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An ultra-simple salad/salsa/side dish, Peruvian Salsa Criolla (aka red onion salsa) requires only a few ingredients, takes a few minutes of active prep time, and is a perfect accompaniment to many of your favorite dishes! The addition of tomatoes makes this a versatile and substantial side with your Peruvian or Latin main dishes!
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Salsa Criolla probably is the most important and most popular side dish / sauce in Peru. Prepared with red onions, ají amarillo, the juice of Peruvian limes and some freshly chopped coriander or parsley, Salsa Criolla accompanies numerous typical local dishes and just has to be on the table when enjoying a great Peruvian meal.
Lima Easy
🍅 What is "Salsa Criolla?"
Our first experience with Salsa Criolla was the Creole Salad at Puka Rumi in Ollantaytambo, Cuzco, Peru. This simple salad/salsa always includes red onions, and the other ingredients will vary. Rarely is it seen with tomatoes, but the Puka Rumi version included them, and we loved it!
According to Lima Easy, Salsa Criolla is "probably is the most important and most popular side dish/salsa in Peru. Prepared with red onions, ají amarillo, the juice of Peruvian limes and some freshly chopped coriander or parsley, Salsa Criolla accompanies numerous typical local dishes and just has to be on the table when enjoying a great Peruvian meal."
📋 Ingredients
- 2 red onions, very thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 ají peppers, very thinly sliced (see Tips)
- 8 ounces tiny tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
- 3 to 4 limes, juiced
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
My Peruvian Red Onion Tomato Salad starts with very thinly-sliced red onions soaked in ice water with salt for 30 minutes. Drain them and give them a good rinse before adding!
The remaining ingredients prepped to go into the salad bowl... Squeeze the limes, finely mince the ají amarillo, add the prepared red onion, thin-sliced tomatoes, chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
💭 Tips and FAQ
What kind of peppers should I use? On photo day, I had some frozen whole ají limo, and they were fine. Of course fresh is always preferable. Ají amarillo is my favorite, but Fresno chile, jalapeño, or even red bell pepper will work! If you find rocoto or manzano peppers, and are brave (they're hot!), you can use them. I find Fresno chile gets closest to the sweet heat of ají amarillo.
How long will the salsa criolla last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will be good for about 3 days. I actually like it the next day even better because the flavors mellow and marry.
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Is your mouth watering yet? MINE IS. Having just returned from a month in Peru, I'm experiencing Peruvian food cravings... My kitchen is calling!
Peruvian Salsa Criolla
An ultra-simple salad/salsa/side dish, Peruvian Red Onion Tomato Salad requires only a few ingredients, takes a few minutes of active prep time, and is a perfect accompaniment to many of your favorite dishes!
Ingredients
- 2 red onions, very thinly sliced
- 1 to 2 ají peppers, very thinly sliced (see notes)
- 8 ounces tiny tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
- 3 to 4 limes, juiced
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
- sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Generously salt the onions, add a handful of ice cubes, and cover with water. Allow them to soak for 15-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly, and return to the bowl.
- While the onions soak, slice peppers and the tomatoes.
- Squeeze the limes.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper.
Notes
I use ají limo because I can get a bag of these colorful peppers frozen at my local Latin market. They're about as hot as a jalapeno. Ají amarillo would be an excellent choice - especially if you can get them fresh. You can substitute jalapeno or Fresno chiles. Add them to taste.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 31
[email protected] says
Such a pretty salad! Nothing like fresh tomatoes and red onions in the summer!
Tamara says
Thanks Annie! They do make a great combo!