Salsa: An EasyWay to Fight Food Waste

If you read my recent Instagram post about food waste, you know how important it is to reduce what ends up in the trash. Especially when it comes to produce. One of the easiest, most delicious ways to rescue tomatoes, wrinkled jalapeños, or half-used onions is… SALSA.

I don’t usually use cherry tomatoes when I make salsa but I have with sauce so it’s basically a variation of that, with a slightly different flavor profile. I usually make soup or some kind of hash when I have odds and ends in the fridge that are still perfectly good but need to be used soon. This salsa is bright, flavorful, and totally customizable based on what you have. Even the stems of herbs or the juice from a citrus wedge can find a home in this mix! Ready to rescue your produce and make something amazing? Keep scrolling for the full recipe! And if you try it, tag me I’d love to see your creative, zero waste salsa twist.

Salsa

Ingredients: 

• 5-6 cups of cherry tomoatoes

• 1 large onion

• 3 jalapeños

• 1 bunch of cilantro 

• Salt

• Pepper

• 2-3 limes

Directions:

1. Put the tomatoes in a large pot add 1/4 cup of water and heat on high for 2-3 minutes.

2. Chop the onions and chop and seed the jalapeños, I removed the seeds from 2 of them, I didn’t want it too spicy.

3. Add the onions, peppers, salt and pepper to the tomoatoes.

4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, turn off the heat and add the chopped cilantro and cover the pot with a lid.

5. Let the salsa cool completely, add the lime juice.

6. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.

7. Transfer to the blender and blend to your desired consistency, you can use an immersion blender if you have one. Pour into a large glass mason jar and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks but you’ll probably eat it before then. Enjoy!

Overripe tomatoes? Perfect—they’re sweeter and juicier.

Last bits of onion, garlic, or peppers? Into the pot they go.

Cilantro stems? Chop them up! They’re full of flavor and reduce waste.

This is more than salsa, it’s a strategy. A way to turn what you already have into something fresh and intentional.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with tortilla chips for a quick snack.

Spoon over rice, roasted veggies, or your favorite plant-based protein.

Add to avocado toast or baked potatoes for a flavor boost.