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    Peruvian Salsa Criolla

    Published: Jul 9, 2019 · Last Modified: Dec 17, 2022 by Beyond Mere Sustenance with 6 Comments· This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads ·

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    A Pinterest pin of salsa criolla in a clear glass bowl with cilantro and limes.
    Peruvian Red Onion and Tomato Salad (Salsa Criolla) in a clear glass bowl with a wood cutting board in the background.

    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!

    Red onion, tomato, lime juice, cilantro in a clear glass bowl with cutting board and limes in the background.
    Jump to:
    • 🍅 What is "Salsa Criolla?"
    • 📋 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Step by Step Instructions
    • 💭 Tips
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 🧂 Useful Stuff
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 🌶 Dishes to Pair with Salsa Criolla
    • 💬 Comments

    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

    • red onions - Peruvians use red onion, and I'm not one to argue. I love them! Add very thin-sliced red onion to an ice water and salt bath for 30 minutes if you have time. The soak removes some of the "edge" or "bite" of the onion.
    • ají peppers - Fresh ají limo, amarillo, or rocoto (hot!) are authentic choices, but we can't reliably get them in the US. I find fruity, but spicy Fresno chiles make a good substitute. I have on occasion used a jalapeño or serrano. I have also been known to add a spoonful of ají amarillo paste or a very finely minced frozen and thawed ají limo pepper.
    • tomatoes - Use the best tomatoes you can find. As I explained earlier, I had salsa criolla with tomatoes in Ollantaytambo, and I always add them. They are, however, optional.
    • limes
    • fresh cilantro
    • sea salt and fresh ground pepper

    🔪 Step by Step Instructions

    A colander of thinly-sliced red onions on a red cloth.
    • My Peruvian Salsa Criolla 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!
    A cutting board with limes, cilantro, and owls with red onion, tomato, and ají amarillo chile.
    • 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.
    A bird's eye view of Red Onion and Tomato Salad in a glass bowl. This vegan salad is quick, simple, and gluten free.

    💭 Tips

    Don't limit salsa criolla to Peruvian dishes. It's great on tacos, burgers, and even eggs!

    ❓ 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.

    🧂 Useful Stuff

    Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps to offset the costs of maintaining my blog and creating awesome content! 😊

    Prep Bowls
    Citrus Squeezer
    Wusthof Santoku Knife

    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!

    Signature in red and green with chiles and limes.

    📖 Recipe

    Peruvian Red Onion and Tomato Salad bird's eye view with fresh cilantro spring.

    Peruvian Salsa Criolla

    Tamara Andersen
    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!
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSave Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Soak Onions 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Side Dishes
    Cuisine Peruvian
    Servings 4 cups
    Calories 31 kcal

    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

    Calories: 31kcal

    NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or star rating! Email us with any questions: tamara@beyondmeresustenance.com

    🌶 Dishes to Pair with Salsa Criolla

    • Peruvian Beans
    • Peruvian-Inspired Fish Tacos
    • Slow Cooker Peruvian Lamb Stew
    • Peruvian Chicken and Rice

    More Salsa Recipes

    • Dragon Fruit Salsa
    • Kumquat Salsa
    • Spicy Peach Salsa Recipe
    • Peruvian Yellow Sauce

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Victoria says

      July 22, 2022 at 12:47 am

      Delicious and so easy to do it, my boyfriend add this “salsa criolla” to his favorite meat sandwich, thank you for sharing great recipes!!

      Reply
      • Beyond Mere Sustenance says

        July 22, 2022 at 8:04 am

        We actually use it on sandwiches too! Thanks for taking time to provide feedback!

        Reply
    2. Sonia says

      November 28, 2020 at 5:35 am

      It is sarsa criolla, not salsa.
      Salsa is a cream.

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        November 29, 2020 at 10:43 am

        Thank you for your feedback... I was in Cusco and spoke directly with the chef about how to make this salsa recipe. It was on the menu as "salsa criolla." "Salsa" translates to "sauce." I have had many kinds of Peruvian salsas, and I make many of them. Here is a resource I often refer to: https://perudelights.com/?s=salsa. Perhaps you have a different frame of reference? I have traveled extensively in Peru. We hang out with an Incan specialist and his Peruvian wife. They have always been fine with the title and enjoyed the salsa. If you have a source to back up your accusation, I will consider changing the title. Otherwise, I will stand by the title.

        Reply
    3. annie@ciaochowbambina says

      July 10, 2019 at 4:45 pm

      Such a pretty salad! Nothing like fresh tomatoes and red onions in the summer!

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        July 10, 2019 at 5:04 pm

        Thanks Annie! They do make a great combo!

        Reply

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