A refreshing, tangy, savory topping to add to any dish.
We often have a container of this in our fridge. It is so easy to make and adds a little zing to almost any savory dish. Although it should contain pepper, we often don't add it to our version. Use this recipe as a guide to creating your own easy and enjoyable Peruvian salsa criolla.
What Makes This Peruvian?
There are many salsa criolla variations throughout Latin America but the Peruvian one makes use of peppers native to Peru as well as using lime juice instead of vinegar.
Ingredients for Peruvian Salsa Criolla
- Red Onion
- Cilantro or Culantro
- Lime Juice
- Aji (Peruvian pepper)
How to Make Peruvian Salsa Criolla
Slice your red onion, chop your cilantro, toss it in a container with lime and some salt, y ya! Super quick and simple!
Substitutions and Alterations
Traditionally Peruvian Salsa Criolla has thin slices of aji (Peruvian pepper), but since it can be challenging to find in stores, we often don't add it. Alternatively, you can add some thin slices of jalapeños if you're looking for a little heat with an ingredient that can be more easily found in stores.
If you are one of those folks that doesn't enjoy cilantro due to it tasting soapy, feel free to sub the cilantro for parsley.
What to Use Salsa Criolla On?
Salsa criolla can easily be enjoyed in almost any savory dish. We love it in burgers, over avocado toast, rice and beans, salads, with tofu, the possibilities are endless! Check it out in these recipes: Peruvian Ceviche, Quinoa Mango Salad, Tofu Salad Sandwich.
How to store Peruvian Salsa Criolla?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the onions will make your containers very smelly, even after many washes. Since we make this often, we like to have a dedicated glass jar for our salsa criolla that will always have some lingering onion smell, and that's ok.
Also note that it will change in color and texture the longer it marinates in the fridge. We don't typically store this for longer than 3 days.
Peruvian Salsa Criolla
Ingredients
- 1 red onion
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 aji Peruvian pepper (optional)
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Thinly slice the red onion, and aji pepper (if using)
- Chop the cilantro
- Combine all the ingredients: red onion, pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
