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Written By Avery James Powell

If you're planning a party, whether it's a casual get-together or a more formal celebration, fresh salsa and guacamole are sure to be crowd-pleasers. These two classic Mexican dips are not only delicious and full of flavor, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can serve up vibrant, homemade salsas and guacamoles that will have your guests coming back for more. Here’s how to prepare both for your next party!

How to Make Fresh Salsa

Salsa is the perfect appetizer to pair with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled meats. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, and it’s simple to prepare with fresh ingredients. There are many variations of salsa, but the two most popular types are pico de gallo (a chunky, fresh salsa) and salsa roja (a smooth, cooked version).

Ingredients for Pico de Gallo (Fresh Salsa)

  • 4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced (or more for heat)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 1 clove of garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño peppers, making sure to remove the seeds from the peppers if you want a milder salsa. If you like a spicy kick, leave some seeds in.

  2. Combine the ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. Add the chopped cilantro and mix everything together.

  3. Season: Squeeze in the juice of one lime and season with salt to taste. If you're using garlic, add that now, and mix well.

  4. Chill: Let the salsa sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for up to a few hours if you’re prepping ahead of time.

Tips for Pico de Gallo:

  • For a sweeter salsa, use a mix of tomatoes (e.g., Roma and vine-ripened).
  • Adjust the heat by varying the number of jalapeños or switching to a milder pepper like a poblano.
  • Add a pinch of sugar if the salsa tastes too acidic.

Ingredients for Salsa Roja (Cooked Red Salsa)

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes (or 2 cups of canned fire-roasted tomatoes)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1-2 jalapeños, or 1 serrano pepper for extra heat
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions:

  1. Roast the tomatoes: On a dry skillet or in a broiler, char the tomatoes until the skin is blackened and the flesh is soft, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and let them cool. Peel off the skin and chop the tomatoes into pieces. Alternatively, you can use canned fire-roasted tomatoes for a quicker version.

  2. Cook the onions and peppers: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and jalapeños (or serrano peppers) and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.

  3. Combine and blend: Add the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and salt to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes. Once the mixture has simmered and combined, transfer it to a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.

  4. Finish: Stir in the fresh cilantro and squeeze in the lime juice. Taste and adjust salt or heat as necessary.

  5. Serve: Allow the salsa to cool to room temperature before serving. Salsa Roja can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


How to Make Fresh Guacamole

Guacamole is a party staple that brings creamy, rich flavors with a perfect balance of freshness and spice. The key to a great guacamole lies in using perfectly ripe avocados and seasoning it just right.

Ingredients for Fresh Guacamole

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder guacamole)
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 small tomato, diced (remove seeds)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Use a fork to mash the avocados to your preferred consistency—smooth or chunky.

  2. Add the mix-ins: Add the finely diced red onion, chopped jalapeños, and minced garlic to the mashed avocados. If you're using tomato, stir it in at this point as well.

  3. Season: Squeeze in the lime juice, then stir in the chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cumin or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little more heat.

  4. Taste and adjust: Guacamole is all about balancing the flavors, so taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice if you prefer it tangy, or more salt to enhance the flavor.

  5. Serve immediately: Guacamole is best served fresh, so enjoy it right away with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled vegetables. If you need to store it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the guacamole to prevent browning) and refrigerate for up to a few hours.


Tips for Perfect Salsa and Guacamole Every Time

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference. Use ripe tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and perfectly ripe avocados for the best taste.

  2. Balance the Flavors: For both salsa and guacamole, it’s important to find the right balance between acidity (lime or lemon juice), heat (jalapeños or hot sauce), and salt. Taste as you go!

  3. Make Ahead: Both salsa and guacamole can be made ahead of time, but guacamole is best served fresh. To keep guacamole from browning, store it in an airtight container and press plastic wrap against the surface before refrigerating.

  4. Customize to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the heat level or add extra flavors. You can play around with different peppers, herbs, or spices to make the salsa and guacamole your own.

  5. Serving Ideas: Serve your salsa and guacamole with a big bowl of tortilla chips, or pair them with grilled meats, tacos, or even as a topping for salads.


Final Thoughts

Fresh salsa and guacamole are the perfect duo for any party spread. Whether you're serving them as appetizers or as part of a larger Mexican-themed meal, these dips are sure to impress your guests. Best of all, they’re quick, easy, and full of flavor. So next time you’re hosting a party, skip the store-bought versions and whip up your own fresh salsa and guacamole—they’ll be the highlight of your gathering!

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