Salsa roja

Salsa roja, meaning 'red sauce' in Spanish, is a foundational and versatile sauce in Mexican cuisine. It's typically made from a base of ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various chili peppers like jalapeños or serranos, blended and often cooked to deepen its flavor.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This sauce is generally low in calories, fat, and protein, with its primary nutrients coming from the vitamins and antioxidants in the tomatoes and peppers, such as vitamin C and lycopene. A typical two-tablespoon serving contains roughly 10-20 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	680 mg
Vitamin C	20 mg
Vitamin A	1200 IU
Potassium	350 mg
Lycopene	3500 mcg
Vitamin B6	0.15 mg
Vitamin K	8 mcg
Folate	25 mcg
Manganese	0.15 mg

Per 1 cup (245 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, salsa roja is a ubiquitous table condiment, served alongside everything from tacos and eggs to grilled meats, embodying the essential fresh and vibrant flavors of Mexican cooking. Nutritionally, the cooked tomatoes in many versions increase the bioavailability of the antioxidant lycopene.