Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa

This quick and easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa is fresh, flavorful, and super simple to make! Perfect for parties, game days, or simply enjoying with family, this salsa brings a burst of color and taste to any occasion. The combination of roasted cherry tomatoes and spices creates a unique flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos, this salsa is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious salsa ready in no time.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs, this salsa is a healthy choice.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spice by changing the amount of jalapeño used. You can create a mild or spicy version based on your preference.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as an appetizer at gatherings or as a tasty side dish to complement your meals.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy it with tortilla chips, on tacos, or even as a topping for grilled chicken and fish.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or blender
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor or blender: Essential for achieving your desired consistency, whether smooth or chunky.
• Rimmed baking sheet: Keeps everything contained while roasting in the oven.
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil: Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking to the baking sheet.

Ingredients

This quick and easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa is fresh, flavorful, and super simple to make!

Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
– ¼ white onion
– 2 jalapeño peppers
– 2 cloves garlic (smashed, peeled, and minced)
– 1 lime (juiced)
– ¼ tsp ground cumin
– ¼ tsp salt (plus extra to taste)
– ⅛ tsp black pepper (plus extra to taste)
– ⅛ tsp dried oregano
– 1 cup fresh chopped cilantro (or to taste)
– 1-2 Roma tomatoes (for topping, optional but so tasty!)

How to Make Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven by raising the oven rack to the top position. Set it to broil on high. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lightly spritz it with spray oil.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables

Decide on your preferred spice level. For spicier salsa, keep the seeds in the jalapeños. If you prefer mild salsa, halve them and scoop out the seeds. Slice jalapeños into discs for better roasting.

Step 3: Roast Your Vegetables

Spread the cherry tomatoes, onion, and jalapeños onto the prepared pan. Roast them in the oven for about 5 minutes. Carefully rotate the pan 180° and roast for another 5 minutes until they are charred to your liking.

Step 4: Blend Ingredients

Allow the roasted veggies to cool slightly before transferring them into a food processor or blender. Be sure to include all juices from the pan. Blend until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or chunky.

Step 5: Add Fresh Ingredients

Finely chop your cilantro leaves. Fold them into the blended salsa along with any additional chopped Roma tomatoes if using.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover your salsa and chill in the fridge until it’s at your desired temperature. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature with crispy tortilla chips!

How to Serve Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa

Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa is a versatile dish that can elevate many meals or snacks. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enjoy this zesty salsa.

With Tortilla Chips

• Crispy tortilla chips are the classic pairing for salsa, providing the perfect crunch to balance the fresh flavors.

Over Grilled Chicken

• Drizzle Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa over grilled chicken for an extra burst of flavor. It enhances the dish while keeping it light and healthy.

In Tacos

• Use this salsa as a topping for tacos. It adds freshness and a hint of spice that complements any filling.

On Avocado Toast

• Spread creamy avocado on toast and spoon Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa on top for a delicious breakfast or snack option.

As a Salad Dressing

• Thin the salsa with olive oil and use it as a dressing for salads. It brings a fresh twist to your greens.

With Fish Dishes

• Serve the salsa alongside grilled or baked fish. The acidity of the tomatoes balances rich flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa

To achieve the best Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Using fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the sweetness and flavor of your salsa.
• Adjust spice levels: Depending on your taste, feel free to modify the number of jalapeños used or remove seeds for less heat.
• Blend to preference: For texture variety, pulse in a food processor until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or chunky!
• Let it chill: Allowing the salsa to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa

Pairing side dishes with Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent suggestions:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the tangy salsa perfectly, adding a smoky flavor when grilled.
2. Black Bean Quesadillas: These cheesy quesadillas provide heartiness and pair well with the refreshing salsa.
3. Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers offer a crunchy contrast when dipped in salsa.
4. Nachos: Load up tortilla chips with cheese and toppings, then serve with Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa for added zest.
5. Rice and Beans: This classic combination is enhanced by spooning some salsa over it for extra flavor.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with quinoa or rice and top them with salsa before baking for a delicious meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them.

• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: If you place too many ingredients on the baking sheet, they may steam instead of roast. Ensure there’s enough space for even cooking.
• Ignoring Spice Levels: Not adjusting the jalapeños can lead to overly spicy salsa. Always taste as you go and modify based on your heat preference.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old tomatoes will affect flavor. Always opt for fresh cherry or grape tomatoes for the best results.
• Not Adding Enough Seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your salsa bland. Start with the recommended amounts but feel free to adjust to suit your taste.
• Blending Too Much or Too Little: Finding the right texture is key. Blend just enough to achieve your preferred smoothness; too much blending can make it watery.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa

• Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storage.
• This salsa can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion.

Reheating Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the salsa in a baking dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Place salsa in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa along with their answers.

What is Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa?

Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa is a vibrant blend of roasted tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and spices that creates a flavorful dip perfect for chips or tacos.

How do I customize my Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa?

You can customize this salsa by adding ingredients like corn, black beans, or different herbs based on your preference.

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are great, you can use Roma or other varieties; just adjust cooking times as needed.

How spicy is Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa?

The spiciness depends on how you prepare the jalapeños. Removing seeds will make it milder, while including them will add heat.

Can I make this salsa ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making it ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it properly in the fridge and enjoy when ready!

Final Thoughts

Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa is not only easy and quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect as a dip or topping and can be tailored to suit any palate. Feel free to experiment with various ingredients and spice levels—your taste buds will thank you!