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Fourth-of-July Firecracker Salsa
© Jonelle Weaver

Fourth-of-July Firecracker Salsa

Contributed by
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: MAKES 4 CUPS
  • •BASIC-EASY
  • •FAST
  • •MAKE-AHEAD
  • •STAFF-FAVORITE
  • •VEGETARIAN

The Fourth-of-July tomato plant produces smallish fruit (about 3 inches) with a nice tartness—perfect for salsa. And, yes, they really do ripen early: in time for Independence Day. That holiday is also a good time to have incendiary firecracker chiles, which are ornamental as well as delicious and grow well in pots.

Plus: More Vegetable Recipes and Tips

  1. 2 pounds tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  2. 1medium onion, minced
  3. 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
  4. 3 or 4 small red chiles, minced and seeded
  5. 3 garlic cloves, minced
  6. 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  7. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  1. In a bowl, combine the tomatoes with the onion, cilantro, chiles, garlic and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper and stir. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

Suggested Pairing

The lime accents and spiciness of this tomato salsa point to a relatively simple, bright, cooling lager from Mexico.