Mediterranean Salsa is a classy and sophisticated twist to some of the usual festive spreads. When I was blessed with a crop of garden tomatoes that grew late into the season, I had to keep finding new ways to use up tomatoes! Hence, a new salsa star was born! The chunky mixture comes together quickly and could be described as a cross between regular salsa and tapenade. The dip pairs exceptionally well with pita chips or a chunk of Heavenly Armenian Pita Bread.
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What Ingredients Do I Need to Make This Mediterranean Salsa?
- Fresh diced tomatoes: Dice up your home-grown tomatoes for a bit of natural sweetness. If garden tomatoes are not in season, your next best option is to purchase tomatoes on the vine.
- Kalamata olives: These rich and briny olives add a bit of saltiness and flair to the salsa.
- Feta cheese crumbles: Savory and creamy...a classic Mediterranean ingredient!
- Salt: Just a touch of salt for extra flavor!
- Aleppo pepper: Provides a gentle, slightly smoky heat to your savory dip.
- Black pepper: Brings subtle heat and depth to the mix.
- Minced garlic: Go for the fresh, peel-and-smash kind for ultimate impact.
- Fresh minced basil: Sweet, peppery, and a wonderfully fragrant herb that enhances all the flavors of this salsa.
- Fresh minced parsley: A light, crisp, and zesty herb that brightens the salsa.
- Red wine vinegar: A rich and tangy flavor enhancer.
- Lemon juice: Refreshing, tangy, fresh-squeezed lemon juice that pairs perfectly with olive oil.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Nothing oozes tasty like slightly nutty extra virgin olive oil. It's packed with healthy fats your heart will thank you for.
- Sugar: A bit of sweetness will help balance the acidity and spice in this bold and tangy salsa.
How Do I Make This Recipe?
Mediterranean Salsa offers a new and fresh take on your regular salsa.
Step 1: Start by dicing up tomatoes and olives. Next, mince fresh garlic and herbs. Once everything is prepped, toss the tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing in a separate small bowl or cruet. Start by whisking the olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Then, add salt, sugar, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, garlic, basil, and parsley to the dressing. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until well-blended.
Once the dressing is prepared, pour it over the tomato mixture and toss gently to combine. Although you can serve the Mediterranean Salsa immediately, refrigerating it for up to 2 hours will allow the salsa flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Although summertime is the perfect time to grow ingredients for this salsa, we think this dip deserves a seat at your winter parties and Super Bowl gatherings. Especially bright and colorful, the salsa will add some pizazz to your festive table. Try Mediterranean Salsa with crusty or toasted bread as an alternative to traditional bruschetta.
📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Salsa
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes
- ½ cup kalamata olives chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced basil
- 3 tablespoons fresh minced parsley
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Combine the tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a medium bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, sugar, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, garlic, basil, and parsley.
- Drizzle the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
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