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Chips and salsa is a classic appetizer featuring crispy, salted tortilla chips served with a fresh, tangy tomato-based salsa. The chips are typically made from corn tortillas cut into wedges and fried, while the salsa combines diced tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. This beloved snack originated in Mexico and has become a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine worldwide.
Chips and salsa is generally high in carbohydrates from the corn chips, with moderate fat from frying and minimal protein. A typical serving provides a good source of vitamin C from the tomatoes and some fiber, with a rough calorie estimate of 150-250 per ounce of chips plus two tablespoons of salsa.
Culturally, chips and salsa represents a fusion of traditional Mexican ingredients with American snack culture, becoming one of the most popular bar foods in the United States. Nutritionally, the fresh salsa adds vitamins and antioxidants that balance the more indulgent fried chips, making it a relatively lighter option compared to many other appetizers.