsa without onion. It's made with simple ingredients but is packed with flavor from the juicy tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and smoky chipotle peppers. It's a healthy, refreshing snack that can be enjoyed with your favorite chips.
Don't have onion on hand or just don't like it? Don't worry this salsa doesn't have onion of any kind and certainly doesn't need it. Salsa without onion is a perfect dip for those who prefer a less pungent taste or have dietary restrictions.
The absence of onion allows the vibrant combination of tomatoes, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and spicy chipotle peppers to shine. Throw this together in less than 15 minutes for a quick, healthy, and delicious snack.
Jump to:
- Why Salsa Without Onion Is So Good
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- How to Make This Easy Salsa Recipe Without Onion
- What If I Don't Have a Food Processor?
- Reasons for Avoiding Onion
- Flavor Variations
- Ways to Enjoy Salsa with No Onion
- Storing Tips
- How long should I let salsa sit before serving?
- Try These Dips
- Easy Homemade Salsa Without Onion
Why Salsa Without Onion Is So Good
Milder Flavor Profile: You can expect a milder taste with every bite. This makes it more enjoyable for those who prefer less pungency in their salsa.
Versatility: Salsa without onion is versatile and complements a wide range of dishes, from chips and tacos to grilled meats and seafood. This is one of those recipes that we always have on hand because you can use it in and on so many different things.
Simplicity: This recipe is SO simple. Only a few basic ingredients are used. Everything is placed in a food processor and mixed until you get a perfect chunky salsa. It's hassle free and takes less than 15 minutes to make.
Highlighting Other Flavors: By omitting onion, this salsa allows other flavors, such as the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the heat from chipotle peppers, to take center stage.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with this salsa. Customize the amount of spiciness from the chipotle pepper and incorporate other fresh ingredients you have on hand like green pepper, fresh Individuals can easily customize the salsa to their liking by adjusting the level of spiciness or incorporating additional ingredients without the dominant onion taste.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sliced stewed tomatoes - Hear me out, this is not the most traditional tomato used in salsa but it's unique in that they're cooked tomatoes cooked with a little sugar to enhance the natural fresh tomatoes sweetness. They provide the right amount of juiciness, flavor, and it doesn't take much to make your salsa taste delicious.
If you've never used stewed tomatoes, I highly recommend it. The first time I tried it this way I was hooked. Don't get stewed tomatoes with other herbs or seasonings because it will not taste right. You can substitute with ripe tomatoes such as roma tomatoes but keep in mind the flavor won't be quite the same.
Chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce - Adds the spice and smokiness. If you didn't know, chipotle is simply a smoked jalapeno pepper. Keep in mind sometimes the adobo sauce contains onion.
Try to find a brand that doesn't contain onion. If you can't find it, don't worry, the onions are very easy to pick around. They are far and few between.
If you like less heat in your salsa feel free to start with only 1 pepper and add more if needed. Want to add the heat without the smokiness? Try adding a chopped serrano pepper or red chili powder.
Garlic - Fresh garlic cloves are a must. Keep in mind the longer the salsa sits, the more the garlic flavors will come out. If you're looking to omit all alliums you can leave this out.
Lime - Fresh lime juice takes this salsa to a whole new level adding the perfect amount of tanginess. You will find nice, juicy limes at your farmers market between March and August. This is also when they're in season. You can substitute with lemon juice if you don't have lime on hand.
Cilantro - For freshness. If you don't like cilantro, don't worry you can omit all together.
Salt to taste - Start with a little and add more as you think it needs it. Stir and allow the flavors of the fresh homemade salsa to marinate before adding more. It will take a little time for the salt to kick in and really flavor the salsa. I enjoy using sea salt for this recipe.
Sugar - Only a tiny bit is used. This enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. It's also another one of my secret ingredients. Expect this easy homemade salsa recipe to bit savory but have a little sweetness that keep you coming back for more.
How to Make This Easy Salsa Recipe Without Onion
Step 1. Place all ingredients in a food processor.
Step 2. Pulse the food processor multiple times until all ingredients are well combined and the tomatoes are chopped smaller. Make sure you don't over blend if you like a chunky salsa. Give it a few extra pulses if you prefer a smooth salsa.
Step 3. Taste the salsa with a chip and season with more salt if needed. Pulse the food processor a few more times.
Step 4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until later.
What If I Don't Have a Food Processor?
If you don't have a food processor, don't let that stop you. Simply chop the ingredients finely with a knife and mix them together in a bowl. It takes a little more time but it does the job. My biggest tip when doing this is to drain the tomatoes into the mixing bowl. We want to reserve that liquid. Use a cutting board that has divets to keep any excess juice from going onto your counter top.
Reasons for Avoiding Onion
People may choose to avoid onions in their diet for various reasons. One of the most common reasons people avoid onions is because they simply don't like it. Other less common reasons could be because of food allergies or intolerances. Having an onion allergy isn't as common.
Onions contain compounds that can cause allergic reactions or digestive issues in some. Additionally, this recipe is great for those following low-FODMAP diets. This restrict the intake of certain fermentable carbohydrates found in onions, aiming to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal issues.
Flavor Variations
Mango Salsa: Add diced mango for a sweet and tropical twist. Mango complements the acidity of tomatoes and adds a delightful sweetness.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa: Mix in sweet corn kernels and black beans for added texture and a southwestern flair. Drizzle with lime juice for brightness.
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde: Replace tomatoes with tomatillos for a tangy salsa verde. Roast the tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet until browned and incorporate into the salsa.
Smoky Pico De Gallo: Use whole tomatoes instead of stewed tomatoes. Chop well. Then incorporate the remaining ingredients. Don't worry about big chunks of onion in this delicious pico de gallo with a smoky flavor.
Ways to Enjoy Salsa with No Onion
Dipping with Tortilla Chips: Classic and simple, enjoy your salsa with your favorite tortilla chips for a satisfying snack.
Topping for Tacos: Spoon salsa onto your favorite tacos for a burst of fresh flavor. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, from grilled chicken to fish.
Quesadilla Filling: Spread salsa inside quesadillas for added flavor and moisture. It's a tasty alternative to traditional onion-heavy salsas.
Grilled Meat or Seafood Topping: Top grilled meats or seafood with salsa to add a refreshing and vibrant element. It works well with chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish.
Burrito Bowl Component: Include salsa in your burrito or grain bowls for a burst of freshness. It pairs excellently with rice, beans, and your favorite protein.
Nacho Toppings: Create loaded nachos by generously topping tortilla chips with cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Storing Tips
Transfer the salsa to an airtight container, ensuring it is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure. Refrigerate for 3-5 days for the best quality. Before serving, give it a gentle stir to redistribute any separated liquids.
How long should I let salsa sit before serving?
Allowing salsa to sit for a brief period before serving enhances its flavors as the ingredients meld together. Ideally, I recommend that you refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This short resting period allows the different components of the salsa to intensify. However, if time permits, I'll try to let the salsa sit for a few hours or even overnight.
Try These Dips
Easy Homemade Salsa Without Onion
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor
Ingredients
- 2 14.5 oz cans sliced stewed tomatoes
- 2 chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor.2 14.5 oz cans sliced stewed tomatoes, 2 chipotle chili peppers in adobo sauce, 3 cloves garlic, 1 lime, 1/4 cup cilantro, Salt, 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Pulse the food processor multiple times until all ingredients are well combined and the tomatoes are chopped smaller. Make sure you don't over blend if you like a chunky salsa. Give it a few extra pulses if you prefer a smooth salsa.
- Taste the salsa with a chip and season with more salt if needed. Pulse the food processor a few more times.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until later.
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