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+ servings
Bowl of homemade fermented salsa with colorful ingredients

Fermented Salsa

This delightful fermented salsa captures the brightness of peak-season tomatoes and peppers while adding tangy depth and digestive-friendly probiotics.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 days
Course Appetizer, Condiment
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 8 servings
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

Fresh Ingredients

  • 6 large large tomatoes Any tomatoes will work.
  • 2 medium medium peppers Mix green, red, orange, and yellow peppers for more color.
  • 2-10 pieces jalapeno or serrano peppers Use fewer for milder salsa, adjust to taste.
  • 1 large onion Any type of onion will do.
  • 4 cloves garlic Adjust to preference.
  • 1 bunch cilantro Chop leaves and remove tough stems.
  • 2-3 tbsp salt Use Redmond’s Real Salt, Himalayan pink salt, Celtic sea salt, or pickling salt.
  • 1 tbsp lime juice Or the juice of 1 lime.
  • 2 tbsp optional starter culture Natural fermentation works beautifully if produce is healthy.
  • 1-2 cups optional add-ons Try adding cooked black beans and corn.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Core and chop tomatoes to desired size. If you want a chunky salsa, aim for small dice; for a smooth consistency, pulse in a blender.
  • Chop sweet peppers and hot peppers, keeping seeds if you like more heat.
  • Peel and chop onions and mince garlic.
  • Chop cilantro, adjusting amount as desired.
  • Optional: Roast peppers and tomatoes for a smoky flavor.

Mix Ingredients

  • Add salt to the vegetables and mix well.
  • Add lime juice and mix, adjusting to taste.

Jar Packing

  • Pour salsa into a half-gallon mason jar or two quart jars, pressing solids down to be submerged in brine.
  • Leave at least one inch of headspace.

Ferment

  • Add a fermentation weight or small jar to keep vegetables submerged.
  • Seal the jar with a fermentation lid or fingertip-tight mason jar lid.
  • Place in a dark area to ferment at temperatures of at least 65°F.

Check and Store

  • After 2-3 days, check for a tangy aroma and bubbles. Taste to check readiness.
  • Refrigerate to stop fermentation once desired tang is achieved.

Notes

Refrigerate fermented salsa for 3-4 months. Clean utensils when serving from the jar to prevent contamination. Freezing is an option, but it may change texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gSodium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
Keyword Canning, Fermented Salsa, Homemade Salsa, Preservation, Probiotic Foods
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