This Calico Salsa is the perfect balance of fresh vegetables, zesty spices, and savory canned goods. It’s versatile, packed with flavor, and can be enjoyed with tortilla chips or even straight from the bowl! Don’t skip the dried chili flakes – they add a unique kick that elevates this salsa to a whole new level.
Ingredients for Calico Salsa
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1 green bell pepper
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2 medium red onions
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1 bunch green onions
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4–5 fresh tomatoes
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1/2 cup fresh cilantro (about 15 grams)
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Canned Ingredients:
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1 can (15 oz or 425 grams) black beans
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1 can (15 oz or 425 grams) black-eyed peas
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1 can (15 oz or 425 grams) whole kernel corn
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1 bottle (8 oz or 237 milliliters) zesty Italian dressing
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Additions:
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1–2 jalapeño peppers
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Pinch of dried red chilies
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1 can black or green olives
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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How to Make Calico Salsa
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Prepare the ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. As you can see from the list, I made a few substitutions today for variety!
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Chop fresh vegetables: Dice the green bell pepper, red onions, green onions, and fresh tomatoes. Add them to a large bowl.
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Add canned goods: Drain and rinse the black beans, black-eyed peas, and corn. Add them to the fresh vegetables in the bowl.
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Add the dressing and spices: Pour the zesty Italian dressing over the ingredients and mix well. Add the dried red chilies, cumin, and olives for extra flavor.
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Refrigerate: Let the salsa chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together for the best taste.
Conclusion
This Calico Salsa is a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful snack or side dish. With its mix of fresh vegetables, zesty dressing, and a bit of heat from the chili flakes and jalapeños, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and with the addition of canned beans, peas, and corn, it’s both hearty and filling. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips or use it as a topping for grilled meats, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!